The Definition of phobia

It can be quite healthy to be afraid of certain things. Fear of heights, lightning, snakes or anything else that may bring danger is a matter of common sense. A definition of phobia is the point at which a fear becomes irrational. If a fear becomes so chronic that it interferes with someone’s everyday routine, then it can be defined as a phobia.

A phobia can prevent the sufferer from being able to enjoy life and can even preoccupy their thoughts to such an extent that it renders them unable to sleep or work. The fear is excessive and disproportionate to the situation.

The brain triggers a false alarm in response to harmless stimuli, which causes intense unease and apprehension. It interferes with functioning and can be chronic to the point of being disabling.

Someone with a fear of heights would probably still be able to drive over a high bridge in order to get to work. However someone with a phobia of heights may possibly start very early and drive many miles out of their way to avoid the bridge, despite the inconvenience and upheaval this will cause.

This is another of the differences between fear and phobia. For it to qualify as a phobia, avoidance must be evident.

Phobia defintions are also referred to as:

• list of phobia definitions
  
• definition of a phobia
  
• definition of phobia
  
• what is the definition of a phobia
  
• fobias
  
• fobia
• Wasserbetten

The Battle of Change and Coping Skills

Change is an interesting concept that is not always easy to handle. Many people have been quoted, attesting to this:

He who rejects change is the architect of decay.  The only human institution which rejects progress is the cemetery.  ~Harold Wilson

If nothing ever changed, there'd be no butterflies.  ~Author Unknown

It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.  ~Author unknown, commonly misattributed to Charles Darwin

We did not change as we grew older; we just became more clearly ourselves.
~Lynn Hall

See what you think about the following:

1. How is your work or job that you are doing? When you wake up, are you ready to get down to business or does the thought of it produce fear / panic / anxiety?

2. How about your finances – under control? Do you suddenly head to eBay and spend hundreds or thousands of dollars with no forethought, no planning, no setting aside of funds beforehand?

3. Have you been eating and sleeping regularly? Any change in patterns / habits?

4. How’s your social calendar? Have one? Wonder what that is? Afraid to even try to find something to wear to go out in public?

Look over your replies and face facts about your self, your fears and anxieties.  The above questions represent brief glimpses into very basic parts of everyday life. If you can’t roll with the punches, with constant change, maybe you need help. Maybe you need to learn some coping skills and combat change head on. 

When you think of change, remember words of the wise:

When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.
~Victor Frankl

If you don't like something change it; if you can't change it, change the way you think about it.
~Mary Engelbreit

Want to boot your fears and anxiety into touch?

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