Phobias

Phobias are progressions of fears that eventually become very serious and life affecting. In this blog I will tell you what fear is (more or less), how you can overcome fear, and last but definitely not least my personal phobia.

Fear is an emotion that everyone experiences one way or another in their lifetime. Fear can be divided into two parts: biochemical and emotional. The biochemical part deals with the physical aspect of fear, this includes reactions to this emotion under certain circumstances. Some reactions include sweating, dizziness, increased heart rate and adrenaline. This is commonly known as “fight or flight” in which where the body prepares to either fight the challenge ahead or tries to escape from it. The emotional part of fear is personalized, meaning here is where each person is categorized in their fear such as claustrophobia or arachnophobia. Phobias are when someone experiences great fear to something or someone that they know has no real danger and they know that their reactions are irrational but cannot control them. Franklin D. Roosevelt said himself “the only thing to fear is Fear itself”. This is no longer just a fancy saying it is proven that many people that are afraid of something are usually not afraid of the actual circumstance but rather the feeling of fear (Phobophobia).

There are many ways to get over fears (although I should not be one to talk, since I have not overcome mine yet, so keep in mind the next paragraph is based on others’ experiences ;).) One way is to take gradual steps, start by thinking about your fear, talking about it, seeing others experience, then gradually experience it yourself. For example someone with a fear of snakes (Ophidiophobia) could start by seeing pictures, playing with fake toy snakes and eventually holding a real one. You can also try bringing a friend or trusted person with you to experience the circumstance you are afraid of. You could go to a therapist or counsellor as well. When you feel like you are ready to overcome your fear do it, *make sure you are not pressured into doing it because it could become a traumatizing experience.

Now it’s my turn! I would like to share my fear with you - “Coasterphobia” (this is my own made up Latin word for roller coaster). I used to be scared in fact, terrified of roller coasters. I attempted to jump off a boat ride roller coaster when I was about 8 (not to intentionally hurt myself of course) because of a reaction to my phobia. I did not go on roller coasters for many years after that. I’m not afraid of heights, or the security of the coaster rather I am afraid of that butterfly feeling you get on your way down from a drop. Later on (well this year :p) I went on the same ride and found it quite fun, so I tried bigger rides such as Vortex and Sky Rider (in Canada’s Wonderland) I did panic at the beginning of these rides but after I found it amusing. I wanted to try the Behemoth! I got on the seat, and guess what? I chickened out, I just couldn’t do it. I was crying and panicking, half my body wanted to stay while my overpowering mind prohibited me to go. After doing some research on phobias and talking to my mom (oh by the way don’t get someone who is impatient or impulsive to help you - such as a manly figure - not mentioning any titles... especially not mentioning a dad) I think I am going to actually do it the next time I go.

Hope you enjoyed... wish me luck!
Your Health Blogist,

Dyvine Silvestre