Tag Archive: Phobia


Phobias Pt. 2

Filed Under: Phobia
Jul.22, 2010

When something that has been labeled as dangerous takes place, the amygdala releases hormones into the body to throw it into an anxious “fight or flight” response. Darwin would approve of this theory; a trigger in our brain to let us know that something is dangerous puts us in a state of heightened awareness.

Phobias differ in severity among people. Some individuals can just avoid the subject of their fear and suffer from relatively mild anxiety over that fear. Others will have full blown panic attacks. Most people understand that they are suffering from a fear that is not rational, but they unfortunately do not come equipped with the tools they might need to override their initial panic reaction.

Therapeutic treatment will typically work to take the memory and reaction that was perceived as harmful and replace it with a scenario that is more in tuned in with reality. That clown might make you feel uncomfortable, but he is most likely not out to get you.

Therapeutic approaches to treating phobias vary, and often different approaches will be taken concurrently. Introducing things to trigger small portions of phobia is a popular method. Therapists believe that by systematically desensitizing their patients to the trigger, their response will be much less severe. Some therapists will use virtual reality or imagery exercises to accomplish this goal. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, an approach to psychology that focuses in on negative thought patterns and measures that one can take to change these thought patterns has shown to be successful as well.

As far as medicine is concerned, antidepressant medications like SSRIs and MAOIs can be helpful, and benzodiazepines may occasionally be used in acute treatment of severe symptoms. If you feel as though you may suffer from a phobia that puts a damper on your ability to deal with life, it is strongly encouraged that you seek help, therapy has proven to be quite effective.

Rapid Recovery Solution is a commercial debt collection company. Also published at Phobias Pt. 2.

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Phobias Part 1

Filed Under: Phobia
Jul.19, 2010

Have you ever been on a roller coaster that was just a little too old and rickety? (Coney Island’s Cyclone, I’m looking at you!) Or when was the last time you saw a really freaky spider that made you jump from out of your seat? Is a “Daddy Longlegs” really going to do that much damage? But if you are taken aback enough, you might find that you are anxious, jittery, and sweating. These natural “flight or fight” responses are triggered by events that we find troubling.

It’s my personal theory that everyone struggles with some sort of irrational fear, but a phobia is a persistent and powerful fear of something like a situation, activity, thing, animal, or clown. If you have an excessive and unreasonable need to avoid what you fear, chances are you have a phobia. When what you fear spirals beyond your control, and if your fear is hindering your daily life, a therapist should be called in to mediate and help you regain your control.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 8.7% – 18.1% of American’s have a phobia. Did you know that phobia’s are the most common mental illness among women in all age groups and the second most common among men older than twenty five? Phobias are not usually diagnosed if they aren’t encountered on a regular basis, or if they aren’t too distressing to the person with the phobia. Think about public speaking. It makes most people uncomfortable, but how many times do you have to talk in front of an arena of people?

From a psychological perspective, phobias can be viewed as an emotional response – they happen when the fear that was produced by the first dangerous situation is transferred to other similar situations, while the original fear may be forgotten or repressed. From a biological perspective, an event that happens to trigger a fear response will be recorded by the amygdala and hippocampus and will be labeled as dangerous. Phobias are thought to be closely linked to the amygdala, an area of the brain that secretes hormones that control fear and aggression.

To Be Continued. Part One

Rapid Recovery Solution is a medical debt collection agency. Also published at Phobias Part 1.

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Overcoming Shyness For Public Speaking

Filed Under: Fear
Jun.27, 2010

Many people feel shy or fear public speaking, but they can use several approaches to help overcome these emotions. Beginning with organization, outlines, practice and more practice, a strong voice, and confidence will help create a clear and well presented speech.

Public speakers should start with a few basics steps. Focusing on a topic, assessing how much time is allotted, what props are needed, and any other details are important in the planning phase. There will be a big difference between a speech that is 2 minutes in length and in front of 8 peers and a speech that is at least 20 minutes and requires a slide show and written materials to be handed out to the audience. The location of the presentation is an important consideration, as well as if there will be a podium, a microphone, and how many people will attend.

The people who are attending, the audience, are a main ingredient of the speech, and their needs or expectations should be addressed. Understanding the audience will help direct the presentation to them and help establish a relationship with them as well. This relationship will also help make the presentation feel more like a conversation than an overwhelming speech.

