About.com Phobias

Happy Friday the 13th!

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:49:18 +0000

Today is Friday the 13th, a date that strikes fear in the hearts of millions. According to a segment on CNN this morning, between 17 and 21 million people suffer from paraskavedekatriaphobia, or fear of Friday the 13th. CNN reports that Franklin D. Roosevelt refused to travel on this date, while Henry Ford would not conduct business deals. Interestingly, there are fewer accidents on this date, and stock prices tend to rise, possibly because the general public is more cautious than usual.

Fear of Friday the 13th may be linked to triskaidekaphobia, or fear of the number 13. Nonetheless, the date is unavoidable, occurring between one and three times each year. Are you afraid of the date? How do you alter your life? Your comments are welcome!

Happy Friday the 13th! originally appeared on About.com Phobias on Friday, November 13th, 2009 at 08:49:18.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

So You Think You Can Dance Tackles Phobias

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:38:25 +0000

The hit reality series "So You Think You Can Dance," airing on Fox, has a long-standing tradition of dealing with painful topics through dance. For example, season 5 brought an extremely well-received routine by Mia Michaels expressing the pain and heartache of addiction, and choreographer Tyce Diorio's very personal breast cancer dance, dedicated to a friend who was struggling with the disease.

Now in Season 6, the show continues to bring personal struggles into the limelight. On Tuesday, choreographer Stacey Tookey took on phobias in a routine that is almost certain to become a legend. B-boy Jonathan "Legacy" Perez showed amazing strength and power as the phobia, while contemporary dancer Kathryn McCormick brought honesty to her struggle and, in the end, was able to conquer the fear.

I was highly impressed with the entire number, from the choice of song ("2 Steps Away" by Patti LaBelle) to the choreography, which involved an elaborate back and forth as the pair struggled to gain control, to the dancers who brought the fight to life. Although obviously a choreographed routine rather than a genuine personal reaction, I found the dance a welcome relief after the debacle that was last week's Amazing Race.

Did you see the routine? If you suffer from phobias, did you feel that your battle was accurately portrayed? How do you feel about phobias being the topic of a reality show dance routine, and do you believe that this exposure will help raise the sensitivity level of the general public? Your thoughts are welcome!

So You Think You Can Dance Tackles Phobias originally appeared on About.com Phobias on Thursday, November 5th, 2009 at 22:38:25.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Phobias Cost Amazing Race Participants One Million Dollars

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:54:46 +0000

After my blog last week on the possible dangers of airing one's phobias on reality TV, I found it both fascinating and ironic that the dual phobias of heights and water cost a pair of reality show participants the chance at a million dollars.

On CBS' The Amazing Race, teams of two race around the world. Those who arrive last at the Pit Stop for each leg (except for non-elimination legs and certain extenuating circumstances) are eliminated. The first team to the Finish Line wins one million dollars.

Last night, dating couple Mika and Canaan were significantly ahead of last-place Harlem Globetrotters Flight Time and Big Easy at the last task. All the dating couple needed to do was complete a water slide, grab a clue from a clue box and make their way to the Pit Stop. Having run an unusually poor leg, the Globetrotters were still en route to the water slide when Mika and Canaan arrived.

Unfortunately, Mika suffers from self-proclaimed phobias of both heights and water. She simply could not force herself to go down the slide. Partner Canaan tried methods ranging from gentle encouragement to brute strength, yet Mika did not budge. She became more and more hysterical, proclaiming that "I hate my life!" Canaan was no better, telling her that "You're breaking my heart."

The show did not inform viewers exactly how long Mika and Canaan were at the slide before Flight Time and Big Easy arrived. However, a long-standing Amazing Race rule states that for tasks that can only be performed by one team at a time, once another team arrives, the leading team has two minutes to complete the task. If they fail, they must step aside and give the trailing team the opportunity to try.

The Globetrotters, seeing the opportunity to overtake another team and save themselves from elimination, reminded Mika that she did not, in fact, have to go down the slide. They encouraged her to do what she felt comfortable with. Meanwhile, the two minute clock expired, and Mika and Canaan had to step aside. Canaan referred to Globetrotter Big Easy as "a piece of crap" for psyching Mika out, despite the fact that he had been trying desperately to manipulate her into completing the task.

The Globetrotters completed the water slide without a second thought, grabbed their clue and ran to the Pit Stop. Canaan slid down behind them and Mika opted out, taking the stairs down and joining Canaan for elimination.

The fact that with a million dollars on the line, Mika simply could not complete the water slide challenge demonstrates just how pervasive and paralyzing phobias can be. Nonetheless, it begs the question: Why would she have signed up for The Amazing Race in the first place? Now in its 15th season, the show has consistently featured tasks involving great heights, water/swimming, or both. Did she sign up for a game show without ever watching an episode?

