Phobias are specific fears related to something that is not inherently dangerous. Phobias are common expressions of anxiety and can range from inconvenient to debilitating. When fear impacts daily choices, it can often take the form of avoidance. Avoiding doctors appointments, traveling, taking the elevator, eating certain foods, or going to new/unknown places can all be examples of how phobias impact daily life. Common phobias include:
-Fear of small spaces
-Fear of animals/insects
-Fear of self/others getting sick or throwing up
-Fear of needles (shots, vaccinations, blood draws)
-Fear of blood and injuries
-Fear of flying and/or heights
If you're ready to tackle your fear and get your life back, treatment can help you! Evidence based treatment approaches for phobias include Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Learning that the feared outcome is not as dangerous as previously thought and that you can handle the anxiety gives you the courage to face the unknown.