There are many different kinds of phobias, but the one thing that they all have in common is that they are an over-intense fear of a situation or object, that wouldn't usually worry others to the same extent. They can sometimes affect people's lives in very drastic ways, depending what is the source of the phobia. Although phobias are not an illness in themselves, they often provoke the very severe symptoms associated typically with anxiety and can result in panic attacks. Panic attacks (See section on Anxiety) do pass, but they can be extremely frightening and distressing at the time.

Phobias can feature places, situations, animals or objects and the source of the fear can at times seem unlikely and even amusing to other people. This can lead to embarrassment for the person with the phobia, but it is important to try and remember that people with phobias are genuinely fearful of the feelings which these objects/ situations/ animals etc trigger. People with phobias will go to great lengths to avoid contact with the trigger of this fear and, as such, phobias can have a huge impact on someone's day to day life. This is especially if the source of the phobia is common eg dogs, spiders, stairs, enclosed spaces etc.

People can develop phobias about practically anything, but they can be broken down into groups. Below are some common examples:

Situations

• Heights
• Being alone
• Enclosed spaces
• Crowds
• Being in the dark

Illness

• Heart trouble
• Cancer
• Losing a limb

Social situations

• Meeting people socially or in public
• Making speeches
• Eating in front of others

Agoraphobia

• Leaving the safety of your home

Specific phobias

• Any animal, bird or insect, e.g. people can develop phobias of dogs, birds, spiders etc.
• Airplanes/ flying
• Germs

All phobias are on a continuum, with some people experiencing slight fear of the source, whilst others may exhibit extreme fear and panic if confronted with the source of their phobia. Phobias are very common and extremely wide ranging. Some people can pinpoint the causes of them, but for others, there seems to be no apparent cause.

To gain more information about Phobias and ways in which you can learn to better manage a phobia, please follow the link to the National Mind Information leaflet called Understanding Phobias