The organization of the speech and attention given to the audience will build a foundation on which an outline for the speech can be created. A very simple format of Introduction, Points A, B, C, and more, as well as a Conclusion can be used, similar to formats used to write research reports. This outline keeps the presenter focused on each smaller, specific topic, and helps to diminish the sense that this is one large, overwhelming presentation.

It can sometimes actually be more effective for shy speakers not to memorize a speech word for word because it can be too easy to forget just one word, and that can undo everything and make the speaker feel completely lost. Using the outline approach helps to break the speech down into smaller sections that are easier to remember. Speakers should also not write the speech down and then read it aloud. The audience usually finds nothing more boring than a speech that is read to them as if they are listening to a book in audio form. There is little room for a connection to be made between the presenter and the audience this way, and a good connection can make the presenter feel more at ease when he has established a relationship with the audience.

Public speakers should also pay attention to their voices, both the volume and the tone. People who sound nervous are often speaking too quietly. This is where establishing the basic plan is important and the awareness of the presentation location and any audio devices used. If a shy presenter wants to feel more confident, he should practice sounding confident, even if he doesn’t feel that way. Experimenting with different volume levels and tones can improve the presentation and build confidence. If the speaker can add excitement and or animation to the presentation, it is likely to add to the authority of the presentation and enhance the information presented.

While there is no one easy strategy for overcoming shyness, there are several things people can do to alleviate some of the stress and make the experience more rewarding. Planning, preparing, connecting with the audience, and rehearsing in confident vocal varieties will help move a presenter from a quiet, read speech to a confident, conversational presentation.

Improving Public Speaking Wanting to actually stop your nervousness related to speaking on stage? Then go to www.HowToStopFearOfPublicSpeaking.com for more information and download plenty of FREE resources about fear of speaking in public. Overcoming The Fear Of Public Speaking

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Phobia Treatment Can Be Approached In A Number Of Ways

Filed Under: Phobia
Jun.16, 2010

There are many effectual therapies for phobia treatment. Phobia has been defined as an irrational, excessive and unrelenting fear of a particular situation or an object. The phobia lodges itself deep in the subconscious. Although the conscious area of the brain knows that the phobia is unfounded, it will still persist.

It is not really known what causes phobias. It could be genetic, or it could be a result of a frightening experience in the past. Fear is a healthy emotion and it is actually essential for our survival. However, it should be addressed if it is having a negative impact on someone’s life.

You can have a phobia about anything. Some common ones are the fear of animals, being alone, injections, heights, flying, death, open spaces, or fear of the dark. More bizarre phobias include men with beards, apples, or colors. When fear sets in, the heart rate increases, sweating occurs, and feelings of panic and anxiety are experienced.

If your life is being affected by a phobia, you could try the self-help method first. You will have to confront your phobia at its worst and let the feelings of fear and anxiety ride themselves out. This method can be very successful if you do it with others in a support group.

If this does not work, you may need help from a therapist. Often, behavioral therapy is very effective. You will have one-on-one sessions with your therapist. He or she can begin to desensitize your phobia. Let’s say you are fearful about dogs. In the early stages of therapy, you will probably be shown a picture of a dog.

As you progress, the therapist will arrange for you to see a real dog. Then you will progress to patting the dog and, eventually, feeding it. If you have supportive friends and family, you can try this approach with their help before resorting to a professional therapist.

Another option is exposure therapy, also called flooding. You will have to face your phobia at its worst intensity. The logic behind this is that a person can only remain in a state of high anxiety for a maximum of 40 minutes. In many cases, only a few sessions are required to convince your subconscious that the phobia is unjustified.

Another therapy is hypnosis. A hypnotist has techniques that are able to change the mindset of the subconscious. In some cases, phobia treatment includes the use of medication. However, this is not a long term solution. If your doctor believes that your phobia is associated with depression, anti-depressants may help. To reduce the unpleasant symptoms of panic and anxiety, other medications such as benzodiazepines may help.

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Various Types Of Phobias Common To People

Filed Under: Phobia
Jun.14, 2010

Phobias can be terrible thing to get, at least once in our live we all have suffered from some sort of fear or phobia. Here we look at some of the common phobias.

I suppose one of the most common phobias or fears is Acrophobia or the fear of heights. The fear of heights affects almost everybody to different degrees.

