Young Wrexham

Phobias and Habits

Phobia

A phobia is an intense fear of a situation or an object that wouldn’t normally worry other people

There are over 10 million people in the UK suffering from a phobia, so whatever yours is, there will be someone who understands

There are several types of phobia:

• Specific phobias e.g. an animal, an insect, germs, injections or flying
• Situation phobias e.g. the dark, heights, confined spaces or being alone
• Social phobias e.g. talking in public, eating in front of others
• Illness phobias e.g. about getting ill
• Phobias can sometimes be traced to a childhood experience or frightening event
• Phobias can be treated using talking treatments such as counselling or hypnotherapy, but more severe phobias may need medical treatment
• A phobia is not an illness but it can trigger panic attacks, which lead to physical symptoms, such as feeling faint, sweating and a shortness of breath. See the Panic Attacks section for more help and advice

Habits

• A habit is a common pattern of behaviour repeated frequently
• Habits can include biting your nails, playing with your hair or cracking your knuckles Habits are formed over time and are generally harmless but hard to break
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a condition in which people experience repetitive thoughts and/or behaviours and can be more serious than a common habit
• It will usually cause repetitive behaviour or rituals where your fears and anxieties take over
• Common obsessions are germs and dirt and can result in ritual washing of hands or cleaning
• The best treatment for OCD is therapy to help change your behaviour
• If you are worried about a phobia or obsessive-compulsive disorder, it is a good idea to talk to someone and visit your GP for treatment advice. Both can be treated with the right support