Here's How To Face Your Fears

Don’t let your anxieties hold you back!

- Faye M Smith

Is a crippling fear of flying putting you offa longed-for overseas break? You’re not alone. ‘the thought of encountering the subject of our fears can be paralysing,’ says psychologist dr mark Winwood. ‘But if we think about fears and phobias differently, we can start to see them as a motivating force.’

Fear vs phobia

‘Almost everyone is afraid of something,’ explains psychologist Emma Kenny. ‘But a fear is classified as a phobia if it’s excessive and it bothers you enough to affect your everyday life. For example, if you have a phobia about snakes, you won’t visit countries where you have a chance of seeing one. phobias have been found to be linked to the amygdala, the structure in the brain that triggers the release of ‘fight-or-flight’ hormones. A logical assumption is that you can deal with your phobia by avoiding it. But the more you avoid your fear, the bigger your fear will become,’ adds Emma. We spoke to the experts to find out how to tackle your fears and phobias, head on...

Fear of… the sea

A fear of the ocean is often deeprooted and can be linked to a fear of the unknown. It can be caused by anything from big waves to being seasick on a boat, or even receiving bad news while on the beach.

HOW IT CURE IT: You might feel anxious by the sea, but not know why,’ says counsellor Lorna Cordwell. ‘Think back to why you might have that anxiety. Understanding this will help a therapist to work through those feelings with you, which may have been suppressed and forgotten.’

Fear of… flying