Specific Phobias
Yes, indeed — a phobia falls under the umbrella of anxiety disorders. It is not uncommon for people to have fears about certain things. Animals, situations, heights, water, fire… name it, and there will be people who experience extreme discomfort about it. However, phobias are often over-exaggerated reactions of fear to the point of irrationality.
It is possible to have more than one phobia. There are at least five categories of phobias as well, namely phobias of:
- Animals
- Natural environments
- Blood, injuries, and injections
- Situations
If you are unsure whether you do have a phobia, here are some signs and symptoms to look out for:
- Irrational fear of something
- Doing whatever you can to avoid the subject of your fear
- Your fear is getting in the way of your day-to-day life
- These signs and symptoms have been around for over six months
It is worth noting that if you feel anxiety or fear for things such as public speaking or similar, these fall more under social anxiety than phobias.
Panic Disorders
Panic Disorders usually manifest in the form of a panic attack. But, it is not just a panic attack — it is more. These panic attacks come regularly and frequently, and get in the way of daily life. Panic attacks cause the sufferer not only psychological symptoms but physical effects as well. You can expect:
- Palpitations
- Hyperventilation
- Sweating
- Shaking and trembling
- Chest pain
- General malaise
- Numbness and tingling
- Feelings of detachment
- Fears of dying and/or losing control
- Abdominal pains and nausea
If you have panic attacks regularly for a month, you may have a panic disorder. Seek help from a credible support group or mental health professional.
Key Takeaways
Although mental health awareness needs to be more widespread in the Philippines, it is in your best interest to seek help if you suspect that you’re suffering an anxiety disorder. This is doubly important if your anxiety is getting in the way of your daily life.
There is absolutely nothing wrong about learning more about what may be affecting your psyche, and it takes strength to understand and do what you need to do for your own well-being. If you find yourself unable to visit a psychiatrist due to low funds, there are many free clinics available. The first step is learning about different kinds of anxiety disorders and reaching out for help.
Learn more about Anxiety Disorder here.
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