Most people know someone with a phobia, even if they do not have one themselves. Phobias are usually grouped into three types: specific phobias, agoraphobia and social phobias. Here are ten of the most common.
1. Spiders
Probably the first fear people think of. It is often learned from those around us, even though most spiders are harmless to humans. See the fear of spiders page.
2. Flying
Flying is one of the safest ways to travel, but rare accidents get huge news coverage, which keeps the fear alive. See the fear of flying page.
3. Germs
A fear of germs can lead to strict cleaning routines and avoiding busy places such as hospitals, schools and public transport. See the fear of germs page.
4. Needles
Most of us tense up before an injection. With a needle phobia, the fear is far stronger, and it can make vaccines and blood tests very hard. See the fear of needles page.
5. Heights
A fear of heights can keep you from viewing platforms, mountain roads and even everyday bridges. See the fear of heights page.
6. Snakes
Most people in the UK have barely seen a snake outside a zoo, yet the fear is very common. Films have not helped. See the fear of snakes page.
7. Dogs
A fear of dogs can come from a bad experience, or from growing up without them. See the fear of dogs page.
8. Social situations
Social fears, such as public speaking or being watched, are often dismissed as shyness, but they can keep people away from school, work and friends. See the fear of public speaking page.
9. Crowded spaces
Agoraphobia is a fear of places where it feels hard to escape, and is often linked to panic attacks. In stronger cases people stop leaving the house. See the fear of crowded spaces page.
10. Thunder and lightning
People with this fear often check the forecast every day and may cancel plans if storms are due. See the fear of thunder and lightning page.
If one of these sounds like you, it is worth tackling early, before it starts to shape your life.
Want help with a phobia?
Take the free phobia test to see how strong your fear is, or book a £49 consultation call and we can talk it through.
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