WHAT ARE PHOBIAS?
Fear is a form of anxiety triggered by a situation or an object. We know what it’s like to be afraid in certain situations and change our behaviour accordingly – avoiding dark alleys and standing back from the edge of a cliff. These are understandable responses to situations where we might be harmed.
When there is a real threat, for example if you are about to be attacked, fear is a sensible and realistic response, and your body will release adrenaline and prepare for ‘fight or flight’.
A fear becomes a phobia when you have an exaggerated or unrealistic sense of danger about a situation (eg. going outside) or object (eg. buttons). You will often begin to organise your life around avoiding the thing that is causing you anxiety.
WHAT ARE SYMPTOMS?
If you have a phobia, you usually won’t have any symptoms until you face the situation or object that you fear. If your phobia is very severe, then even thinking about the object of your phobia can provoke anxiety. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of phobia are in the diagram below.
These symptoms can make you feel more anxious, which releases more adrenaline (see above), and this vicious circle can lead to a full-blown panic attack.
Although these feelings will pass, you may feel stressed and frightened by them, and this can make you feel out of control and overwhelmed. Afterwards, you may feel depressed and embarrassed about it. All this may make you nervous and anxious about being on your own and having to cope with such an experience.
Helpful Links
TONY DAVIS EMPLOYEE SUPPORT
Tel: 07813 596505 Or 01482 870577
Will offer support and advice on how to deal with anxiety and utilising Cognitive Behaviour Therapy to overcome any problems or difficulties you may have.
Regional Numbers
NHS – www.breathingspacescotland.co.uk
Hull
Mind – www.mindhey.co.uk
01482 240200
Luton
Mind – www.bucksmind.org.uk 0
01296 437328
Wigan
Mind – www.sthelensmind.org.uk
01744 677058
Doncaster
Mind – www.doncastermind.org.uk
01302 812190
Wimbledon
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020 8788 0070
Warrington
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0151 4953 991
Andover
Mind – www.andovermind.org.uk
01264 332297
Kent
Mind – www.mind.org.uk
01622 692383
Huntingdon Cambridge
Mind – http://www.mindincambs.org.uk/
01223 311320
Leicestershire
Mind – www.westleicestershiremind.org.uk
01455 890168
Exeter Devon
Mind – www.mindex.org.uk
01392 204493
Berkeley Gloucestershire
Mind – www.mind.org.uk
01453 54739
