We tend to throw around the word “phobia” in our society as if it’s a synonym for fear. However, did you know that phobia is actually a diagnosable mental health condition? Read on to learn exactly what constitutes a phobia, what someone may have a phobia about, and how phobias are treated.
How Are Phobias Diagnosed?
Everyone has things they are afraid of. This is completely normal—and healthy! If we didn’t experience fear, we would constantly put ourselves in dangerous situations. Fear is the brain’s way of protecting us from threats. However, sometimes this instinct works a little too well—and that’s where phobia comes in.
In order to be diagnosed with a phobia, a person must experience intense fear or anxiety about a certain trigger nearly every time they are faced with that trigger for at least six months or more. A person with a phobia may also actively avoid that trigger, or begrudgingly endure being exposed to the trigger but experience significant fear or anxiety while doing so.
Importantly, the phobia reaction is notably out of proportion to the trigger. For example, if a person experiences these symptoms in relation to a ladybug, they may have a phobia since ladybugs don’t pose any real threat that warrants that level of fear and anxiety.
“Clinically significant distress” is another important criterion that is needed for a formal diagnosis of phobia. This means that the symptoms interfere with a person’s life, whether this means their social life, work life, or home life. For example, if a person is so afraid of crossing bridges that they take a route to work that adds 30 minutes to their commute, they may have a phobia.
What Are Some Examples of Phobias?
While people may experience all kinds of different phobias, there are a few that seem to be common:
- Animals – some people experience phobia of certain animals, such as spiders or snakes.
- Natural environment – others experience phobias related to something that naturally occurs in the world around us. For example, someone could have a phobia of water or heights.
- Medical related – people may have a phobia about getting an injection, becoming injured, receiving medical care, or blood in general.
- Situational – still others may have phobias around certain situations, such as being in an elevator.
- Other – not every phobia can fit into a neatly defined category!
How Do You Treat Phobias?
Exposure response prevention therapy (ERP) is the most useful treatment for phobias. This is the treatment I use in my practice to support people experiencing phobia. Together, we will confront your trigger. We will also come up with new ways to cope with the fear and anxiety associated with your trigger. This process may feel scary and overwhelming at first, but we will work together to help you build skills to handle the intense feelings your phobia brings.
Aside from our work together, you can also incorporate some self-care techniques to reduce your phobia-related anxiety. Breathing techniques send your mind a biological signal to relax. Getting enough sleep, proper nutrition, and regular physical activity can also help supplement your work in therapy.
Reach out by phone or email today so we can start confronting your phobia!
Individual Online Therapy in Florida, Idaho, South Carolina, and Utah
At Calming Transformations Counseling, our therapists understand life can be hard and can affect our emotional and mental health. We also serve those with anxiety, stress, depression, or relationship issues, who may be religious. Sessions can be held through online therapy in the states of Florida, Idaho, South Carolina or Utah, or walk and talk therapy in Hillsborough County, Florida. Book an appointment or contact us today to schedule a session and take the first step toward a more peaceful life.