One of the essential elements for a phobia diagnosis is that the fear must significantly impact the sufferer's life. Knowing only the televised, heavily edited version of Mika, I can't begin to predict whether her fears affect her normal daily life. But as soon as she signed up for this show, it was inevitable that she would be affected.

What do you think? Did you see the episode? If you have phobias, would you sign up for a game show that was virtually guaranteed to trigger them? Is a televised competition a good place to confront your phobias? Who was in the wrong last night? Canaan, for his well-meaning but utterly useless attempts at motivation? The Globetrotters for reminding Mika that she had an out? Or since it was a race, not real life, was everybody in the right? Your thoughts are welcome!

Phobias Cost Amazing Race Participants One Million Dollars originally appeared on About.com Phobias on Monday, October 26th, 2009 at 16:54:46.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Airing Your Phobias On Reality TV? Is This Really a Good Idea?

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:52:14 +0000

I recently received an unusual notice in my e-mail box. Apparently a new cable show is recruiting people with phobias. The ad assures me that if I participate, I will "get PAID and receive HELP" with my phobia. I find the part about pay very interesting, as earlier in the notice it is stated that there is no pay and the project is non-union. Perhaps if America votes me the most pathetic, then I will win a cash prize? The notice states that I must have an "unusual" phobia to participate--none of this run of the mill spider phobia or social phobia stuff for them! Maybe America just has to decide that I have the most unusual phobia?

I was unable to discover the name of the show, the network, or any details whatsoever, as I was unwilling to sign up for an account with the casting agency. It's entirely possible that this is a real show offering legitimate therapy with a trained professional. Maybe everyone receives an appearance fee.

Still, I feel very uncomfortable with the entire premise of the show. As you know all too well, phobias can be embarrassing, frustrating, and devastating to your life. While it certainly wouldn't be the first "reality show" to capitalize on people's struggles, I personally draw the line at exploiting any mental health condition. I watch as much reality TV as the next person, but I tend towards shows like Survivor and The Amazing Race where, ostensibly, contestants have undergone rigorous mental health screening. A psychologist is also available to these shows' contestants (privately, off the air) whenever they need assistance. Somehow that feels a lot more ethical to me.

What do you think? Would you allow your phobia to be exploited on national television? Is the pay and free treatment worth the inevitable pain and embarrassment? Or do you believe that the show will indulge in stunt casting, hiring out of work actors who "claim" to have "outrageous" phobias? Your thoughts on the topic are welcome!

Airing Your Phobias On Reality TV? Is This Really a Good Idea? originally appeared on About.com Phobias on Monday, October 19th, 2009 at 16:52:14.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Internet Addiction Related to Social Phobia?

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 10:02:10 +0000

According to CNN, new research in Taiwan links Internet addiction to a range of mental health disorders including social phobia.

The study, which followed more than 2,000 students for two years beginning in seventh grade, found that approximately 10 percent were addicted to the Internet when the study began. Those who displayed Internet addiction were more likely to develop mental health problems over the next two years. Interestingly, although ADHD and hostility were found in both genders, only girls appeared to be at higher risk for depression and social phobia.

The study has drawn some criticism due its dependence on self-reporting by the students. Nonetheless, the research is being taken seriously.

Internet addiction is not currently a diagnosable disorder. However, it may be included in the 2012 revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual.

Lisa Says:

It is important to note the chicken-and-egg quality of this study. Although the evidence for a link between Internet addiction and mental health disorders seems sound, it is not yet clear whether Internet addiction causes disorders. Perhaps those who already suffer from certain mental health conditions are naturally drawn to the "safety" of the Internet. In any event, as the Internet becomes ever more ingrained in our daily lives, it is important to remain vigilant about its possible negative impacts.

Internet Addiction Related to Social Phobia? originally appeared on About.com Phobias on Friday, October 9th, 2009 at 10:02:10.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

How Not to Handle Phobias at Theme Parks

Sat, 03 Oct 2009 10:41:20 +0000

I was at Walt Disney World this week with my cousin and her husband for a family reunion. It turns out that the husband has some pretty severe phobias, all of which were triggered repeatedly throughout the week. Some of his phobias include roller coasters, heights, darkness and vertigo.

It was extremely important to my cousin, a big thrill ride junkie, that her husband not only ride with her on everything, but also enjoy the experience. So she used a combination of begging, cajoling, arguing, and belittling to force him onto numerous rides. She was convinced that once he was on a ride, he would "get over" his fears.

Flooding is a legitimate behavioral technique in which the phobia sufferer is exposed to a high level of the feared stimulus in an effort to lessen the fear reaction. However, it should never be attempted without the supervision of a trained professional, as there is a real risk of psychological damage. Additionally, it should never be attempted on an unwilling participant.

