Most (if not all) of us are afraid of something, whether it be small spaces, heights, or snakes; and as it turns out, we often share the same fears. One common fear is social phobia: this fear is rooted in one’s fear of being judged or negatively perceived by other…
Claustrophobia is the fear of small, enclosed spaces; those who suffer from it often go to extremes to avoid encountering such spaces. Symptoms include a racing heartbeat, dizziness, hyperventilation, shaking, headaches, nausea, and chest tightness. While symptoms are often brought on by simply entering a small space, the actual phobia…
Social phobia is characterized by an intense fear of being negatively assessed or observed by others. This form of anxiety (like most forms) can make everyday tasks difficult, as the fear is excessive and can completely take over one’s life. In addition to worrying about being scrutinized, those with social…
Agoraphobia is the fear of being in large, small, or crowded spaces, using public transportation, or leaving the house alone. This fear can become so severe that the individual isolates him or herself in her home and is forced to rely on others for food and other necessities. Symptoms of…
The fear of germs, or mysophobia, is a common and harmful one; this disorder can cause one’s life to be ruled by their stress and anxiety related to germs. Symptoms of this disorder include excessive hand-washing, avoiding dirty surfaces, and obsessing over cleanliness. Mysophobia can make everyday tasks daunting—additionally, those…