In the post-COVID era, many of us instinctively reach for a disinfecting wipe to clean the grocery cart handle before shopping. While a healthy awareness of germs can protect us, excessive fear can disrupt daily life and well-being. Mysophobia, an intense anxiety about dirt, pathogens (germs), and contaminated objects, can…
We all have our fears, but sometimes they can be disproportionately intense, no matter how dangerous the situation actually is. In these cases, we might not have the tools to manage them on our own, the feelings of fear being too overwhelming to function. One such fear, or phobia, that…
Megalophobia is characterized by an irrational fear of large objects, which can encompass various entities such as skyscrapers, animals, landmarks such as mountains, and more. The manifestation of megalophobia varies among individuals, with some being comfortable around certain large objects but distressed by others. Learn more about megalophobia, including how…
Fear is built into our biology. In fact, it keeps us safe — alerting us to danger and saying, “Hey, you need to be careful.” A phobia, on the other hand, is an excessive or irrational fear. If you experience intense fear and anxiety in public, open, or enclosed spaces—such…
Most of us aren’t exactly thrilled about having to give a presentation to our entire company. We might feel slightly awkward having to make small talk with a stranger. Perhaps we get the jitters before a blind date. But we’ll still complete that presentation, engage in chit-chat, and go out…
When a child is scared, it’s natural for a parent to feel helpless. Childhood fears and specific phobias aren’t always rational, so you can’t just reason them away by saying, for example, “Only seven Americans die from spider bites every year,” or “Sweetie, there are zero monsters under your bed.”…
We’re all afraid of something. But some of us have extreme fears called phobias and we’ll go to equally extreme measures to avoid them. For certain individuals, it’s animals or insects; for others, it’s small spaces or large groups of people. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive understanding…
Do you remember the last time you rode a roller coaster? Unfortunately for me, it has been over 20 years. I have developed vertigo as I have gotten older, and I’m scared to go on one now. However, I can still remember the nervous butterflies as the ride creaked higher…
If you find yourself wondering “should I see a psychiatrist?” chances are you are experiencing uncomfortable symptoms or dealing with a tough situation that is interfering with your ability to live your life the way you want. Deciding whether or not you should see a psychiatrist can feel like a…
