It deals with stories about things deep in the heart. In life, you may wonder, ‘Why on earth is this like this?’ ‘Why can’t my mind do what it wants?’ Please let us know any questions you have by emailing us ([email protected]). Let’s think about it together.
Kim A-young (28, pseudonym), an office worker with a phobia of cockroaches, frequently calls a quarantine company to her home. Ever since I had a cockroach fly into my face when I was young, whenever I see a cockroach, I get goosebumps all over my body. To prepare for the possibility of cockroaches hiding in the delivery box, the delivery box is unconditionally opened outside the front door and brought only the contents. When I imagine cockroaches getting into my mouth or ears, or crawling all over my body while I sleep, I get so scared that I can’t sleep. Since I started living alone, I have stayed at a friend’s house on days when cockroaches appeared.
There are surprisingly many people who are afraid of bugs. When bugs are found in the house, they turn into ‘ice’ and can’t do anything and run away. In fact, on Carrot Market, a second-hand trading platform, posts asking for ‘someone to catch cockroaches’ are frequently posted. Usually, the market price is between 10,000 and 20,000 won per dispatch.
It may seem unusual to people who can hit bugs with their bare hands, but for them, it’s a serious story. Fears can be diverse, including not only insects but also birds, rats, snakes, and dogs. The same goes for acrophobia or claustrophobia, which is the fear of being placed in certain situations. You may be able to survive by avoiding it, but what should you do if it is so severe that it makes your daily life inconvenient or interferes with your career?
● Feeling irrational fear of specific objects or situations
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What are the common signs that indicate someone has a phobia rather than just a fear?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Hannah Lee: An Expert in Psychology
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Hannah Lee. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the often perplexing world of phobias. Many people out there are grappling with fears that seem to defy logic. For example, we recently featured a story about a woman named Kim A-young, who has a debilitating fear of cockroaches. What can you tell us about the psychology behind such fears?
Dr. Hannah Lee: Thank you for having me! Phobias, like Kim’s fear of cockroaches, stem from various psychological and biological factors. They can arise from traumatic experiences, such as a frightening encounter with an insect during childhood, but it’s not solely about past trauma. Some individuals might have a genetic predisposition to anxiety or heightened sensitivity to certain stimuli.
Time.news Editor: That’s interesting. So in Kim’s case, it sounds like her fear was exacerbated by a specific incident. Are there common characteristics among people with similar phobias?
Dr. Hannah Lee: Absolutely. Many individuals with phobias report feeling paralyzed by fear when they encounter their object of fear, which, in Kim’s case, is the cockroach. They may experience physical symptoms like increased heart rate, sweating, or even the urge to escape. Moreover, their fear can extend into their daily activities, as we saw with Kim choosing to stay at a friend’s house to avoid confronting her fear.
Time.news Editor: It seems that these fears can interfere significantly with daily life. Is there a point when a fear transitions from a mere nuisance to a phobia?
Dr. Hannah Lee: Yes, a fear becomes a phobia when it is excessive and irrational, leading to severe anxiety and avoidance behaviors that disrupt a person’s life. For instance, if an individual’s fear prevents them from engaging in routine tasks, such as opening a package or going to a certain place, it might be classified as a specific phobia.
Time.news Editor: Many of our readers might have someone in their lives who struggles with these kinds of fears. What are some ways to help someone dealing with a phobia?
Dr. Hannah Lee: Support is crucial. Encourage open conversations about their fear without judgment. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a highly effective treatment for phobias, helping individuals gradually confront their fears in a controlled manner. Exposure therapy, a subset of CBT, involves gradual exposure to the feared object or situation, helping to desensitize the person’s anxiety response over time.
Time.news Editor: That sounds incredibly helpful. What do you say to people who might think “just get over it” should be a solution?
Dr. Hannah Lee: I believe it’s important to understand that phobias are not simply a matter of willpower. Behind a phobia lies a complex interplay of emotions and cognitive patterns. Telling someone to “just get over it” can lead to feelings of shame or isolation. It’s essential to have empathy and to seek professional help when those fears begin to impact quality of life.
Time.news Editor: Dr. Lee, your insights are invaluable. For those listening who might resonate with Kim’s experience or have their own phobias, what final piece of advice would you offer?
Dr. Hannah Lee: Remember that you are not alone; many people share similar fears. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Start by talking to someone you trust, and consider reaching out to a mental health professional. You have the power to reclaim your life from your fears, step by step.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Lee, for shedding light on this complex topic. Your expertise will surely resonate with many of our readers.
Dr. Hannah Lee: Thank you for hosting this important dialogue!