There are many different types of phobias
- Specific phobias: these are fears of specific objects or situations, such as spiders, needles, heights or flying
- Social phobias: these are fears of social situations, such as public speaking or being in crowds
- Agoraphobia: this is a fear of situations that might be difficult to escape from, such as crowded places or being alone outside the home
What are some common phobias?
Aerophobia: Fear of flying. This phobia is quite common, affecting between 10% and 40% of adults. People with aerophobia may experience anxiety, claustrophobia or even panic attacks when they are on airplanes.
Claustrophobia: Fear of enclosed spaces. This phobia is quite common, affecting an estimated 2% to 5% of the population. People with claustrophobia may experience anxiety, panic attacks or even a feeling of suffocation when they are in enclosed spaces, such as elevators, tunnels, scans of various kinds like MRIs or crowded rooms.
Glossophobia: Fear of public speaking. Glossophobia is the fear of public speaking and giving presentations, in fact, it is the experience of intense anxiety and fear when faced with any situations where we have to speak in front of an audience, regardless of the context. It's often cited as the most common phobia, even ranking higher than fear of heights or death!
Agoraphobia: Fear of open spaces or situations that might be difficult to escape from. This phobia is less common than some of the others on this list, but it can be very disabling. People with agoraphobia may experience anxiety, panic attacks or even a fear of leaving their homes.
Social phobia: Fear of social situations. This is one of the most common phobias, affecting an estimated 12% to 15% of the population. People with social phobia may experience anxiety, fear of being judged or even panic attacks when they are in social situations, such as giving presentations or meeting new people.
Trypanophobia: Fear of needles. This is the overwhelming, extreme fear of medical procedures that involve needles which is closely related to phobias of needles, pins or sharp objects. People with trypanophobia specifically fear needles in the medical setting. Although needle phobia is common, it can have severe consequences if it causes you to avoid or delay medical care.
Acrophobia: Fear of heights. This phobia is quite common, affecting an estimated 6% of the population. People with acrophobia may experience anxiety, dizziness or even panic attacks when they are in high places.
It is important to note that this is not an exhaustive list, and there are many other phobias that people can experience. If you think you or someone you know may have a phobia, it is important to seek professional help. Hypnotherapy can be an effective way to deal with phobias.
If you have a phobia, in sessions, I will guide you through the process of how to resolve it so you can move from coping to thriving, be equipped to live a life you feel freer in and create a future you are inspired by.
Sessions are available in person and online.
