When a person suffers from irrational fears, they will often mold their love to avoid them. The imagined threat is more significant than any actual threat posed by them. It may prevent one from leading an everyday life. It causes you to struggle to manage what you’re feeling and overcome what you’re afraid of.
Irrational fears can also be exhausting. It’s no joke that it takes an immense toll on your mental wellbeing. Also, quality of life.
With that being said, we have crafted a guide for them. Continue reading as we’ll walk you through everything about irrational fears. We’ll discuss its definitions, link to anxiety, examples, and symptoms. We’ll also list actionable steps to help you cope with a better life. Let’s start.
What’s an Irrational Fear?
Irrational fears are usually a kind of anxiety disorder. They are known as phobias. These fears can impede you from living a productive life. They can be debilitating.
Phobias typically involve an unrealistic fear. And it is of an activity, animal, object, or situation. There are a wide variety of them that can affect your life. These irrational fears can rule your world.
When you have a phobia, you know in your mind that the fear is entirely irrational. Yet, it can be challenging to break the cycle. Even the thought of triggering it may cause you to have a full-blown panic.
Phobias are related to anxiety disorders. Their cause is definite. Many things can bring on fear on general anxiety.
Irrational fears often manifest as a result of a traumatic event in childhood. For one, suppose you were bitten by a dog when you were younger. It is reasonable that you might be afraid of dogs throughout your life. Yet, if you actively avoid going out in case you see a dog on a walk, it can be deemed irrational. It is because most dogs don’t directly threaten your safety or wellbeing.
Another illustration of a phobia is that of heights. It’s typical to be fearful of heights. Yet, if it is so intense that it impedes you from taking a job in an office on the fourth floor, it would be labeled a phobia.
Some irrational fears are more obscure. They can include being afraid of balloons, tiny holes, sleeping, or cotton wool. No matter what the fear is, its influence makes it irrational. It impacts a person’s life beyond what is justifiable.
Irrational Fears and Anxiety Disorder
Phobias and irrational fears are a kind of anxiety disorder. It is the reason why if you have a distinct phobia, you may experience intense feelings of anxiousness.
Irrational Fears Example
People with a specific phobia have a continuous, irrational fear of particular objects or situations. These are some examples:
- Balloons
- Bugs
- Dentist
- Driving
- Enclosed spaces
- Germs
- Snakes
- Blood
- Flying
- Elevators
Other types of phobias
If you have agoraphobia, you have much distress that has three themes:
- Leaving home
- Being alone
- It’s a scene where you can’t suddenly leave or get help. You feel trapped or helpless.
If you have social phobia, you have persistent, irrational fears in which other people may scrutinize you. It’s also the fear of being criticized and embarrassed by others. People with it shy away from public speaking, parties, and public restrooms. They may even avoid restos.
Key Irrational Fear Symptoms
There are a few common symptoms irrational fear sufferers experience. Some may be physical, and others are on the emotional side. People with phobias and fears tend to observe that their symptoms heighten the more they think about the fear, more so if they are confronted with the source of their fear.
Common physical symptoms:
- Sweating
- Shaking
- Chest pains
- Increased heart rate
- Breathing issues
- Hot and or cold flashes
- Feelings of dizziness
Common emotional symptoms:
- Feeling an urgent sense of needing to escape a situation
- Feeling overwhelmed by anxiety
- Feeling like you’ve lost control.
How To Overcome Irrational Fears
Some phobias are never entirely cured. Yet, there are ways your doctor can help you get a hold of them. It’s vital to seek help and get treatment for irrational fears. A person whose irrational fear goes untreated may become withdrawn. Moreover, they are depressed and unable to be in a social situation.
1. Exposure therapy
Exposure therapy. Your doctor will try to alter how you react to what you’re fearful about. It is done by gradually exposing you to it. It works well for specific phobias.
Suppose you’re afraid of dogs. You may begin just by thinking about them. Then, looking at a picture of one. Next, spending time with a dog in a controlled space. At each step, you practice relaxing. Once the anxiety is alleviated, you’re ready for actual exposure.