We have all read the papers about people that will not travel on an airplane; they would sooner travel by boat or car if possible. The fear of flying is a very common phobia that can be a real hindrance in people’s lives.

Lots of people suffer from a fear of public speaking. It can be very daunting having to stand up in front of either a crowd or even a few people and having to speak to them. Unfortunately in our lives we will eventually have to do this at one time or another.

Everyone has experienced a fear of the dark, especially as a kid. But there are still some Adults that have a fear of the dark and will not go to sleep without the light being on.

The fear of spiders is a very well known far but strangely it seems to affect women more than men. A study has shown that almost 50% of women suffer from the fear of spiders compared to 10% of men.

Another strange one is the fear of snakes. Apparently this fear is worldwide; it even affects people in countries that don’t have snakes.

The fear of rejection is a major fear in some people’s lives. I will bet that everybody has had his fear or will experience this fear at least once in their life.

Another common phobia that may have been picked up from when we were kids is the fear of confined spaces. This is evident in some people by the fact that they cannot enter an elevator or go into small rooms.

This writer also frequently gives advice about topics including small portable air conditioners and portable air conditioner units.

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Reduce The Fear Of Public Speaking

Filed Under: Fear
Jun.11, 2010

The fear of public speaking can affect people of all backgrounds and for many reasons. Often these reasons are based on unknowns and uncontrollable circumstances – the fear of mistakes and not having control. These fears of public speaking cross into all professions, across all cultural and sociological barriers. Understanding that this is not an unusual fear can actually help to overcome these anxious feelings.

There are numerous reasons behind the fear of public speaking, but they often result in the same emotions. The anxiety can reach levels where a person might have a dry mouth, shaking hands or voice, sweaty palms, and feel physically ill. All of these symptoms can make speaking publicly a task that becomes overwhelming for some.

Speakers can take several steps when overcoming the fears associated with public speaking. The first, and one of the most important factors to consider, is the audience. The audience is an integral part of a presentation. Without the audience there is no speech that is heard, just as an audience without a presenter is just a crowd of people. The two are partners in the event and the speaker needs to look to the audience as a positive member of the team.

Those who fear public speaking often fear the reactions of the audience. There might be questions such as: Will the audience accept me? Will the audience believe my message? Will the audience laugh at me or pity me if I make a mistake? Questions such as these and not feeling confident in the answers adds to the anxiety for the presenter.

In actuality, the audience can also be the best source of positive support. In general, the audience wants the speaker to succeed and is looking forward to the shared experience. Many of the members of the audience are already in support of the speaker because it takes the pressure off of themselves and they are grateful that a qualified individual will be before them.

Connecting with the audience is important, and the speaker can do this by finding a message to send home with the audience, sharing a laugh with them, or even just making true eye contact with them. Some messages shared with the audience might be insightful information about a topic, or even just the shared passion of it. Focusing on positive outcomes and interactions will foster confidence and enhance the presentation.

The audience is a key component, but once they have been examined and accounted for, the speaker can focus on creating the presentation. A speaker who is passionate about or an expert of a topic can often just use an outline for a speech instead of a carefully worded script. By using the outline the speaker enhances their authority and builds on the issues of respect and trust.

If the presentation requires or the speaker relies upon a predetermined and detailed speech, it is a good idea to practice the lines in front of the mirror or a small audience. The more eye contact, if even with just a few audience members, the more effective the words will be.

The fear of public speaking can stem from a fear of imperfection and being self-conscious. Remembering to connect with the audience, looking to them as a partner, and getting comfortable with the topic will promote confidence and help combat the fear of public speaking.

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Successful Techniques To Evaluate For Claustrophobia Treatment

Filed Under: Anxiety
May.28, 2010

There is claustrophobia treatment available for those that have a fear of being shut in a small space. Claustrophobia is typically considered a type of anxiety or panic attack and about 5% of the worlds population suffers from severe claustrophobia. Unfortunately only a small number of those affected actually have received any treatment for overcoming this fear.

If you suffer from claustrophobia then you can have one or both of the main symptoms which include a fear of suffocation and a fear of being restricted.

One of the most widely used treatments for claustrophobia is cognitive therapy and this method is actually used for the majority of all anxiety disorders. This is very effective particularly if the patient not only fears the situation but the result of being in that situation. The main step of cognitive therapy is to change the misconceptions associated with at fear. So instead of feeling anxious in small spaces you begin to feel calmer.

