Phobias.page

We've all experienced fear.

We've all had the sweaty palms, racing heart. But what is the difference between fear and anxiety. What do they mean by phobia?

Fear

We've all experienced fear as we react to it when we sense danger or if we're going to a new place or experiencing a new situation which we think of as a potential threat or danger. When we realise that nothing is going to happen this fear disappears. Most people most often avoid the place or situation they fear. However, there are exceptions, for example, people who like extreme sport. This because to some people fear can be exciting.

When we were children we probably had more fears then now because children are experiencing unfamiliar things. For example, lots of children find things such as - the dark, monsters, thunder and lightning, dogs, scary.

Most teenagers, like a lot of you, also have common fears.
You might have a social fear, the threat of being embarrassed, rejected, or failing.
Also, we tend to have personal fears, such as heights, dogs, snakes, becoming injured or ill, or having to speak in front of lots of people.

'Fight or Flight'

In our bodies we have a 'survival mechanism' which is also known as the FIGHT OR FLIGHT response. It is called this as our body is preparing to fight the fear or danger, or we may run away from the danger.

What is a Phobia?

A phobia is an irrational fear of an object or a situation.

If you have a phobia, your fear may be so bad, that you'll do anything to avoid being in contact with the place or situation (or object). If your fear is really extreme, which causes a lot of distress, and also stops you doing things, then it is probably a phobia.

A teen with a fear of big open spaces, may avoid going to places, such as the cinema, or shopping with friends.

What Causes Phobias?

Often children develop phobias from their parents. Anxiety problems often run in families, a phobia is an anxiety problem.

Also, some children are often born to be quiet and cautious to any dangers surrounding them, while other children are more outgoing and advenoerous. The children who are quiet and cautious are more likely to develop a phobia.