One of the reasons for this may well be the worry that the phobia will not be taken seriously or that it will be misunderstood.

Phobias are irrational, have no regard for statistical or anecdotal evidence and no amount of reasoning on the part of the sufferer or reassurance from others can help to shift their distressing symptoms.

They come in all shapes and sizes. For some people however, their phobia can significantly impact upon their lifein a negative way, affecting their work, social and family life, making normal day to day activities difficult or even impossible.

Typical examples of phobias include: 

	Fear of heights
	Fear of enclosed spaces
	Fear of flying
	Fear of water

Less typical examples include 

	Animal phobias
	Injections, blood and hospitals
	Costumed characters i.e. clowns

Empathy can be difficult for those who do not suffer from phobias. However, reacting to a person’s phobia with intolerance or with ridicule only serves to exacerbate the problem and their sense of isolation. 

Whilst it is possible to develop a phobia about almost anything some are obviously easier for most of us to relate to than others. At its worst a phobia can become severely debilitating.

While one explanation for the development of phobias is that they are sparked by a specific traumatic event (eg being stuck in a lift) this may not always be the case. Not everyone who suffers a trauma goes on to develop a phobia and not everyone develops a phobia from one upsetting event.

If your life is being restricted beyond a point that you can comfortably accommodate, or you are having to significantly change your lifestyle in order to minimise the impact of the phobia then it is likely that you need help in dealing with it.

The Red Poppy Company can help individuals deal with and overcome their phobias. Our team of trained consultants using the rewind treatment can eliminate phobias permanently so that life is no longer restricted. This treatment is also suitable for children.