Cognitive therapy is one of the most touted treatments as it is very effective. This is a type of behavioral therapy that is used for all types of anxiety. This works not only on the fear of a situation but on the results that that individual may fear from being in that situation. Basically you are training yourself to have a different reaction to your stressful situations. So instead of becoming anxious then you become calmer.

Another type of treatment is in vivo exposure which causes a patient to experience their fear. This must be done progressively and you have to start small and then build up. You need support with this type of treatment but it is very effective. You soon will not have a negative response to your fears.

This is similar to in vivo treatment but much less intense. You also can trace the claustrophobia back to its cause, normally a certain event, and use behavioral therapy to change your response.

There are also drugs that can be used for anxiety but you do need to be careful as they can have some serious side effects if not used properly. Many doctors will suggest behavioral therapy first or a combination of mediation and therapy.

Marcelo Quijanios is a research journalist. Currently he is investigating a new method to relieve him of his phobias. The results of this treatment are very promising and say to have helped a lot of people in the past.

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Ways To Ease The Fear Of Public Speaking

Filed Under: Fear
May.27, 2010

The fear of public speaking can be an enormous obstacle for people throughout various stages in their lives. For some it involves trembling hands and voices, and for others it is so severe it actually prevents them from being able to give a speech or presentation. There are several tactics, however, that people can use to calm their fears and speak publicly without feeling faint.

The first thing to remember is to remain positive. The anxiety is only amplified by negative internal conversations and emotions. Some people will worry about their minds drawing a blank during a presentation, stumbling over words, and more. It is important for the speaker to make every effort to think positive thoughts, such as how much value the presentation will bring to the audience.

Focusing on the positive can be done by writing in a journal about the upcoming presentation. The speaker can write about how the presentation came to be, such as an employer requesting the presentation or a committee selecting the presenter. Being asked to give a presentation should be taken as a sign of respect and faith in the speaker?s knowledge. This background information can give confidence to the speaker and validate his qualifications for being chosen.

The speaker can also use the journal to record positive outcomes that might come from the presentation. These can be valuable pieces of information given to the audience, or feedback afterward about impacts. This part of the journal can serve as a script for the speaker and it can sometimes help the speaker to feel more in control of the situation when a plan has been made.

The journal should also be used to write down personal goals about the presentation, even the small ones. These goals might be positively influencing the audiences, making eye contact with the first and last rows in the audience, and more. The goals should be positive and reinforce the script. The speaker can use this part of the journal to keep himself focused on the end result.

The journal provides the foundation for creating positive internal dialogue, and there are more approaches a speaker can take to overcome a fear of public speaking. It may seem redundant, but practice, practice, and more practice will be one of the best combatants of the fear. The more comfortable a person is with the material, the less likely he will be to fear forgetting or stumbling through the presentation.

An effective way to rehearse for a presentation is to write the presentation notes on note cards that are color-coded according to topic. If the speaker has four main points on a given topic, the notes can be written so that each point uses a certain colored card. This will help keep the speaker focused and can be helpful if during the presentation the speaker gets momentarily lost or off track. Numbering the cards can also be done so that if they are dropped they are easily sorted.

The speaker should find as many opportunities as possible to practice the presentation in front of the mirror, while exercising, or in front of friends and family. Practicing the presentation in a secure environment will help make the speaker more comfortable with the information. The speaker can also provide feedback forms to audience members and ask for ideas for improvement.

During the actual presentation the speaker should remember that the audience is there as a partner, not an adversary. Instead of trying the old advice of imagining the audience naked, the speaker can look for a few friendly faces with whom to make eye contact. If eye contact is something that causes stress for the speaker, even looking just above the eyes of an audience member toward the hairline can give the appearance that the speaker is connecting.

It can be overwhelming to give a presentation to a large audience, but the fear of public speaking can be overcome by beginning with positive thinking. Recording thoughts and goals in a journal, practicing with friends and family, and focusing on the value of the information shared will aid in turning those fears into successes.

Improving Public Speaking Aiming to be able to deal with your fear of public speaking? Then take a look at www.HowToStopFearOfPublicSpeaking.com for more info and download plenty of FREE resources about fear of speaking in public. Public Speaking Nervousness

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Common Reasons To Find Agoraphobia Treatment

Filed Under: Anxiety
May.27, 2010

It can be tough to even talk about the possibility that you have an emotional or mental disorder. Many people have diagnosed themselves based on their symptoms and research, but do not seek treatment. Sometimes this is because of money, and other times it is because they fear the stigma that they feel is attached to seeking mental help. But if your symptoms are interfering with you functioning in everyday life, and are causing you to suffer, there is no need to continue enduring your distress. The decision to seek agoraphobia treatment takes courage, but it is a wise one. Below is a bit of information about agoraphobia.

