The difference between a fear and a phobia

Phobias are not like normal fears. Most people have a fear something that they don’t like or are afraid of. A phobia is different, because the sufferer of a phobia will go to great lengths to avoid the phobic stimulus.

This is true even if this act of avoidance seriously interferes with the normal living of their lives If the cause cannot be avoided then the phobia sufferer will experience distress. The closer they are to the trigger, the greater the fear experienced and their behaviour, when exposed to the phobic trigger, can be disabling and can appear irrational. This response is often completely disproportional to the actual threat or danger posed.

This table provides a comparison between the responses of a person with a normal fear and a person with a phobia.

Normal Fear

Phobia

Feeling anxious when flying through turbulence or taking off during a storm. Not planning a holiday or honeymoon abroad because you would have to fly there. Having butterflies when looking down from the top of a tall building or when climbing a ladder. Turning down a great job because its on the top floor of an office building. Getting nervous when you see a Rottweiler or German Shepherd. Refusing to go for a walk in case you see a dog. Feeling a little queasy when getting an injection or having a blood test. Avoiding necessary medical treatments and checkups because you  terrified of needles

If you have a phobia, just thinking about the feared object or situation may make you anxious. And when you are actually exposed to the fear, the terror is automatic and overwhelming. You probably realise that your fear is unreasonable, yet you still can’t control your feelings.

The experience is so nerve-wrecking that you may go to great lengths to avoid it, inconveniencing yourself or even changing your lifestyle. If you have claustrophobia, you might turn down a lucrative job offer if you have to take the lift to work. If you have a fear of heights, you might drive an extra twenty miles in order to avoid a tall bridge.

If avoidance of the object, activity, or situation that triggers your phobia interferes with your normal functioning or keeps you from doing things you would otherwise enjoy, its time to seek help.

The good news is that almost all phobias can be managed. At MH Hypnotherapy we regularly help people manage their phobias in just a few sessions. Call us today on 01823 272227.

Don’t be ruled by your fears. Face them today with our help.