It is normal to be frightened and afraid. Fear is a normal instinct and emotional response to warn of and protect from danger and harm.
Common fears can include:-
- Heights (Acrophobia)
- Public speaking (Glossophobia)
- Snakes (Ophidiophobia)
- Flying (Aerophobia)
- Spiders (Arachnophobia)
- Crowds/Being outside (Agoraphobia)
- Clowns (Coulrophobia)
- Enclosed spaces (Claustrophobia)
In the event of a clear and present danger, our brain releases the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol. Muscles in the body tense ready for fighting or running, the heart begins to race, blood pressure rises and breathing becomes erratic. Once the threat is gone, it can take around 20 to 60 minutes for the body to return to normal levels.
A phobia is an excessive and intense fear or anxiety related to specific objects or situations that are irrational and out of proportion to the actual danger they present, and in reality there poses little or no threat or danger. They can sometimes be referred to as ‘irrational fears’. The anxiety that an be associated with a phobia an be so strong that it can effect a persons ability to function and thus their quality of life. The amount or degree to which a phobia affects your life is called an impairment, and this can range from mild to severe.
Fears and phobia’s that are difficult to manage and control can be reduced and often overcome with hypnosis.