Phobias

Sunshine · #1 (**permalink**) 06-17-2002, 01:56 PM

I have a fear of heights, also called acrophobia. I also hate closed in spaces (claustrophobia) so you do not want to be in an elevator with me!!

What phobias do you guys have?

Maureen

craftymom · #2 (**permalink**) 06-20-2002, 10:19 AM

That is a good question... i am afraid of heights and of spiders *shudder*...actually bugs in general dont do anything for me either LOL

Sue

viking7779 · #3 (**permalink**) 06-22-2002, 09:06 AM

Oh My Sue!

I even shudder when I see the word "spider"

LOL

My other phobia is claustrophobia. Not all the time, but whenever I go somewhere new, I immediately look for another way out other than the way I came in.

Hugs

craftymom · #4 (**permalink**) 06-22-2002, 09:20 AM

I also look for 'Exits' in places .. i am sure there is a name for it other than claustrophobia. I am not sure why i do it i just have to know that the door i came in isnt the only way out .

I thought it was only me that did that though lol glad to know i am not the only one

Sue

TeresaR · #5 (**permalink**) 06-22-2002, 01:01 PM

I probably have agoraphobia (fear of public spaces), and demophobia (fear of crowds). Thankfully, neither are extreme, so I can generally function ok.

Teresa

Abear · #6 (**permalink**) 06-22-2002, 05:23 PM

I have had a tremendous fear of heights for as long as I can remember.

Growing up I was a tomboy so bugs did not bother me. But now, my husband knows to come running when he hears me screaming at the top of my lungs! I can kill houseflies without screaming. But I HATE any other bugs/insects. In fact, I use bay leaves to keep bugs out of my house and have the exterior of our home exterminated on a regular basis. Can't use chemicals inside the house due to health problems.

I am mildly claustrophobic. I had my first "attack" when I was 15 years old. I was a candy striper at a local hospital. I got stuck in the elevator alone between the 3rd & 4th floors. That was NOT fun!

The only problem I've had with it since is when I had to have an MRI done. They had to medicate me in order to do it!

I was SO embarassed. Here I was 40 at the time and I was screaming at the top of my lungs for them to let me out! If I ever have to have another MRI done, it will be in one of those "Open MRI" machines.

I also have a fear of public speaking. I always hated to stand in front of the classroom and give oral reports when I was in school.
I will avoid public speaking at ALL costs!

Boy, am a phobic person or WHAT!!

I had never given it that much thought or notice before!

susanna · #7 (**permalink**) 06-23-2002, 08:40 PM

My phobia is flying. I used to think it was a combination of a fear of heights and claustrophobia, which trouble me to some degree but are manageable fears, but now I am sure that it is the feeling of helplessness, of not being able to be in control.

A related phobia is my fear of anesthesia. Obviously stemming from the same fear of relinquishing control, I am currently suffering the effects of this phobia as I await endoscopic surgery scheduled for next week. I have flown, and I have had general anesthesia (4 times), but I am still scared. I would love for them to do the surgery while I am awake- they can cut my leg off OK with me as long as I can be awake to supervise !

Abear · #8 (**permalink**) 06-23-2002, 09:18 PM

Your phobia of anesthesia reminds me so much of my mother!

The first thing out of her mouth when told her condition (whatever that might be at the time) requires surgery is "Can I be awake? Can you do a spinal block?" For her, it is also about relinquishing total control! She also wants to be able to "supervise".

She also hates ot fly but blames that on her fear of heights. She always asks for an aisle seat when she HAS to fly. She would rather drive for a week than take a 3 hour flight!

Sunshine · #9 (**permalink**) 06-24-2002, 12:36 AM

I hate flying as well. Since I have a fear of heights as well as claustrophobia, it's not a good combination for getting on a plane! I have to get myself "psyched" up before I board and pretend everything is just fine because of my boys. (aged 13 and 10)

The first thing I feel like doing when I board a plane is to open a window!! (No, they don't open!) LOL

I think my sons know about my phobia now anyway, because they see me grip the armrests until my knuckles turn white, when we take off and land.

janet · #10 (**permalink**) 06-25-2002, 07:19 AM

I hate spiders, all sizes, and colors! I especially hate the wolf spiders, their eyes seem to track you!

janet