What are you afraid of? Sharing your phobia(s) will help others!

[Furyan66]

Good morning all..

When I was younger I had the privilege of growing up both in a city environment and a country environment. I can say with the mixture of the two at that time I cannot remember any phobia's I had until I had my first seizure in 2009 which the doctors diagnosed as a "neurological event" they suspect nervous breakdown or minor stroke. I was later diagnosed with PTSD and the phobia's kicked in.

I am claustrophobic now which is the main one along this is a strange one. I love all animals especially dogs. Now ever since my first seizure I have a phobia of house cat's which to me iz completely bizarre. Feedback on that last one appreciated. I can understand the PTSD and claustrophobia but cats?????

Peace All

Fury

Hey there, Fury

I must say that a sudden fear of cats is a not new one for me, and that I know for certain that there are neurological events that are followed by phobic behavior that wasn't exhibited beforehand. Many irrational fears rest in the subconscious from childhood and are then activated by a particular event (whether emotional or physical). A seizure or a stroke are surely among those events. I have read that 70% of stroke victims exhibit new phobic behavior. Seizures can do the same thing. Could it be that you had a bad experience with a cat many years ago? Very young children are often initially afraid of cats. Early exposure to them can be traumatic, forcing the memories and associated fear into the subconscious, where it can rest for years. Do you think that this could have happened to you?

RM

I wish I had an answer for you RM... Never had any kind of problems with cat's before. I love ALL animals and remember no bad experiences with cat's at all.

Bizarre the way the mind works..

Peace RM and to all

Fury

[happyvibe]

I have a fear of flying which boils down to the fear of not being in control.  I also think it’s the fear of death.  I’ve tried everything but being hypnotized.

Hi Happyville,
I think that you are right when you say that a fear of not being in control is the primary fear behind those who avoid flying. I used to fly regularly between NJ and South FL, about a 3 hour trip. Seemingly normal people would suddenly act out when on a plane. I observed so many incidents of people exploding in anger over almost nothing. I think that even though most people aren't in touch with it on a conscious level, pretty much everyone who does fly senses that lack of control and it puts them on edge. Also true that there are other fears that make it even more difficult... like fear of death (as you say), claustrophobia, and social phobia, to name a few. Have you flown before? I have seen some rather impressive results using progressive desensitization techniques coupled with light use of benzo's. The success rate depends on what the primary fear is. The hardest group were always the claustrophobics. The easiest were those who feared a loss of control. The feeling of being in control is mostly an illusion. Seldom are we in total control of anything. Even when driving a car, we can't control what another driver might do to us. Even though a plane ride takes that feeling to the extreme, knowing that you already conquer many situations daily where you aren't in control may help you eventually conquer your fear of flying. As for the fear of death, that is usually diminished when a person studies statistics about the safety of air travel versus other forms of transportation. It is a process, though. Are you someone who has attempted flying and has had a bad experience? Or do you just sense that you might be afraid to do so you haven't tried?  Just curious, in case you care to answer. Cheers.  RM

---

I have a fear of flying which boils down to the fear of not being in control.  I also think it’s the fear of death.  I’ve tried everything but being hypnotized.

Hi Happyville,
I think that you are right when you say that a fear of not being in control is the primary fear behind those who avoid flying. I used to fly regularly between NJ and South FL, about a 3 hour trip. Seemingly normal people would suddenly act out when on a plane. I observed so many incidents of people exploding in anger over almost nothing. I think that even though most people aren't in touch with it on a conscious level, pretty much everyone who does fly senses that lack of control and it puts them on edge. Also true that there are other fears that make it even more difficult... like fear of death (as you say), claustrophobia, and social phobia, to name a few. Have you flown before? I have seen some rather impressive results using progressive desensitization techniques coupled with light use of benzo's. The success rate depends on what the primary fear is. The hardest group were always the claustrophobics. The easiest were those who feared a loss of control. The feeling of being in control is mostly an illusion. Seldom are we in total control of anything. Even when driving a car, we can't control what another driver might do to us. Even though a plane ride takes that feeling to the extreme, knowing that you already conquer many situations daily where you aren't in control may help you eventually conquer your fear of flying. As for the fear of death, that is usually diminished when a person studies statistics about the safety of air travel versus other forms of transportation. It is a process, though. Are you someone who has attempted flying and has had a bad experience? Or do you just sense that you might be afraid to do so you haven't tried?  Just curious, in case you care to answer. Cheers.  RM

I fly all the time.  I used to live in Asia and fly back and forth to NY.  I'm actually calmer on those longer haul flights flights because maybe the plane is bigger??  I do agree with you- there are so many other facets in life that we don't have control over.  I once was on a super turbulent flight and a nice woman in front of me was trying to calm me down telling me taking the subway is more dangerous.   i guess its an irrational fear and i do try and remind myself how safe it is and the pilots know what the heck they are doing.  i was actually told by a pilot once to take flying lessons.  but between my bad eye sight and nervous nature i think thats a bad idea!

