The word "phobia" comes from the Greek phobos - "fear". That is, it is a fear of something. For example, aerophobia is a fear of heights, claustrophobia is a fear of enclosed spaces, etc. The ability to experience fear is inherent in any person, even the most brave. This is probably an echo of those ancient times when primitive people were completely helpless before the forces of the elements and large predators. But it’s one thing when it comes to a real threat, risk, and quite another - if the fear is meaningless, inexplicable, irrational.
Instruction manual
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Try to call for help cold logic and common sense. For example, there are people who are afraid to walk on a high bridge over a river or mountain gorge. They are seized with fear that the bridge below them will fail and they will perish. How to act in such a situation? We must inspire ourselves: "The bridge was built taking into account the increased loads, it is strong and reliable. Before my eyes, cars are driving along it, each of them is many times heavier than me. And the bridge can withstand them perfectly." Mentally repeat these words over and over.
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Or we are talking about the fear of aircraft. Some people are panicky afraid of this mode of transport. At the mere thought of having to fly somewhere, horror engulfs them. They immediately recall the reports of disasters, of the victims. Here, too, logic can help, supported by dispassionate statistics. Even an alarmist will be affected by such arguments: yes, unfortunately, planes crash, but compared to the total number of flights, this is extremely rare. Immeasurably more people die in road accidents, but you are not afraid to use a car or a bus. But the plane scares you for some reason.
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Sometimes it’s worthwhile to act according to the method: “wedge by wedge” or: “treat like like. In other words, you need to specifically put yourself in a situation where you have to experience fear. And the effort of will to overcome it, literally through "I can not." For example, you are afraid of communicating with strangers (social phobia). So, you need to force yourself to go shopping, attend meetings, concerts, sports events.
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Are you afraid of dogs? Under any pretext, go to those friends who have a dog. Overpower yourself once, clenching your teeth - it will be much easier further. The method is very effective, although it is necessary to resort to it with caution, because it can not only help in solving the problem, but also exacerbate it.
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In the most severe cases, when the phobia has taken the form of panic attacks and no efforts help, it is necessary to seek help from a psychologist.