Free2BeMe, it sounds like you have a good reason to be frightened, having been stung so many times!
But your question is a good one. When does a fear become a phobia?
I am not a happy camper when I am on an airplane that is going through turbulence. It makes me anxious and sometimes afraid, and I don't like the feeling of being so out of control. However, I continue to fly. If my fear of turbulence was strong enough to make me stop flying, I think it's closer to being a phobia. It would have changed my behavior and would be affecting my life in a negative way.
Here's a link to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America. Click on the Anxiety Disorders button and select "Specific Phobias" from the drop down menu:
"Having phobias can disrupt daily routines, limit work efficiency, reduce self-esteem, and place a strain on relationships because people will do whatever they can to avoid the uncomfortable and often-terrifying feelings of phobic anxiety. While some phobias develop in childhood, most seem to arise unexpectedly, usually during adolescence or early adulthood. Their onset is usually sudden, and they may occur in situations that previously did not cause any discomfort or anxiety. Specific phobias commonly focus on animals, insects, heights, thunder, driving, public transportation, flying, dental or medical procedures, and elevators. Although people with phobias realize that their fear is irrational, even thinking about it can often cause extreme anxiety. "
They also offer a self-test that you could fill out and share with a professional. It might help you just to see what questions would be asked when attempting to diagnose a phobia:
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Free2BeMe, it sounds like you have a good reason to be frightened, having been stung so many times!
But your question is a good one. When does a fear become a phobia?
I am not a happy camper when I am on an airplane that is going through turbulence. It makes me anxious and sometimes afraid, and I don't like the feeling of being so out of control. However, I continue to fly. If my fear of turbulence was strong enough to make me stop flying, I think it's closer to being a phobia. It would have changed my behavior and would be affecting my life in a negative way.
Here's a link to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America. Click on the Anxiety Disorders button and select "Specific Phobias" from the drop down menu:
http://www.adaa.org/
Here's a quote from the website:
"Having phobias can disrupt daily routines, limit work efficiency, reduce self-esteem, and place a strain on relationships because people will do whatever they can to avoid the uncomfortable and often-terrifying feelings of phobic anxiety. While some phobias develop in childhood, most seem to arise unexpectedly, usually during adolescence or early adulthood. Their onset is usually sudden, and they may occur in situations that previously did not cause any discomfort or anxiety. Specific phobias commonly focus on animals, insects, heights, thunder, driving, public transportation, flying, dental or medical procedures, and elevators. Although people with phobias realize that their fear is irrational, even thinking about it can often cause extreme anxiety. "
They also offer a self-test that you could fill out and share with a professional. It might help you just to see what questions would be asked when attempting to diagnose a phobia:
http://www.adaa.org/GettingHelp/SelfHelpTests/selftest_specialpho.asp
Good luck with this. And no more stings!
September 29, 2008 - 9:06amThis Comment
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