Phobia Support Group
A phobia (from the Greek "fear"), is a strong, persistent fear of situations, objects, activities, or persons. The main symptom of this disorder is the excessive, unreasonable desire to avoid the feared subject. When the fear is beyond one's control, or if the fear is interfering with daily life, then a diagnosis under one of the anxiety disorders can be made.
I am terrified of spiders. Big ones, little ones, any! I have panic attacks when I see them. I went to a reptile show once and there was a kind man that tried to help me. He put a large red kneed tarantula in my hand, a little at a time talking to me all the while. I thought I was going to die. I was sweating, tears ran down my face, and I had all I could do not to pass out. I made myself hold her for about 10 minutes thinking it would help me in the long run. When she crawled back on his hand I felt so proud. Did it help me? Hell no! It's as worse as ever. Thank God I live in NY state where they aren't so bad in the village. I need to overcome this. I even have nightmares about them.
Mine was do to my childhood. Spider phobia was one of the phobias I developed. When I was still a child I started seeing nothing but these black spots. Sometimes I'd see the black outline of legs. When they were around it,eventually, got to the point where I started checking out because I couldn't handle having even one in the same room as me! I didn't start really seeing them again till a couple of yr.s ago. I'm now 29. I still can't touch them,pick them up,or even stay in the same room as one BUT I've made progress and that I'm proud of!!
I hope your able to make progress soon too. Lots of hugs
Sorry you feel that way about spiders.
And I'm glad you realize its Not a rational behavior. And you should be proud that you held a tarantula for ten minutes. Very Brave!!!
Spiders are a wonderful animal/insect. They sell tarantulas in pet stores. Some live 18 years.
They eat unwanted pests from our yards and garden. And many are beautiful and spin beautiful webs.
A little at a time is best, when getting over a fear. Don't jump right in expect to be healed in ten minutes.
I live in the South West. Scorpions the size if my hand. Spiders galore.... Bull ants fuzzy with a quarter inch stinger, and the ant is an inch long. Tons of poisonous snakes and restrictors. Fire ants, huge red ants that sting like bees.... And of course the killer bees. God..... I love this area!!! Haha... I camp and prospect often, so you learn to love the nature here. Or hate it....
Try taking hikes and take notice to ALL the creatures around you. Natures a wonderful thing. And its true.... Most are more afraid of you. Than you are of them.....