Overcoming a Phobia

[lou100]

Hi, I wondered if any AB's had over come a phobia and if so how did you do it.

I've got a particular phobia which is actually starting to rule my life in terms of where I can and can't go, so I think its time I took some action and got help.

[mean-russian]

I got over a terrible phobia of bananas.I said to myself if I eat this banana it will feel horrible in my mouth.I then imagined myself saying that in the voice of Mickey mouse and it made me laugh.I can now eat bananas with no problem.I went to a phobia clinic.

[ELVIS68]

I had a fear of working when I was 16, Until my dad threatened to chuck me out unless I got a job...I overcame my fear

[Greedyfly]

I ues to get bad panic attacks daily - so I went for hynotherapy I think since then I have had one.

[mean-russian]

There is a program on tv about the tecnique that was used on me at the moment.

[whiffey]

lou, is your phobia of a highly specific thing ? I saw someone cured of a terror of loose shirt buttons.

Is it on the other hand more general, maybe a fear of crowded places, traffic jams, feeling trapped, no loos available, that sort of thing ?

The first type of phobia can be tackled head-on, the second is trickier and relates to fear of loss of control. Having been a martyr to the latter, my experience is that it is unlikely to be eradicable, but you will gradually find more good days than bad ones, and it goes hand in hand with how settled and satisfying the rest of your life is.

[Roughquest]

Whats with the traffic jam whiffey - did you steal that from my last 'question' ? Naughty naughty...lol
I have a phobia about heights and hate flying but one has to face the fear head on, do it - deal with it, i still hate flying but i have learnt to tolerate it.

[whiffey]

RQ, I did not steal from your last question, although I am still musing about ladies' smalls lol !

You raise an interesting point. Some phobias do not incapacitate, e.g. fear of flying is simple - don't fly. Others are more pervasive. Take the traffic jam example. You are 'trapped' and out of control of the situation. On a single-carriageway this is not so much of a problem, you can turn round and escape. On a dual-carriageway or a motorway however you are stuffed.

Just an example. Same as going on the Underground. OK 99.999% of the time - but what if the one time you go on the Tube the train breaks down and you are trapped underground in the darkness ? With other people there to witness your discomfort.

[maggie01]

I have a fear rather than a phobia of heights. I went out the other day with some friends and we were going to do a tour on an open top bus. I was so pleased when the weather was a bit unsettled and we had to sit inside.

[lou100]

Hi there, it's birds in particular pigeons (I feel sick just typing that word)

Some people will think I am mad but I just go into a complete panic and either feel rooted to the spot with fear or just have to run, its awful and as you can imagine they aren't easy to avoid!

There's so many places I wont go because of it and its really affecting my life.

[Roughquest]

Darling Whiffey, lol, I forgot to tell you I wasnt wearing any underwear in the car ! Perhaps that is why so many men were staring...hmmmmm

[Tha-Flash]

Google EFT. It's a thing where you keep tapping yourself.

[whiffey]

RQ, are you on msn the noo ?

[Roughquest]

Yes darling whiffey - [email protected] why?