[Justice1]

I talked my way out of fear of flying by noting that f plane were to go down due to loss of control in turbulents,which I've had pleasure of expriencing,,Rocky Mountain Scareways,Lol,well your not gonna be likely to linger it will take you quip and then you will not have any reason to worry anymore,,l was once on a plane inbound to Denver and we nearly collided with another plane,I could see the people in the other plane,it was strange,,planes are easier if ativan is available mainly due to fear of losing control,,I think most unusual fear is from that one..Butterflies,I'm just now thinking of them flying and landing on me,and it may be a bit creepy in that it feels wierd like bug crawling under skin and f you try to get them off you they may get squished and that's sad and creepy at same time,,I can relate to that one,but I'm not worried about it actually happening because I don't have to go into the realm of butterflies..they re pretty things to me..I've filled over moths landing on me..But only for a minute and once I realize it's not a biting critter or stinging,it's better,or a dirty nuisance critter like roach,,it seems if those are on you it implies you are somehow unclean..RM I have read and appreciate you r replies, tomorrow I have a SSDI mental health exam,,yikes, I'm a bit nervous about it but I have not reached for an ativan, I may take half of one just to be more calm and centered,I don't get loopy or risky to drive as my body is used to them,for a time period back yrs ago it Wa the only thing that made me feel normal,but I have this thing about not wanting to be dependant,,probably common asg you mentioned in previous post..happy Monday all,I tues my ultimate fear is humiliation for revealing my true self and that's a tough one to get laser but I am working on that one

[Naomi]

I hope your exam goes well! I always get nervous for evaluations and the like. Just remind yourself that you're taking a step to better yourself and that you'll feel relieved after it's over. You can do it!

[happyvibe]

I talked my way out of fear of flying by noting that f plane were to go down due to loss of control in turbulents,which I've had pleasure of expriencing,,Rocky Mountain Scareways,Lol,well your not gonna be likely to linger it will take you quip and then you will not have any reason to worry anymore,,l was once on a plane inbound to Denver and we nearly collided with another plane,I could see the people in the other plane,it was strange,,planes are easier if ativan is available mainly due to fear of losing control,,I think most unusual fear is from that one..Butterflies,I'm just now thinking of them flying and landing on me,and it may be a bit creepy in that it feels wierd like bug crawling under skin and f you try to get them off you they may get squished and that's sad and creepy at same time,,I can relate to that one,but I'm not worried about it actually happening because I don't have to go into the realm of butterflies..they re pretty things to me..I've filled over moths landing on me..But only for a minute and once I realize it's not a biting critter or stinging,it's better,or a dirty nuisance critter like roach,,it seems if those are on you it implies you are somehow unclean..RM I have read and appreciate you r replies, tomorrow I have a SSDI  mental health exam,,yikes, I'm a bit nervous about it but I have not reached for an ativan, I may take half of one just to be more calm and centered,I don't get loopy or risky to drive as my body is used to them,for a time period back yrs ago it Wa the only thing that made me feel normal,but I have this thing about not wanting to be dependant,,probably common asg you mentioned in previous post..happy Monday all,I tues my ultimate fear is humiliation  for revealing my true self and that's a tough one to get laser but I am working on that one

good luck on your exam and way to go for not reaching for it- and if u do that's ok too, bc you tried!  When I first met my husband , I did not want him to see my "true self" either.  this crazy, anxious, nervous person. but little by little i did.  i realized as long as you are a good person, you don't have to make apologies or hide who you are.

[Rafterman]

I have a fear of flying which boils down to the fear of not being in control.  I also think it’s the fear of death.  I’ve tried everything but being hypnotized.

