Phobias are common, yet many people do not understand them or how much they can affect someone’s life. Here are four myths you may have heard.
Myth: a phobia is just a fear
Not quite. Someone who is scared of cats feels fine until they meet one. Someone with a fear of cats may feel sick at a photo, worry every time they leave the house, and even avoid friends who own a cat.
Myth: it is easy to get over a phobia
Getting over a small fear on your own does not mean a phobia works the same way. Trying to force yourself through it without support can sometimes make it worse. With the right help, though, phobias respond very well.
Myth: phobias are passed on in your genes
There is no clear evidence for this. Children can pick up a fear from a parent, but usually because they learn it by watching how the parent reacts.
Myth: unusual phobias are not serious
Some fears sound odd, but if one is affecting your quality of life, it is real. Joking about it only makes people feel ashamed. Anyone can develop a phobia, and there is no shame in getting help.
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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