When Is It More Than Just a Fear?

Kyndalion

Very well said. 

Therapy can be so valuable to the recovery process. Introspection is key! You really don't understand some of your reasons for doing things until you explore yourself, thoughts, and feelings. For me, my eating disorder was about keeping my emotions gone, numbing myself. Therapy has made me feel empowered by my emotions and to embrase them!

pwarbi

When it comes to fears, I think they can be a very personal thing, and not a lot of people like to talk about them, nevermind have to think about trying to face them.

Facing your fears is probably the most well known way to get over something, but at the same time it doesn't always work. Sometimes you have to just accept that if your scared of heights for example, that dream job of a paratrooper just isn't going to be reachable!

Cash_Saturday

I have a fear of ants (Yeah, I know.) I always feel like that they're going to come infect our household and I've went through numerous cans of Raid lining the corners and cracks of my walls with it. The sight of a single one is enough to set me off, and facing my fears has proved difficult.

Tata

I know someone personally who has a phobia which is what makes it easy for me to differentiate between just being really fearful and having an actual phobia. The look of panic in his face is just something that I don't think I've ever done before, and I consider myself lucky for it, especially considering that phobias usually relate to objects or events that normally don't demand or require fear.

winniethepooh

Just like an addiction, when the phobia is affecting your day-to-day life greatly, then you know that it's not normal anymore. When you cannot do daily tasks without fearing for something to happen, seek help. When you cannot speak in front of other people and even palpitate, it's better to seek help as well. Such symptoms are not normal anymore and you are better off getting some medication or therapy for them.

kassie1234

My fear is of mice and rodents - they petrify me! But the fear doesn't get in the way of my everyday life. I think it's important to know your own reactions and things that will trigger you in feeling a certain way - and absolutely seek help if things are getting in the way of normal functioning.

vinaya

Phobia is extreme form of fear. It is natural to be afraid of spiders or cockroaches, however, it you freak out and begin to perspire and experience violent shaking,then it is phobia.

fgtb34r

For years I have associated phone calls with bad news, and this has spiraled into a full blown phobia. I dread talking on the phone so much that I avoid making/receiving calls at all costs. I have recently decided to take charge of this, because it is just a manifestation of a fear, that I let get too far out of control. It started with butterflies in my stomach each time my phone would ring, and in the last couple of years has gone into full blown sweats and panic. I realize that this phobia cripples me greatly, and even limits my professional life, as I cannot seek certain employment opportunities if they involve phone work. I will beat this phobia, because I am determined to do so.

morgoodie

My fears are of spiders, heights, and social situations. My fear of spiders is getting better but I still freak out when I see a big hairy one. My fear of heights is bad and I will get short of breath and start to get dizzy. My fear of social situations is probably my worse fear. I try to avoid them as much as possible although I am trying not to do that because I do not want my children to see this fear and develop it as well. 

winniethepooh

@fgtb34r

Good luck on your battle! I'm sure you can overcome your phobia. You are exactly the example of what I'm talking about. When the fear is affecting your day to day life and activities, that's when you know it's not normal. And when you realise that, you need to take action and defeat that fear. Or at least understand it. I hope you will come out as a winner in this battle. Keep me posted on your update!:)