Hi Happyville,
I think that you are right when you say that a fear of not being in control is the primary fear behind those who avoid flying. I used to fly regularly between NJ and South FL, about a 3 hour trip. Seemingly normal people would suddenly act out when on a plane. I observed so many incidents of people exploding in anger over almost nothing. I think that even though most people aren't in touch with it on a conscious level, pretty much everyone who does fly senses that lack of control and it puts them on edge. Also true that there are other fears that make it even more difficult... like fear of death (as you say), claustrophobia, and social phobia, to name a few. Have you flown before? I have seen some rather impressive results using progressive desensitization techniques coupled with light use of benzo's. The success rate depends on what the primary fear is. The hardest group were always the claustrophobics. The easiest were those who feared a loss of control. The feeling of being in control is mostly an illusion. Seldom are we in total control of anything. Even when driving a car, we can't control what another driver might do to us. Even though a plane ride takes that feeling to the extreme, knowing that you already conquer many situations daily where you aren't in control may help you eventually conquer your fear of flying. As for the fear of death, that is usually diminished when a person studies statistics about the safety of air travel versus other forms of transportation. It is a process, though. Are you someone who has attempted flying and has had a bad experience? Or do you just sense that you might be afraid to do so you haven't tried?  Just curious, in case you care to answer. Cheers.  RM

---

I have a fear of flying which boils down to the fear of not being in control.  I also think it’s the fear of death.  I’ve tried everything but being hypnotized.

Hi Happyville,
I think that you are right when you say that a fear of not being in control is the primary fear behind those who avoid flying. I used to fly regularly between NJ and South FL, about a 3 hour trip. Seemingly normal people would suddenly act out when on a plane. I observed so many incidents of people exploding in anger over almost nothing. I think that even though most people aren't in touch with it on a conscious level, pretty much everyone who does fly senses that lack of control and it puts them on edge. Also true that there are other fears that make it even more difficult... like fear of death (as you say), claustrophobia, and social phobia, to name a few. Have you flown before? I have seen some rather impressive results using progressive desensitization techniques coupled with light use of benzo's. The success rate depends on what the primary fear is. The hardest group were always the claustrophobics. The easiest were those who feared a loss of control. The feeling of being in control is mostly an illusion. Seldom are we in total control of anything. Even when driving a car, we can't control what another driver might do to us. Even though a plane ride takes that feeling to the extreme, knowing that you already conquer many situations daily where you aren't in control may help you eventually conquer your fear of flying. As for the fear of death, that is usually diminished when a person studies statistics about the safety of air travel versus other forms of transportation. It is a process, though. Are you someone who has attempted flying and has had a bad experience? Or do you just sense that you might be afraid to do so you haven't tried?  Just curious, in case you care to answer. Cheers.  RM

I fly all the time.  I used to live in Asia and fly back and forth to NY.  I'm actually calmer on those longer haul flights flights because maybe the plane is bigger??  I do agree with you- there are so many other facets in life that we don't have control over.  I once was on a super turbulent flight and a nice woman in front of me was trying to calm me down telling me taking the subway is more dangerous.   i guess its an irrational fear and i do try and remind myself how safe it is and the pilots know what the heck they are doing.  i was actually told by a pilot once to take flying lessons.  but between my bad eye sight and nervous nature i think thats a bad idea!

Wow, Asia to NY repeatedly? That is some accomplishment. I know that you are not claustrophobic, but when my claustrophobia was ay its peak, doing something like that would have been the equivalent to climbing Mount Everest. I think it is true that a larger plane helps somewhat. Those planes that I used to take between NJ and FL were like sardine cans. Its good to hear that you are still flying all the time, though. Most people who have a problem with air travel just stop doing it, so its admirable that you keep hanging in there.
I know what you mean about getting advice from other passengers. People used to say to me, "Don't worry, the plane isn't going to run out of air"...lol. Claustrophobia isn't about fear of a lack of air or even a fear of small spaces. Those things might trigger it, but its about the inability to flee when you want to. But the people were well meaning. Anyway, thanks for sharing.  RM

[Justice1]

I was very calm at ssdi psych eval.i was expressivevthat I was sad about whats happened to me and being in place I'm into now,stated why I am not able to work,and the diagnosises I carry on my chart,,she didn't tedt me for anything except the count backward 100 by 7s,then the 4 items cup,bird or ? And I recalled them,but she again asked at end and I blanked out and only recalled 2?It was wierd.i think my brother will come up to Wa. And help me move to Colo, He is thinking about it..It's frightening to think of driving to Colo in middle if winter being somweak,I can barely make to Dr and grocery,uuugg.

