There are times in life when we simply have to do certain things, no matter how difficult they may be. Whether you need a medical procedure, are required to attend an aunt’s wedding, or need to give a big speech at work, some situations are simply unavoidable. If you suffer from a phobia, the thought of facing up to your fear may be enough to cause anticipatory anxiety weeks or even months before the big event.
If you have the available time and funds, consider treating yourself to something special just after the situation. This is a form of the behavioral technique known as positive reinforcement, and it can help encourage you to do what is needed despite your fear. A good example of this can be found with medical phobias, although the concept applies to virtually any phobia confrontation.
An Example
What better way to explain how this technique can work than for me to tell you about a firsthand experience in which it did just that for me and my family.My father needed a cardiac catheterization. Most would say hewould be the one with the most fear about his health and the procedure, but that was not the case. I have a medical phobia and was beyond nervous about what he was about to go through, and what I needed to help him through.
In order to take Dad’s focus off the procedure, and calm my own nerves, we decided to treat ourselves a bit. The hospital is only a few miles from Walt Disney World, so we spent a few nights in a hotel in Downtown Disney, with a theme park view from our balcony. There was also hotel transportation to the Disney parks, making it a bit easier for Dad to have some fun.
Is there a resort in your area that you have always wanted to try? Do you love the solitude of the mountains or the bustle of a big city? Planning a mini-vacation around your big event can help calm your nerves by giving you something to look forward to.
If you don’t have the time or money for a mini-vacation, there are other ways to reward yourself instead. A nice manicure or pedicure, a brand new outfit, and an evening out with friends are just a few ideas to help turn your negative experience into a positive.
Do you have any suggestions for ways to reward yourself after a major confrontation with a phobia? Share your thoughts in the About.com Phobias Forum.
