Do some kinds of apprehensions persistently keep you on your toes and you accordingly face different kinds of issues to look after responsibilities? Then, it may be a sign that you are suffering from a phobia. Fear and phobia are identical, but with smaller differences.
Fear is a spontaneous reaction when you start observing that something bad is imminent. It is obvious to be afraid when there is a blizzard and you essentially need to go outside due to some important tasks. During this situation, a person makes essential preparations with the systematic use of necessary equipment before leaving the home.
On the contrary, a phobia changes your mind, in a specific way, towards a particular object, situation, activity, social gathering or event. Phobia is particularly an out of proportion fear. For a person with a phobia the danger feels real because the fear is very strong.
The largest frontal lobes of any animal are found in humans, and they are linked to higher-order mental processes like logic. But there are a lot of ways that we are irrational. Particularly when it comes to our fears, this is true. According to statistics, many of the things that make people afraid are unlikely to actually endanger their safety. However, the majority of us struggle to separate emotion from reason when making choices, which can send us into a downward spiral of anxiety. The fear of spiders ought to be greater than the fear of car accidents, which happen every sixteen minutes, but this isn't always how our brains operate.
Even as we get older, the phenomenon of fear persists and is not just a phenomenon of childhood. It simply comes in various sizes and configurations. The fear of professional failure means that if you don't get into an IIT or IIM or don't get a 99% on your board exams, your career is over. Isn't it the only reason why kids loathe exams?
The majority of our mental health problems stem from fear and phobias. Let’s understand some common symptoms of phobias-
Some common Symptoms of Phobias are:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sweating
- Trembling
- No control over emotions
- Want to use restroom
- Chest pain
- Breathing problems
- Unusual heartbeats
What causes Phobias?
Evident causes of phobias are not known yet but researchers agree that certain factors might play a major role to cause phobia.
1. Genetics: Phobias might be an outcome of genetic issues. Studies prove that you are at risk of developing a phobia if you have any family member who is suffering with a similar issue.
2. Brain function: Certain types of brain activities also play a big role in the development of phobias. One study has found that certain types of activities occur in the left amygdala and insular cortex of the brain of people suffering from a phobia of small animals. These parts of the brain activate when people experience fear.
3. Past experiences: A distressing event can also cause phobia. If you have been bitten by a dog in the past, you will develop fear of them.
4. Learned behaviors: A phobia can be learned as well. If you witnessed your siblings being very uncomfortable while using the escalators as a child, there is a chance that you will develop the same kind of fear.
Treatment for Fear and Phobias
There are multiple treatments available to cure the problem. Exposure therapy is one of the most popular treatments. On the basis of careful evaluation of the situation, your doctor might also prescribe some specific types of medication.
The treatment is all about improving the quality of life. When you constantly go through a particular situation under complete observation, you start feeling familiar with the situation and your fear gradually disappears.
Of course, there are situations in which fear and phobias are simply too strong for us to handle on our own, despite our best efforts. For some people, there might even be a chemical imbalance present that makes these concerns worse. In such cases, it is crucial to seek the assistance of a qualified medical professional. At Solh Wellness we assist you in better comprehending the source of your fears and phobias and offer you the methods for overcoming them.
