There does appear to be a difference in prevalence rates of phobia depending on gender, age and background. This is understandable. Our intrinsic make-up affects how we think.

Oftentimes frightening experiences in childhood contribute to phobias. If you were bitten by a snake or a dog, especially as a child, that would stick with you. Traumatic experiences can lead to fear and avoidance. This can be protective and useful. For fear to become a phobia it has to impact functioning. If your fear of snakes and dogs prevents you from going to a local park, playground or even stepping into your garden; the fear is inhibiting.

Children learn by copying adults, particularly their parents. If a parent is fearful of spiders, constantly checking crevices and ceilings a child may aware of the fear through observation. Children, especially at a young age might start to imitate parental behaviour around situational worries.

Whilst traumas are a separate entity; there are some overlaps seen when trying to understand phobias. Take for instance someone who witnesses a shark attack whilst walking on the beach. That person might then go onto fear; walking on the beach or the sea. In this example, the person wasn’t bitten by the shark but associated the beachside setting as frightening.

Past experiences also matter. For instance, a fear of self-driving cars may come about following a road accident. If the person was riding for the first time, they are likely to be terrified and would want to keep away autonomous vehicles. However, if the person involved was an engineer developing and testing self-driving cars for a living, they are less likely to be put off. Engineer who gave their past work experience and knowledge are less likely to be fearful.

Phobias can be debilitating, isolating and by definition impact functioning. Having social phobia or agoraphobia can have knock-on effects on self-esteem and mood.

There is a stigma associated with phobias, people are sometimes labelled as being “weak”. Phobias can bring about embarrassment. Imagine having to explain to a new friend that you are afraid to visit because they own a dog.

Most people who have a phobia are well aware of it. They may not have attached a label to it, but do their best to avoid a certain object or situation.

If you have a phobia and want treatment for it, speak with your GP. Often times there are underlying psychological factors that can be addressed. Your GP as part of their assessment will want to know how your phobia impacts you. They can do a Mental Health Care Plan so that a Medicare rebate can be obtained when seeing a psychologist.

TMost people with phobias do not seek treatment, either because they are not aware of treatment availability, chose not to or avoid the feared object or situation.

Fortunately, effective treatment is available. Often it is a combination of psychological interventions and self-help techniques.

You can see a Psychologist using a Mental Health Care Plan done by your GP for phobic disorders.

Exposure therapy and desensitization for Phobias

This type of therapy starts usually with learning relaxation and de-escalation techniques. Thereafter there is gradual exposure to the feared stimulus. Using calming techniques learnt, the client is better able to manage their anxiety. Sometimes therapy is started with guided imagery exercises, followed by looking at pictures, videos and then direct exposure.

Therapy and counselling

These techniques involve working with a therapist to get to the root cause of the problem, talking through it and developing strategies to cope.

Medications aren’t recommended for the treatment of anxiety. Sometimes doctors prescribe medications during the early phases of treatment or when there is a co-occurring depression or other mental health concern. Antidepressants, sedatives and beta-blockers are the classes of medications if used for phobias.

Lifestyle strategies form the basis of good mental health. Regular exercise, a healthy diet and adequate restful sleep can help reduce phobia and other anxiety symptoms.

Relaxation exercises and breathing techniques can also help. They are key to working through exposure and desensitization work. Fear triggers sympathetic drive, associated with increased heart and shallower breathing. Effective use of relaxation techniques can help shortcut phobic responses.

It’s not just elite athletes who can benefit from visualizing hitting the winning goal. Visualization along with relaxation techniques can prepare us to deal better with phobic triggers. Closing our eyes and imagining being near our friend’s dog could be the first step to addressing our phobia.

Phobias can be very distressing and disabling. They can inhibit us around others. Fortunately, there are effective ways to address phobia using psychology and other talking and behavioural strategy. Our team of friendly admin and psychologists are here to help. Send us a web inquiry or call us for more information.