Phobias are common psychological disorders in daily life, severely impacting mental well-being and causing significant harm. Yet many people still underestimate their severity. Today, let's explore the dangers of phobias!
Mrs. Wu, 68, had been living a peaceful life until her brother's death from hepatitis triggered an overwhelming fear of the disease.She avoids touching walls and detours around objects like spittoons and furniture. She dreads neighbors visiting and disinfects every surface they touch afterward.
In truth, psychological fear often inflicts greater harm on health. For the elderly especially, prolonged worry, frustration, and anxiety accelerate aging and mortality rates. Moreover, it casts a shadow of discord over the entire family, disrupting loved ones' lives. To achieve health and longevity, seniors should embrace the natural course of life, view death with proper perspective, and avoid self-inflicted distress or unfounded suspicions.
Experts reveal that currently, 30% of cancer patients die from being literally "scared to death." Meanwhile, 70% to 80% of cancer patients (with the highest proportion being elderly) suffer from psychological disorders, primarily manifesting as depression, anxiety, irritability, and fear.
How does phobia differ from ordinary fear?
The psychological symptoms of phobia differ from normal fear. Patients experience intense dread toward specific objects or situations, with the severity of fear vastly disproportionate to the actual danger. This extreme intensity contrasts sharply with typical human fear responses, often appearing incomprehensible to others.For example, some individuals experience extreme terror at the sight of birds, becoming utterly panicked even at the sight of a single feather. They may exhibit symptoms like panic, palpitations, sweating, dizziness, chest tightness, and frantic avoidance.When encountering feared objects or situations, patients feel tense and uneasy. Repeated exposure to fear triggers anticipatory anxiety. This anxiety, tension, and unease drive patients to avoid objects or environments, leading to repeated or persistent avoidance. Though often aware their fear response is excessive or unnecessary, they cannot control it.
How is phobia treated?
1. Positive Self-Affirmation
Each morning and evening, stand before a mirror and declare: "I accept myself. I believe in myself!" Through this positive psychological self-suggestion, learn to embrace yourself and cultivate confidence.
2. Systematic Desensitization Training
Change rarely happens overnight; it's a gradual process. We must overcome our anxiety step by step.
3. Reading Biographies of Great Figures
Try reading biographies of famous individuals. Let their growth and success stories inspire you, building the courage and confidence to embrace change.
4. Relaxation and Meditation Training
Find a quiet, undisturbed place. Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and imagine yourself in a serene setting surrounded by green mountains and shaded trees, allowing your mind to become peaceful.
When treating phobias, maintain optimism and confidence, and persist with treatment. Patients with severe symptoms should promptly seek help from a psychologist or combine therapy with appropriate medication.
5. Redirecting Attention
Shift your focus away from the feared object to unrelated aspects. For instance, some children dread injections but require them for medical treatment. During the procedure, healthcare providers can direct the child's attention to a wall painting or offer a small toy, allowing them to concentrate on these distractions instead of the injection, thereby alleviating fear. This proves to be a relatively effective method.