Phobias, such as agoraphobia and social phobia, are fears of specific objects or of situations, events, or activities that lead phobia sufferers to avoid them or engage in them with trepidation. The elements of a phobia are anxious thoughts and avoidant behaviors. In order to be considered an anxiety disorder, a phobia must interfere with the person's ability to function.Here is a dialogue i got from my teacher when i started to study english.P : Did you know that about fifty per cent of the population of Britain say they couldn't touch a snake ? And another twenty per cent say they could; but not without feeling scared ! Fear of snakes is one of the most common phobias at all. But there are many others. Here is what Doctor Jones of the Institute of Psychiatry said.D : Surprisingly enough, there is no a great range of things we are frightened of . Most are to do with open spaces, confined spaces, insects such as spiders; situations where there are a lot of people or too few people.P : And are many of us affected by these fears ?D : Indeed yes, though of course, reactions vary from a minor feeling of discomfort which is easy to cope with, to an absolutly crippling fear which can destoy a person's life.P : And what are typical reactions when people begin to feel afraid ?D : Well, patients break out in a cold sweat, they say they have shivers down the spine, theu begin to breathe quickly and the heartbeat increases.P : Can these people be helped ?D : Yes certainly, by what we call 'graded exposure" Many fears are born from ignorance. People say they couldn't bear to touch a snake because its skin is slimy, which isn't true. So, to a certain extent knoweldge can help to break down phobias. Then we gradually let a person become more familiar with the object of his or her fear, and try to accustom them to the realities behind the phobia.P : And does it work ?D : Yes, in 28 %So here we are , we needn't let our phobias ruin our life ! isn't a good news ?What about you ? Do you have phobias and what do you do to try to overcome this ?
You need to be a member of MyEnglishClub to add comments!
I sure can understand you, earthquakes are something i am really scared of too though i've never lived big one like you.
Shining day to you.
FMN
Robin Leigio Gulo said:
Dear FMN,
I have a phobia of eaarthquake. It's because in 2005, we were attacked by big earthquake (8,9SR) and some of my families died at that time. That's why i'm very afraid to earthquake.
Replies
I sure can understand you, earthquakes are something i am really scared of too though i've never lived big one like you.
Shining day to you.
FMN
Robin Leigio Gulo said: