Phobias

Every now and again in Silent Voices I shall pick a Phobia at random and write about it, there is a whole list of Phobias ranging from the one most people are aware of Arachnophobia (fear of spiders) through to Zoophobia (fear of Animals)

Phobias can ruin your life, if you let it. But you can get help to lose a Phobia by changing your thought process to deal with it.

The Phobia I’m going to discuss this month is Spheksophobia. (The fear of Wasps.)

The fear of wasps is known by the Latin name, Spheksophobia. People who develop this phobia may feel upset, terrified, have panic attacks and frightened when confronted with wasps and their nests. The pain inflicted by wasp stings can be a trigger for this disorder.

I must admit that I’m someone that has a fear of Wasps, I don’t panic or become terrified but I have to move away very quickly. This started at the age of 20 when I was serving in the RAF, I got stung why on an exercise where I had to be quiet and couldn’t move. This type of fear can start at any age and can be caused by any trigger.

Top tips for dealing with wasp phobia:
 
Try to stop the feeling of panic, the situation will pass away quickly if you are in control
 
Breathe slowly and deeply. This is something you can practice so it comes naturally to you
 
Move slowly and carefully away from where the wasp is - violent and sudden movements can make the wasp more aggressive
 
Try to put your fear into perspective. Wasps are not life threatening for most people
 
Don't focus on the wasp. The more you attend to your fear the worse the response will be.
 
Over time, try to de-sensitise yourself and re-learn the way you deal with wasps. Observe one from a safe distance and gradually reduce the distance between you and the wasp. By standing perfectly still you will learn that the wasp is not a threat to you
 
Talk to other people about your phobia - you may pick up some hints and tips on how to overcome your fear. Go to the library and read about wasps and their habits – knowledge is power!

My advice would be if you decide to have Hypnosis for this Phobia, have it more for the relaxation and anchoring technique of staying in control. This way you can live your life and do the things that you want to without any wasps ruining your day.