A phobia is an anxiety disorder involving fear of a situation or object. Image: Phobia Stock Photos
Phobia of the Day: What is Nyctophobia?
A phobia is an anxiety disorder involving fear of a situation or object. Exposure to the source of the fear triggers an irrational response.
A phobia is an anxiety disorder involving fear of a situation or object. Image: Phobia Stock Photos
A phobia is an anxiety disorder involving excessive and persistent fear of a situation or object. Exposure to the source of the fear triggers an immediate anxiety response.
Most specific phobias fall into one of four major categories:
- Fears of the natural environment
- Fears related to animals
- Fear related to medical treatments or issues
- Fears related to specific situations
Phobia of the Day: Nyctophobia is an extreme fear of night or darkness
People with this phobia experience extreme fear that causes distress when they’re in the dark. Symptoms may interfere with daily activities, and school or work performance. They may even lead to health issues. Different phobias share similar symptoms. These signs may be either physical or emotional. With nyctophobia, symptoms may be triggered by being in the dark or even thinking about situations where you’d find yourself in the dark. Physical symptoms include:
- trouble breathing
- racing heart rate
- chest tightness or pain
- shaking, trembling, or tingling sensations
- lightheadedness or dizziness
- upset stomach
- hot or cold flashes
- sweating
SELF-CARE TIPS FOR PHOBIAS THAT BRING ON ANXIETY
- Talk to someone you trust.
- Learn to manage panic and anxiety.
- Look into joining a support group.
- Use self-help resources.
- Take a course for your specific phobia.
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