Specific Phobias
All of us have something that we are afraid of. That fear can be slight, or it can be very extreme. But a specific phobia disorder goes beyond just extreme fear; there is also the presence of avoidance. In other words, the fear is so great that there is a strong urge to stay away from the object or situation.
There are a variety of objects or situations that can be come the focus of a specific phobia. Some are situations like heights or closed spaces like planes or elevators.; it could also be something like going to the doctor. The phobia may focus on animals like dogs, snakes, or spiders. It could be situations in the natural environment like storms, thunder/lightning, or water. You may have a phobia about diseases or getting hurt. Another common situation is the sight of blood or needles.
If you are struggling with a specific phobia, most like you recognize that the fear is extreme and unreasonable; however, knowing that has no impact on the fear itself or the urge to get away from or avoid the object or situation. The fear reaction that you have has many similarities to a panic attack. In a panic attack, there is no obvious trigger; in a specific phobia, the trigger is a specific object or situation.
Most people do not seek counseling for a specific phobia; instead, they simply avoid the object or situation.
Sometime, that is fairly easy to do, but there are other situations where this avoidance can have an emotional cost. If you have a fear of closed spaces and work in a building that requires the use of elevators or requires you to fly often, it can impact your work. There is really nothing you can do about the presence of storms, so if you live in an area where storms happen often, it can impact your ability to enjoy your life.
In treating a specific phobia, it is important focus on the fear and the avoidance. It is the fear that drives the avoidance; the avoidance can make you feel safe, but a part of you knows that safety comes only from avoiding the situation. Through a variety of practices, you can learn mindful acceptance of the situation, even while being present to it.
Social Anxiety
It is not unusual, at times, to feel uncomfortable or self-conscious in social settings. There are some people who are naturally shy and reserved. Social anxiety goes beyond both of these. With social anxiety, there is an intense fear of being embarrassed or humiliated. This fear is present when you have to do something in the presence of others. You are controlled by thoughts that you will do something that will lead to others judging you as weak or incompetent.
As with other anxiety disorders, another characteristic of social disorder is avoiding social settings that can trigger the anxiety. It is very difficult to avoid interactions with other people without costs to your happiness.
Fear of public speaking is the most common trigger for social anxiety.
This is more than giving a speech; it can be a fear of speaking up in a conversation. Other social fears are:
· Fear of choking or spilling food.
· Fear of signing documents when others are around.
· Fear of being watched.
· Fear of crowds
It is not unusual for people with social anxiety to fear and avoid more than one social situation.
Both simple phobias and social anxiety respond well to treatment. My approach to treating these anxiety disorders involves practicing exercises that allow you to be mindful of and present to the thoughts and feelings that arise with anxiety triggers, instead of trying to avoid them or being overwhelmed by them.
My anxiety treatment page will give you more information about the way I work with these disorders.