Blog #5: Research round 3

Blog post #5 is about truly finding the final answer on how one develops phobias. When I started researching about phobias and basic information on it, I did not think I would find so many answers. My third and fourth blog posts were finding answers to where fears come from and if they are genetic. In this post, I will be researching about if humans are born with phobias which will lead to me to my final answer on “How do we develop phobias”.

As I mentioned in my last few posts, some phobias are genetic because of how our brains react to situations. The thought of if we are born with phobias has crossed my head a couple times. Being born with a phobia is the same as developing one genetically (1). If someone in your bloodline does have a severe fear of something particular, you are at a 40% increased chance of developing it as well. If you do not develop the phobia itself, you are very likely to have anxious thoughts when you are faced with that type of a situation.

The two most common phobias humans face that we are in fact born with are the fear of falling and of loud noise (3). If you have never realized it, we tend to be scared of falling since before we can remember. Many also experience the same when it comes to loud music. We are scared of these things because usually, our brain does not know how to react to them which will lead our body to panic. These fears are more common than you think, affecting at least more than 50% of our population. So the next time you are at a concert or about to go bungee jumping, remember you are facing a fear most are born with! 🙂

Finding answers to 3 of my mini questions has been a great help in further understanding my topic.

How we develop phobias:

• Genetically
• Traumatic experiences
• Hearing negative information about something specific

When I chose this topic, I wanted to inform others on where our phobias come from and how we can help ourselves. When my phobias first started affecting me, I did not know how to help myself.

Symptoms: When faced with a particular situation (4)

• unsteady feeling, dizzy, lightheaded or faint.
• a pounding heart, increased heart rate.
• chest pain
• sweating
• hot or cold flushes.
• shortness of breath
• nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea.

Ways to help yourself: In the moment (2)

• Slowly breathe
• Look around your surroundings and distract yourself
• Get help from someone near you or try calming yourself down
• Tell yourself that you are stronger than your fear

Ways to help yourself: In general (2)

• Do something to get over your phobia. As many different fears, phobias get worse if you neglect them. Take small steps till you are more comfortable with your phobia.
• Do not escape situations where you might come across your fear. If you take the fight or flight method, choose fight where you don’t actually fight your fear but your mind instead. Tell yourself you are more than what you fear.

I hope anyone reading this benefit from this post and I hope I was able to make an impact in your journey on getting over your phobias. I know it can be hard when no one understands and no one is there for you because they think your fear is unreasonable. In those times all you can do is be there for yourself 🙂

Citations:

1. James, E. (2020, May 22). Fears we are born with. Thrive Global. Retrieved December 9, 2021, from https://thriveglobal.com/stories/fears-we-are-born-with/.
2. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2016, October 19). Specific phobias. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved December 9, 2021, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/specific-phobias/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355162.
3. Overcoming fear or phobia – 3 powerful rules of the mind. Marisa Peer. (2021, December 2). Retrieved December 9, 2021, from https://marisapeer.com/overcoming-fear-or-phobia/.
4. Symptoms of phobias. Mind. (n.d.). Retrieved December 9, 2021, from https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/phobias/symptoms-of-phobias/.