According to the NHS, a phobia is when a person has an exaggerated or unrealistic sense of danger about a situation or object. It is more than being scared or nervous about something. Having a phobia can be both overwhelming and debilitating.
Phobias are an extremely strong fear that a person has of something - for instance an animal, a feeling, an object, situation or place (often known as the 'trigger').
What are the symptoms of a phobia?
Some common signs that you are experiencing a phobia of something include:
- Anxiety about what may happen to you if you are around the trigger
- Dizziness and feeling faint
- Feeling sick or panicking when thinking about your trigger
- Rapid heart rate
- Feelings of being detached from your body
- Avoiding situations linked to your phobia
- Feeling as though you are in extreme danger
How can TALKWORKS help with a phobia?
Phobias can affect anyone at any time in their lives, no matter who they are, where they are from, how old they are, or what personality type they are.
If you would like help to manage living with a phobia, TALKWORKS is here for you. Our therapists can work with you to help you to develop strategies to help you manage or overcome the phobia. We can offer therapy for a phobia face-to-face, over the phone or by video call.
Please don't feel that you need to struggle with the impact of living with a phobia on your own. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can help you to feel better.
How to access our service
If you are struggling, TALKWORKS is here to help. Here's how you can self-refer to our free, NHS service:
- Complete our online self-referral form
- Call 0300 555 3344
- Email dpt.talkworks@nhs.net
- Speak to your GP
You must be over the age of 18 and living in Devon (excluding Plymouth) to access TALKWORKS. If you are living in Plymouth and would like to access support, please contact Plymouth Options .