Arachnophobia means an uncomfortable and intense fear of spiders. As with any phobia, people with this problem reach the point of limiting their daily lives according to it. They usually avoid any place where they may find spiders, thus determining the place where they live, where they go on holiday and even where they spend their free time. People with arachnophobia when faced with a spider experience a strong fear that generates sweating, rapid heartbeat, nausea and rapid breathing among others. If you suffer from arachnophobia, here we will give some tips to help you overcome this phobia.
Psychological treatment.
In these cases, cognitive-behavioural therapy is often one of the most effective treatments because it works on the behaviour of the person to promote change, allowing them to develop strategies to overcome arachnophobia. Also some experts recommend therapies that aim to convert the irrational fear against the spider to calm and relaxation.
Relaxation techniques.
Like any phobia, arachnophobia is an anxiety disorder, for which relaxation and breathing techniques are essential. These help to release any tension that is caused by the phobic situation, in this case, the presence of spiders.
Control.
The key step to overcoming your fear of spiders, is to try to cope. To do this, it is necessary to try to control the situation, but this should be done gradually. At first you can face yourself with a very small spider and try to keep calm in front of it. Gradually put yourself in more difficult situations and you'll be able to get rid of the fear of spiders.
Knowledge.
Try to inform yourself about spiders, see the world through their many eyes. If you can, look at pictures of spiders. This is the first approach to overcome arachnophobia. Look at pictures from the Internet and study your body reaction. Maybe at first it will be very hard to look at them but with time you'll see how your symptoms decrease.
Do not limit yourself.
Once you convince yourself that you're in control, try to go to places where you can find spiders, but remember that you have to be calm. If you think that it is still not the time, take your time and don't push yourself too hard.
Think about the situation.
Imagine that you come across a spider and then develop mental strategies on how to cope. Think about what you would do, how would you react... Do not forget that you're in control.
Get closer.
When you have enough confidence, begin to approach tiny spiders. Use breathing techniques to face this situation. The key is to stay calm at all times. If you see that you can get closer to small spiders you can gradually face bigger spiders.
Fears are hard to overcome but not impossible. With some work and patience you'll be able to stand in front of spiders without any problem.
This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.
If you want to read similar articles to How to Overcome Arachnophobia, we recommend you visit our Mental health category.
- If you cannot overcome the phobia for yourself, ask a professional to help you resolve this situation.
- No phobia cannot be cured. Confront your phobia and you'll be able to defeat it.