Phobia

What is a phobia?
Phobias produce in the person who suffers from them an exaggerated fear, hatred or rejection of certain situations or objects without any real basis.

Exposure to the feared object or situation can cause dizziness, tremors, sweating, and even panic attacks in extreme cases. In a phobia, the fear response goes beyond its limits, causing the person to freeze and be unable to react effectively.

Why does a phobia develop?
Phobias are the most common anxiety disorder, affecting 1 in 23 people (National Institute of Mental Health USA).

They affect people of all ages, sexes, and economic levels, and are more common in women than men. In some cases, it stems from childhood, caused by something that frightened their parents, manifesting then or in adulthood, even though they know how irrational it is. In other cases, it can develop after a traumatic event.

What does it feel like to have a phobia?
Despite the diversity of phobias, there are common symptoms in people who suffer from them:
- Appearance of uncontrollable anxiety when contact with the source of fear occurs.
- Avoidance of the cause of fear by all possible means.
- Inability to function properly when in contact with the source of the fear. Even if the person recognizes that the fear is irrational or exaggerated, they are still unable to control their feelings.

Do you identify with these physical symptoms?
Panting, shortness of breath
Tremors, hot flashes, or choking sensation
Rapid heartbeat
Dry mouth
Headache
Nausea and dizziness
Confusion and disorientation
Chest pain or tightness