Posted: March 23rd, 2023

Phobias and their Treatment

Almost every person has irrational fears about something, which evoke fear responses. However, sometimes fear may become extreme, hence interfering with daily activities. Phobias may be devastating, but they can be overcome. Although phobia, if left untreated, can adversely affect the life of an individual, professional interventions, such as therapy, has been proved effective in regulating anxiety and reducing phobia episodes.

I had an experience with a colleague who could not overcome fear of flying. Unfortunately, her job entailed regular traveling, making the situation difficult for her. Weeks before her flight, she would start feeling anxious and vomit after boarding. Once in the plane, her heartbeat would increase drastically and become uncomfortable. She would experience uncontrollable fear, while her experience would worsen with every flight.

If a phobia is severe, causing anxiety and panic, it is always advisable to seek professional assistance. However, the first step towards recovery is accepting the problem and committing to facing it in a regulated setup. Therapy is an effective remedy, and an individual may experience improvement after attending several sessions. Treatment may not necessarily come from a professional; however, sharing experiences may build confidence and reduce fear. However, if phobia persists, it is recommended to seek help from a psychologist. Such professionals would understand the problem better and suggest the best approaches to overcome phobias.

As it is evident from the discussion, phobias are common occurrences among human beings. They create extreme fear and anxiety, which sometimes may encourage irrational behaviors. However, a person can deal with phobia instances by acknowledging the situation and understanding the triggers. However, if such an approach does not work, seeking professional guidance from a psychologist is advisable.