The Difference Between Fear And Phobia
Fear is a natural emotion when people are afraid to face danger. Whether, there are things or situations they are most afraid of, it could make them feel vulnerable and unsafe.
Phobia on another hand, people would feel uncomfortable, and there would be changes in their behaviour and have high level anxiety when it comes to a specific thing or situation.
However, when an individual is suffering from either fear or phobia, it has an impact on their mental well-being. As well as, emotional and physical well-being.
Symptoms Of Fear And Phobia
Both fear and phobia have similar symptoms, although phobia has more symptoms than fear. Phobia is a twisted version of natural fear and far more serious. For instance, when you need to go down the escalators and you’re afraid of heights, you tend to cry, shake, or overthink about if you’re going to fall. But, gradually you’ll try your best to go down. However, when you have phobia of escalators, you would sweat, panic, or feel anxious of going down. You won’t be able to use the escalators at all.
There are physical and emotional symptoms within fear. Every individual has different experiences when afraid, but also has symptoms. Such as, chest pains, lack of breath, dry mouth, racing heartbeat, sickness, shaking, and indigestion.
People’s experiences within phobia are so different, but does involve fear and anxiety. Also, overthinking can cause you to have symptoms. The symptoms can have an affect on your physical and mental well-being. It includes dizziness, sickness, racing heartbeat, feeling faint, lack of breath, indigestion, sweating, chest pains, feeling the tightness of the throat or chest, feeling cold or hot, numbness, and shaking.
Also, you may have a fear of fainting, death, not being in control, and being out of touch with reality. If the symptoms are serious, it might cause you to have a panic attack.
Causes Of Fear And Phobia
Both fear and phobia have different causes that people suffer from, although it is most common.
Causes of fear includes certain things or issues, like snakes, heights, rollercoasters, flights and many more. It also includes events that are going to happen, and physical or emotional traumatic events.
At times, people don’t have a clear reason why they have phobia, as there are many factors that would cause them to experience it. Phobia’s can stem from past traumatic events, ongoing depression or anxiety. Phobia’s may also stem from family issues, or childhood events.
Support For Those Who Have Fear Or Phobia
If you are experiencing fear or phobia, book an appointment with you local GP or mental health specialist. They will offer you the support and guidance you deserve. They will also give you information on how to prevent from being afraid and having long term phobia that affects your mental health.
If you are suffering panic attacks, anxiety attacks or ongoing illnesses, ask for an ambulance or for the nearest A&E.
