Articles Index

Claustrophobia and Medical Procedures

Claustrophobia can be life-limiting in many ways, but perhaps the most dangerous is the possible impact on necessary health care. Here is a look at the risks and ways of coping with claustrophobia and medical procedures.

Cruise Ship Phobia

Separate from other cruise-related fears, such as claustrophobia and fear of the water, cruise ship phobia is an actual fear of the ship itself. What causes this fear and how can it be treated?

Affirmations

Affirmations are positive messages that help us overcome negative self-talk. How do they work, and how can they help in treating phobias?

Defeating Your Own Boggart

Harry Potter and his friends defeat the fearsome boggart using visualization to turn it into something silly. Could this work in real life? Can guided visualization and the power of laughter help you defeat your fear?

What to Expect at Your First Therapy Appointment

A first therapy appointment can be nerve-wracking, and even trigger certain phobias. Knowing what to expect can calm your nerves and ensure a more productive initial appointment.

Need to Face Your Phobia Trigger?

There are times in life when we simply must do certain things in spite of our phobias. If you are facing a major confrontation with the object of your fear, you are likely extremely anxious. Here are some ways to use the behavioral technique of positive reinforcement to propel you through the feared situation.

Defense Mechanisms

According to psychoanalytic theory, defense mechanisms are the ego's way of relieving the tension caused by anxiety. What are the defense mechanisms, and how do they influence our behavior?

Fear of Flying Courses

Fear of flying courses are easy to find, both online and in person. Do they work? What's involved? Can a fear of flying course really help beat aerophobia? Learn more about this popular solution.

Fear of Flying and Travel Delays

Travel delays can wreak havoc on the best-laid plans. If you suffer from aerophobia, or fear of flying, a simple airport delay can become a source of terror. Here are some tips for managing your fear during a delay.

Working With a Phobia

Working with a phobia presents unique challenges, particularly if your trigger is common in the workplace. With a bit of advance planning, most people are able to successfully combat their phobias at work.

Obama Health Care Plan and Mental Health Parity

Mental health parity is one of the lesser-known topics in the proposed Obama health care plan. Yet it is a crucial issue to those suffering from phobias and other psychological disorders. What is mental health parity, and how will the Obama health care plan expand its reach?

Is It Possible to Just Deal With a Phobia?

Well-meaning friends and family sometimes encourage us to just deal with our phobias. Is it possible? Can you get over a phobia on your own? What can happen when you try?

What Not to Say to Someone With a Phobia

When a friend or family member has a phobia, knowing what not to say is at least as important as knowing what to say. Making the person feel belittled or embarrassed can lead to further panic and loss of self-control. Yet the phobia may seem absolutely ridiculous from an outside perspective. Here's how to avoid making things worse.

SSRI Discontinuation Syndrome

SSRI Discontinuation Syndrome is a painful and frightening reaction to abruptly stopping certain medications. Although not considered dangerous, the syndrome can often be prevented. Learn more here!

Agoraphobia and the Holidays

Agoraphobia is a devastating and often misunderstood condition. The holidays are filled with possible agoraphobia triggers. Here's how to cope.

Social Phobia and Holiday Shopping

Social phobia can complicate all aspects of your life. Learn to manage holiday crowds and even enjoy your seasonal shopping.

Cibophobia and the Holidays

Cibophobia, or the fear of food, can complicate all aspects of life. During the holidays, when festive meals are frequent, cibophobia can be devastating. Learn to manage your fear and enjoy the holidays.

Using Relaxation Techniques to Keep a Phobia Under Control

Although professional treatment should be sought for a phobia, some sufferers find that relaxation techniques can also help. Read on for suggestions.

Michael, Farrah, and Ed: Are Celebrity Deaths Triggering Health Phobias?

Major news events such as the swine flu scare can trigger or worsen health phobias including nosophobia and hypochondriasis. Now a series of three celebrity deaths--Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, and Michael Jackson, may further worsen health phobias. Here is how to cope.

Dating With a Phobia

If you have a phobia, confronting it can be a challenge. If you are simultaneously navigating the dating world, it can be hard to decide how to handle your phobia with a new date. Here are some suggestions to help you out.

Road Trips With Claustrophobia

Road trips are a part of our culture, but if you have claustrophobia you might be hesitant to participate. While road trips with claustrophobia can be challenging, a few strategies can help you cope.

Social Cognitive Theory

Social cognitive theory is a subtype of cognitive theory that explains the effects others have on our behaviors. How does social cognitive theory relate to phobias? Find out more.

Choosing Your Medical Providers

If you have medical phobias, carefully choosing your doctors and facilities can help ease your anxieties. Here is what you should know about choosing providers.

Serotonin Syndrome and SSRIs for Phobias

Serotonin syndrome is a potentially serious condition that is caused by an oversupply of serotonin in the brain. Although it is not generally caused by even a high dosage of SSRIs, it could be triggered by combining SSRIs with certain other drugs. Read on to find out more.

Side Effects of SSRIs

Like any medication, SSRIs carry a risk of side effects. Although for most people these are minor, it is important to discuss any unusual symptoms with your doctor. Read on for information on some of the most common.