Phobias make many situations stressful

Post your questions about stress here.

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by Guest Posts on Thu Oct 11, 2018 9:53 am

Phobias make many situations stressful

I have long term anxiety (emetophobia, social phobia and general anxiety issues) and in the last 18 month or so, have been struggling with depression as well (it was very slowly beginning to improve, but is currently going downhill again and has necessitated a change in medication). Am currently working both with my GP and a therapist, but any help is appreciated.

The phobias make many, many (seemingly normal) situations stressful. However, a large part of my depression has been crying/feeling that I’m going to cry/trying not to cry/trying to carry on as normal after crying – you get the idea! When I feel as low and as upset as that, do you have any hints for how to help cope with stress? Sometimes working and seeing people seems impossible.

Thank you. Claire
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Teyhou Smyth
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by Teyhou Smyth on Thu Oct 11, 2018 3:13 pm

Re: Phobias make many situations stressful

Thank you for your question.

One of the most effective treatments for specific phobias is a form of psychotherapy called exposure therapy. Exposure therapy focuses on changing your response to the object or situation that you fear. Gradual, repeated exposure to the source of your specific phobia and the related thoughts, feelings and sensations may help you learn to manage your anxiety. Understanding the cause of a phobia is actually less important than focusing on how to treat the avoidance behavior that has developed over time.The goal of treatment is to improve quality of life so that you're no longer limited by your phobias. As you learn how to better manage and relate to your reactions, thoughts and feelings, you'll find that your anxiety and fear are reduced and no longer in control of your life.

Other techniques which have proven to be effective with phobias include desensitization, flooding -- prolonged exposure to a fearful situation or experience and biofeedback.

For further information please visit my blog on phobias and tips on stress management:
https://www.lifebalancellc.com/teyhousmyth/phobias/
https://www.lifebalancellc.com/publications/
Teyhou Smyth
Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and Registered Associate Professional Clinical Counselor

http://www.talkhealthpartnership.com/on ... _smyth.php

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