by Margaret Butterfield

Created on: November 12, 2009

A phobia is defined as a fear which is specifically tailored to something. This something can be a person, an object, an idea, or a pastime. Phobias can be intensely crippling for those who experience them, and some make it very hard to live out daily life without interruption or distraction by the fear.

It is important, if one believes he/she has a phobia, to educate oneself on the different types of phobias. As I said, these fears are specific, and not individual to each person. Ever heard of someone who is afraid of spiders. It's scientific name is arachnophobia. Dogs? Cynophobia. Heights? Acrophobia.

But what if it seems more generalized-no a particular object or creature? And what if it applies to our fellow man. This is a social phobia, a fear of exposure to the public. People potentially judging your every move, and even your appearance. This will certainly hinder one's movement through life, and they will know it's just too much.

It is wise to see a therapist to help you define whatever fear you may have, because acknowledging it is the first step. In acknowledging, it may shed light for any other disorders associated with the phobia.

This leads to what can cause the phobia: A traumatic incident? Repeated behavior? Most phobias tend to stem from these two categories. Identifying this with your therapist is the next step.

Although phobias may suggest deeper disorders, and may only be a symptom, they can be treated. The most popular way to treat specific (non social phobias) is exposure therapy. This includes the work of an occupational or behavioral therapist, who slowly gauges the patients reaction and guides them to neutralize their fear. A child who fears horses due to a traumatic fall during a lesson will walk closer and closer to a horse with the therapist, who asks their stress level. Patience on both the child's and the therapist's parts is required. This tends to be successful, and the child will eventually realize that the horse, although powerful, is not maliciously dangerous.

Those with social issues must work hard through both cognitive and exposure therapy and may even need medication. All therapy is much healthier than resorting to medication, but sometimes it is necessary to aid the process. Building from individual therapy to group therapy also helps those with social fears.

We all are afraid of something at some point, but when it becomes a severe detriment to living, it's time to check it out: Face the fear!

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