2. Cognitive behavioral therapy
In addition to exposure, you become aware of new ways to handle what you fear differently. It is called CBT. You figure out how to control how you think and feel about it. You will no longer allow fear to control you.
Relaxation strategies, biofeedback, regular deep breathing, and support. All you can do is aid in overcoming anxiety during treatment. Attending phobia clinics and support groups is also a great idea. They have helped so many people overcome their fears.
3. Medications
Your docs may sometimes decide that medications will aid. Medications are employed in conjunction with therapy. They may not necessarily be a part of the initial treatment.
Antidepressants. A class of these drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can be helpful. They aid in the treatment of social phobia.
4. Beta-blockers
Many musicians, actors, and lecturers alleviate their symptoms of stage fright with this drug known as propranolol. They temporarily improve physical symptoms of anxiety. Low doses can block the adrenaline effects. It is what drives the body’s response to stress.
5. Sedative-hypnotic drugs
Short-term treatment may also include these drugs. They can ease anxiety. Yet, they may be habit-forming and cause drowsiness.
6. Anticonvulsant medicines
These medications have been shown to have value in early research studies. It is for several types of anxiety disorder, including social phobia.
Self-Help Strategies for Phobias
1. Face your fears, one step at a time
Avoidance of your fears may make you feel better in the short term. Yet, it limits you from learning that your phobia may not be as frightening. Also, not as overwhelming as you think.
Gradually and continuously expose yourself to what you fear. Do so in a safe and controlled way. During the process, you’ll realize to ride out the anxiety and fear. It is until it eventually passes. With each exposure, you’ll feel more confident and in control. Your irrational fear will start to lose its power.
2. Learn to calm down quickly.
When you’re fearful or anxious, you experience a variety of uncomfortable physical symptoms. For one, a racing heart or a suffocating feeling. These sensations can be frightening on their own. They are also a large part of what makes your phobia so distressing.
It’s best to learn how to calm yourself down quickly. In doing so, you become more confident in making uncomfortable sensations. You face your fears.
Perform a simple deep breathing exercise. By breathing deeply, you can reverse these physical symptoms. You will feel less tense. You will fee less short of breath. Moreover, less anxious.
3. Challenge negative thoughts about your phobia.
When you suffer from aphobia, you tend to overestimate how destructive it will be. You also underestimate your ability to cope. The anxious thoughts that trigger and fuel your irrational fears are negative and unrealistic most times.
Begin by writing down the negative thoughts when faced with your phobia. Then, challenge these unhelpful ways of thinking.
Ask yourself the following four questions:
- Is there any evidence that contradicts my negative thoughts?
- Could you do anything to resolve this situation if it does occur?
- Are you thinking in an unhelpful way?
- What would you say to a friend who has this fear?
Frequently Asked Questions About Irrational Fears
1. What are examples of fears?
- Arachnophobia. Fear of spiders.
- Ophidiophobia. Fear of snakes.
- Acrophobia. Fear of heights.
- Agoraphobia. Fear of open or crowded spaces.
- Cynophobia. Fear of dogs.
2. How do you deal with irrational fears?
- Understanding your fear
- Exposure therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Relaxation techniques
- Mindfulness and meditation
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle
- Professional help
3. What is the most rare fear?
One of the rarest and most unusual phobias is “Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia.” It is, ironically, the fear of long words. It can cause one to feel highly anxious or uncomfortable when confronted with long words.
4. What is the #1 phobia?
Arachnophobia is the most common phobia. It is known to be the fear of spiders. It can induce feelings of panic and discomfort. It is sometimes even just by seeing a picture of a spider.
Coping with irrational fears is possible. Overcoming it can undoubtedly be achieved. With our guide, we hope to impart some knowledge to you. Know that phobias can never control you if you don’t let it.
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Author Tracy Gorman
I am Tracy Gorman, an experienced writer dedicated to producing compelling and informative content. With a deep understanding of diverse subjects such as lifestyle, beauty, and wellness, I create valuable articles for everyone.
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