Fear of spiders? Here’s why:
You are not alone. Many have different kinds of irrational fears.
Halloween might be over, but for some the fear never ends.
Phobias are experienced by many as an irrational and persistent fear of objects or situations usually connected to something specific such as a fear of spiders, needles, heights, tunnels or germs, says the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag).
“Unlike general anxiety disorders, a phobia is an extreme, irrational fear-reaction to certain situations. People with phobias may realise their fears are unreasonable, but are unable to do anything about it,” Amanda Chikara, Sadag’s communications officer, said.
“These phobias can affect your everyday life, work and relationships.”
“To some, phobias are almost disabling. They can’t function in society. Social phobia, for example, is a strong fear of possibly being humiliated in social situations and embarrassing yourself in front of other people. The fear of spiders will stop people from doing outdoor activities. Whereas a fear of highways can make one choose to take side roads, however busy, slower and longer they are,” she said.
But your phobia of snakes, heights, highways, elevators or needles can be helped. Phobias do have treatment that is called Exposure therapy or Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT).
Did you know? The most common phobias are:
• Agoraphobia- fear of open spaces
• Acrophobia- fear of heights
• Pteromerhanophobia- fear of flying
• Claustrophobia- fear of enclosed spaces
• Trypanophobia- fear of needles
• Astraphobia- fear of storms
• Cynophobia- fear of dogs
• Ophidiophobia- fear of snakes
• Arachnophobia- fear of spiders
• Nyctophobia- fear of darkness
Contact Sadag on their toll-free number 0800 12 13 14 if you have questions or need help.
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