[Rafterman]

I was very calm at ssdi psych eval.i was expressivevthat I was sad about whats happened to me and being in place I'm into now,stated why I am not able to work,and the diagnosises I carry on  my chart,,she didn't tedt me for anything except the count backward 100 by 7s,then the 4 items cup,bird or ? And I recalled them,but she again asked at end and I blanked out and only recalled 2?It was wierd.i think my brother will come up to Wa. And help me move to Colo, He is thinking about it..It's frightening to think of driving to Colo in middle if winter being somweak,I can barely make to Dr and grocery,uuugg.

Justice,
I really wish that you were able to move to an area with a warm weather climate. It helps so much for people with your symptom profile. I am speaking from first hand experience. As for the ssdi psych eval...just wondering if it was a doctor who ran you through it? In some states, that is the law. I just looked up WA and could not find anything on that. At our practice, I wasn't allowed to do ssdi psych evals, even though I was a licensed psychotherapist. Our practice was in Manhattan and NY law states that only an MD can administer that evaluation.  RM

[Justice1]

It was a psychologist who did the psych exam,I had a medical exam about 2 weeks ago by a vascular surgeon,I am just now noticing that cold makes my circulation worse..I think the gabapenin is lifting the n ueropathy that I did not even realize was so severe and I'm starting to note other stuff.i think both of the appointed examiners have been retirement part timers.They were both kind and respectfull.i do regret telling the psych that I was taking prednisone for my symptoms because it works.i had a ton of it from the 90s and early 2000s when I would get asthma so tried it and woke up feeling better so I hope it doesn't bite me.yikes.My condition is completely legit.and it literally makes it so I cannot be vertical for more than like 30 minutes,have to wear stockings on legs and arms,,when I don't take prednisone I get worse with all of the swelling and pressure,allergy to nsaids,everyone has a complicated story,do you mean a dry climate?Colorado is dry and can be cold in winter,vs Washington which is damp cold..I've only been knocked down from this since last July.,I would like more info on your 1st hand experience with this,I just think you are wonderfully kind.I think I'm talking too much and repeating myself,lol

[Rafterman]

It was a psychologist who did the psych exam,I had a medical exam about 2 weeks ago by a vascular surgeon,I am just now noticing that cold makes my circulation worse..I think the gabapenin is lifting the n ueropathy that I did not even realize was so severe and I'm starting to note other stuff.i think both of the appointed examiners have been retirement part timers.They were both kind and respectfull.i do regret telling the psych that I was taking prednisone for my symptoms because it works.i had a ton of it from the 90s and early 2000s when I would get asthma so tried it and woke up feeling better so I hope it doesn't bite me.yikes.My condition is completely legit.and it literally makes it so I cannot be vertical for more than like 30 minutes,have to wear stockings on legs and arms,,when I don't take prednisone I get worse with all of the swelling and pressure,allergy to nsaids,everyone has a complicated story,do you mean a dry climate?Colorado is dry and can be cold in winter,vs Washington which is damp cold..I've only been  knocked down from this since last July.,I would like more info on your 1st hand experience with this,I  just think  you are wonderfully  kind.I think I'm talking too much and repeating myself,lol

Thanks, Justice, but I think that you are the kind one. There are so many great off-label uses for Pred. I think that I have a thread about using it in place of pk in some conditions. It is really a wonder drug and I only use that term when referring to precious few medications. My sister has connective tissue disorder and her doc goes off-label with Pred for her and it has saved her life. Not to mention how Vets use it for animals. Hold cow, its like they give Pred for just about anything that ails a cat or dog. Oh, when I mentioned the warm weather climate, I should have said that I wasn't talking about your physical health. My bad. I always advise a warmer climate for the betterment of everyone's mental health...even if they are not depressed at the time. I think that it does wonders. To me able to have full mobility (being able to drive, having all the stores open) 365 days a year is invaluable to me. I hate feeling confined. I lived for close to 50 years in NYC and Jersey and I had enough of the snow. I know that not everyone is this way. Colorado is gorgeous, its just that I now seem top have a need to be able to wear short pants year round,,lol.  Take care for now.  RM