Top Phobias Explained

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “an estimated 12.5% of U.S. adults experience specific phobia at some time in their lives.” If you suffer from an irrational fear or choose to avert certain situations based on preconceived fears, then you may be suffering from a phobia. There are an endless amount of phobias, but in today’s article, we will be taking a closer look at a few of the most common phobias among individuals.

At Long Island Counseling, we have helped a number of individuals regain their quality of life and wellbeing with professional therapy services. From individual therapy for trauma and phobias to couples therapy and marriage counseling, we are confident that we can help you, just how we’ve helped all those that walk through our doors. To learn more about some of the most common phobias, continue reading more on the subject below.

Arachnophobia

Arachnophobia, or the fear of spiders, is one of the most prevalent phobias among all individuals, and for good reason. Some statistics state that women suffer from arachnophobia nearly four times more than men, and many scientists attribute this acute fear of spiders to evolutionary selection. Just like snake phobias, spider phobias most likely originated as a survival mechanism. Before modern medicine, one deadly spider bite could carry fatal consequences, leading many individuals to avoid spiders altogether. This is one of the reasons why individuals can still be fearful of spiders in modern times.

Acrophobia

If you are afraid of roller coasters, cliff sides, and airplanes, then there is a good chance that you might be acrophobic. Acrophobia, also known as the fear of heights, is an incredibly common phobia. Reported to affect nearly 1 in 20 adults, acrophobia can cause individuals to avoid tall buildings while also limiting the number of recreational activities that the individual in question may be able to enjoy.

Claustrophobia

Do crowded elevators cause you to experience anxiety? Does the thought of exploring a cave instill a sense of panic? If you tend to avoid small enclosed spaces altogether, then there is a good chance that you could be suffering from claustrophobia. This phobia can be seen in individuals as an evolutionary trait, but it is also not uncommon for individuals suffering from claustrophobia to have experienced a traumatic childhood event leading them to avoid tightly confined spaces altogether. From sweating and shaking to full-blown panic attacks, claustrophobia can present itself in a number of different ways.

These are just a few of the endless amounts of phobias that individuals from all walks of life may suffer from. If you are interested in scheduling a consultation with a trained medical professional in Long Island, Queens County, or Nassau County, then don’t hesitate to reach out to Long Island Counseling today. We have helped a number of individuals that suffer in various forms, and we are ready to help you too. To learn more about our full offering of services, consider getting in touch with our office today. We look forward to speaking with you!