The word 'phobia' is widely used. It is often associated with fear, but it's not that simple. Phobia means fear of something, but it is actually more specific than that. When you have an intense and irrational fear for something that is not dangerous or life-threatening (like spiders or snakes), then you are suffering from a phobia. There are many types of phobias – such as arachnophobia (fear of spiders) and agoraphobia (fear of open spaces). In this blog, we’ll look at one in particular: complex phobias.

A complex phobia is characterised by an intense and irrational fear of a particular situation, object, or circumstance. What sets it apart from a specific phobia is the complexity and range of triggers that can evoke fear and anxiety. While specific phobias are limited to a single object or situation, complex phobias tend to be more pervasive and interconnected with various aspects of life.

Complex phobia is a serious disorder

• Complex phobia can have a substantial impact on your life. It can affect your relationships and work, as well as preventing you from living your normal life.
• Living with a complex phobia can be very difficult. If you have one, you may feel isolated and alone, even though you are surrounded by people who love and care about you. You might also suffer from depression or other mental health issues as your phobia takes its toll on your physical and emotional health.
• If you suffer from complex phobia, you may find it helpful having someone to talk to about what you’re going through and who can help you develop ways to better manage everyday life. The good news is that there are many effective treatments for complex phobias available today - you just need to find the right one for you!

Complex phobias, depending on the severity, may benefit from treatment by trained professionals such as psychiatrists or therapists who specialise in treating anxiety disorders like PTSD, OCD and panic disorder (to name just a few).

Agoraphobia

If you have agoraphobia, your fear of specific situations is likely to be triggered by a situation or place that you've been in before. For example, if someone with agoraphobia has been stuck on an elevator before and couldn't get out, then they may become anxious about getting into another elevator.

Agoraphobia can also develop from a general fear of open spaces or being in crowds. This type of phobia develops gradually over time as the person's anxiety increases when entering these situations and eventually leads them to avoid them altogether so as not to experience any panic attacks or other symptoms associated with their phobia.

Social Phobia

Social phobia is a phobia that causes intense fear and anxiety in social situations. The person with this problem has an intense fear of being watched or judged by others, or by new and strange social situations, which can lead to avoidance of social activities. Social phobia usually starts in childhood or early adolescence, but it can develop at any age.

Symptoms of social phobia include blushing, sweating, trembling voice, shaking, nausea, stomach upset, dizziness and fainting.

How counselling can help

Counselling is a way to help you understand your phobia, manage it and eventually challenge it. Counselling can also be used to work towards living a better life.

If you are suffering with complex phobias and you would like to find a way through your difficulties, please get in touch with Hope and Harmony to see how counselling can help you.