Predictably, the more my cousin tried to "force" her husband to get over his fears, the worse they became. It culminated in her mixing up ride descriptions and getting him onto Universal Orlando's The Mummy, an indoor dark roller coaster, by comparing it to Men In Black, a slow-moving ride in which riders shoot alien invaders, also at Universal Orlando. From that point on, he was completely done with rides.

Although the piece focuses on theme park-based Halloween events, see "A Phobic's Guide to Halloween Horror Nights 2009" for some ideas on healthier coping strategies in a theme park setting. If you are traveling with someone who has phobias, see "How to Approach a Loved One With a Possible Phobia."

How Not to Handle Phobias at Theme Parks originally appeared on About.com Phobias on Saturday, October 3rd, 2009 at 10:41:20.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Managing Phobias in Crowds

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 10:11:13 +0000

I'm at Walt Disney World this week, and boy is it crowded! Some of Disney's deals and specials must be paying off, because there's no sign of the recession around here!

If you suffer from phobias, crowded events can be difficult to manage. Social phobia and germ phobia are obvious triggers, but virtually any phobia can be harder to deal with when you are in a crowd. Have a look at "Crowded Events and Phobias" for some important coping tips!

Managing Phobias in Crowds originally appeared on About.com Phobias on Friday, September 25th, 2009 at 10:11:13.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Halloween Starts This Weekend

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 10:14:22 +0000

It's that time of the year again. Ghosts and goblins invade theme parks and local carnivals, each event vying to be bloodier, creepier and more terrifying than the next. While Halloween has become big business, it can make phobia sufferers want to run and hide. The season seems to grow in length each year, with Walt Disney World's child-friendly Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party having debuted on September 4. Some events open this weekend, and virtually all of the rest begin next week.

Why is Halloween so scary? What can phobia sufferers do to minimize the yearly misery? Have a look at "Phobias and Halloween" for some answers. Planning to head out to a major event? "HHN 101" uses Universal Orlando's yearly event as a guideline on what to expect. Stay tuned for my annual roundup of the Halloween Horror Nights festivities, or relive last year's event at "A Phobic's Guide to Halloween Horror Nights 2008."

Whether or not you have a phobia, Halloween can be a bit unnerving. Share your story at "Readers Respond: Scariest Halloween Experiences." Or have a piece of virtual candy and share your ideas in the Surviving Halloween forum, where we can all help each other get through this time.

Halloween Starts This Weekend originally appeared on About.com Phobias on Friday, September 18th, 2009 at 10:14:22.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Eight Years Ago Today

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 09:55:59 +0000

Eight years ago today, on Sept 11, 2001, the United States was attacked by terrorists. The memories of that horrible day are etched in the collective unconscious of the world. Whether you were there or not, you were most likely affected.

The anniversary of a major crisis can lead to all sorts of unexpected reactions. You might feel scared or panicky, depressed, or even physically ill. Although these reactions generally pass within a few days, there is some risk of developing an ongoing disorder. Phobias are one of the possible risks, as you may associate certain triggers such as airplanes with the emotional reaction you are experiencing. The risk seems to increase according to how personally affected you were by the disaster.

If you are experiencing an emotional reaction to the September 11 anniversary or any other crisis anniversary, I invite you to take a look at "Crisis Anniversaries and Phobias-Are You at Risk?" I have also opened a special forum thread to discuss reactions to this and other disasters.

Eight Years Ago Today originally appeared on About.com Phobias on Friday, September 11th, 2009 at 09:55:59.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Phone Phobia?

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 09:48:43 +0000

Yesterday morning, I received an email from a potential book publisher that I had queried weeks before. He was extremely interested in my book, and wanted me to call him right away. There was just one small problem--I hate the phone.

Thankfully, most business these days can be handled by email. When I do need to make a phone call, I generally know well in advance and have time to prepare myself. For this project, however, time was of the essence. As I read through the email, I experienced two conflicting and highly powerful emotions--I wanted to jump for joy that the publisher was interested, but wanted to run and hide from the inevitable telephone conversation.

I bought myself some time by sending a quick email response promising to call later that morning. I then sat and contemplated the phone for over an hour. When I did finally make the call, my hands shook so badly I could barely dial the number.

Fortunately I have a background in acting, and I was able to tap into those skills. I put a big smile on my face, forced my voice to sound calm and happy, and enjoyed a very successful conversation. After successfully concluding the call, though, it took me several minutes to stop shaking.

Have you ever experienced this? Do you have a fear of telephones? Look for an upcoming article addressing this phobia and, in the meantime, I welcome your comments!

Phone Phobia? originally appeared on About.com Phobias on Friday, September 4th, 2009 at 09:48:43.

Permalink | Comment | Email this