A phobia is an excessive fear of anything, from a fear of birds to a fear of crowds.  Phobias often start in early childhood and there is often a reason for where the fear started but also as often there is no rational reason which can make it harder to understand or to ask for help.

 

If someone encounters their phobia they can often seem what could be likened to as a panic attack with symptoms including:

 

• Chest pains

• Shortness of breath

• Tightness of chest

• Heart palpitations

• Nausea

• Feeling of being out of control

• Sweating

• Feeling of embarrassment

• Feeling of passing out

 

The majority of sufferers will try their best to avoid their phobia. This can be much easier for some than others. For example it is easier to avoid going to places with snakes but very difficult to avoid dogs.

 

Examples of Phobias:

 

Phobias can be of anything, including animals, places, objects, foods and more. The more common phobias include:

 

• Vomit phobia

• Spider phobia

• Needle or injection phobia

• Flying phobia

• Swallowing tablets phobia