Health and Human Behavior: Discussion Topic- Phobias

Health and Human Behavior

Discussion Topic- Phobias
“What is normal for the spider is chaos for the fly.” This well-known expression is a good analogy for stress in that what is distressing to one person can actually be thrilling or exciting to another. This can also be said for the issue of phobias.
According to the DSM-V (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th edition), a book that catalogs all recognized mental health and brain-related disorders, a phobia is an intense or irrational fear of a specified object or situation. Phobias fall into five general categories:
1. Natural/environment type: Phobias related to weather, and environmental events or situations (ex. fear of water, thunder and lightning).
2. Injury type: Fears related to physical harm or injury (ex. fear of injections, fear of going to the dentist).
3. Animal type: Fear of animals or insects (ex. fear of snakes, bugs).
4. Situational type: Fears triggered by specific situations, such as getting in an elevator or fear of crowds.
5. Other types: Fears that do not fit into the other four categories. Can include things such as a fear of clowns, or the fear of balloons.
In this week’s discussion, we will explore the issue of stress as it relates to phobias.
-Select an object, event or situation that you have an intense fear about (ex. flying on an airplane, public speaking).
-In detail, explain what it is about the object, event, or situation that triggers negative feelings.
-How do you feel when you are confronted with said object, event, or situation? Describe any physical and emotional symptoms.
-How long have you been aware of this phobia? Do you know what might have caused it?
-On a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is minimal stress and 10 is extreme stress, where would you rate your discomfort/stress level with this phobia?
-How do you manage this phobia? Have you ever sought professional help?
**Note: Because the questions posed here are of a rather personal nature, you are free to share as much or as little as you feel comfortable sharing. If you do not wish to speak of a personal phobia, you can write about another person’s phobias and respond to the questions from that perspective.
APA Format. 275 words.
HOW TO ANSWER
Phobias, as you’ve described, are intense and irrational fears of specific objects or situations. These fears can lead to significant stress and anxiety when confronted with the triggering stimuli. It’s fascinating how what causes distress in one person may not affect another in the same way.
One example of a common phobia is the fear of flying on an airplane. Many individuals experience anxiety and stress when faced with the prospect of air travel. The triggers for this fear can vary, from concerns about turbulence to worries about the lack of control while in flight. When confronted with the situation, individuals with this phobia may experience physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweating, trembling, and nausea. Emotionally, they may feel panic, dread, and a strong desire to avoid the situation altogether.
The duration of a phobia can vary widely among individuals. Some people may have been aware of their fear for many years, while others might develop phobias later in life. Often, the root causes of phobias can be traced back to specific traumatic events or early childhood experiences.
On a scale of 1 to 10, the discomfort and stress level associated with a phobia can be quite high, often ranging from 7 to 10. This level of stress can significantly impact an individual’s daily life, as they may go to great lengths to avoid situations that trigger their phobia.
Managing phobias can be challenging, but various therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy, have been effective in helping individuals confront and overcome their fears. Professional help, in the form of therapy or counseling, can be a valuable resource for those struggling with phobias, providing them with the tools and strategies to reduce stress and regain control over their lives.