What exactly is agoraphobia?

Agoraphobia is classified among other anxiety disorders. It is characterized as a very strong fear of unfamiliar places, crowds, and public spaces. Some people suffering from this disorder may not even feel comfortable leaving their home.

What is the cause of agoraphobia?

Disorders such as social anxiety disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder can trigger agoraphobia. These disorders cause panic attacks. The panic attacks, which often happen in public places, cause the person who suffers to avoid public places out of a fear of embarrassment or being unable to escape.

Over time, initially minimal symptoms of anxiety may turn into full blown anxiety disorder or agoraphobia. This happens because the brain oftentimes reinforces anxiety with more anxiety. In addition, people often self-medicate with drugs or alcohol to ease their anxiety, and withdrawal from these substances can cause panic attacks as well. Here are a few ways you can tell if you might have some heightened anxiety issues.

If social situations scare you and make you extremely nervous.

Knowing that this fear is irrational, but being unable to control it.

If your anxiety causes you to avoid social situations or functions you would otherwise attend.

Do you experience physical symptoms of your anxiety?

Do you sometimes feel an impending sense of doom in everyday situations?

A full-blown panic attack can include shaking, shortness of breath, hot or cold flashes, tightness in the chest, heart palpitations, and dizziness. Often, the first time they experience a panic attack, a person feels that they are losing their mind or having a heart attack. Because anxiety increases exponentially when the fear of anxiety itself is present, symptoms that are initially minimal can eventually increase into full-blown panic attacks if untreated and reinforced.

If you experience any of the symptoms of anxiety disorder, do not be afraid to seek counseling. And if it has already progressed to the increased stages, and is interfering with your everyday functions, do not hesitate to seek agoraphobia treatment. You do not have to live with these debilitating symptoms; there is help available.

Marcelo Quijanios is a freelance writer. At the moment he is investigating a new method to relieve him of his agoraphobia. The testimonials about this treatment are very promising and claim to have helped many people in the past.

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Learning About The Proper Anxiety Medication

Filed Under: Phobia
May.16, 2010

Each year thousands of cases of anxiety are diagnosed. There are various types and differing levels, but there are also solutions and ways to get around it, like meditating, doing cognitive therapy, and trying anxiety medication. It’s a common disorder that lots of people have.

Anxiety can really take a toll on a person, and brings stress, which is unhealthy, but it is not dangerous. People who have panic attacks often experience symptoms such as a racing heartbeat, shortness of breath, and sweating. They are harmless but nevertheless very scary to go through. The person may think they are dying or having some very serious health problems.

Anxiety can cause physical health problems, but nothing too serious, just ailments from worrying too much, like ulcers and stomach problems. Stress is not good for the heart and the body so it’s important to keep stressful things at bay.

Trying to fight the anxiety or panic is just as bad and results in worse symptoms. Going with the anxiety and learning to deal with it helps much more. One relief is through anxiety medication, however, these can make the person dependent on them, so please check with a doctor first before doing any self medicating. Therapy should always be included in any stress relief or anxiety regimen.

Some methods can help eliminate attacks and help the sufferer’s quality of life come back. Depression is a side effect of anxiety and if not taken care of can accelerate into other phobias. But there are solutions, and things that can help the person get through the panic.

Those who experience anxiety must remember that the attack won’t last forever, and phobias are overcome all the time with therapy and positive thinking. Taking the right steps to help yourself is one of the first steps in recovering from anxiety. See a doctor to find out what method is right for you before starting any therapy or medication on your own.

Lots of literature has been written on panic and anxiety and the processes and steps to getting rid of it. There are also support groups in some areas, and if not, there are always online support groups too, that help those who suffer from anxiety experience a better quality of life. It doesn’t have to be a lifelong disease but it’s an emotional disorder and the battle can be won if the person helps themselves.

Marcelo Quijanios is a research journalist. At the moment he is researching a new method to alleviate him of his phobias. The results of this treatment are very promising and claim to have helped many people in the past.

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