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Phobias
phobias Information
How can exposure help with irrational fears/phobias?
I have Heliophobia, which is an exaggerated fear of the sun or sunlight. I've been receiving medical treatment for it but it hasn't changed anything or had any positive effect on my condition. I still stay locked indoors on sunny days and only come out when the sky is cloudy or overcast. But the moment it even looks like the sun will start peeking through I immediately run indoors for cover. I absolutely hate the sun and can't get over the thought that it will harm or kill me if I stay out for a prolonged period of time. It just looks so menacing up in the sky.Anyway, a week ago I finally came out about my phobia to my best friend. I had always kept quiet about it in fear of ridicule or that he would think I'm crazy, so for the longest he just assumed that I was a recluse and not really fond of getting out. After I told him everything he said the next step in dealing with this situation along with continuing to take my medication would be gradual exposure and that if I separate the object of my phobia the sun from the fear, I would realize the object itself presents no real threat and that the true threat lies instead in the irrational thoughts clouding my judgment and convincing me to be afraid of something for no reason. He keeps going on about how fear is my worst enemy or whatever, but I'm convinced that he is full of BS and has absolutely no idea what he's talking about. I just don't see how exposure would help anything, wouldn't that make it worse? I shudder even at the thought of going out and 'exposing' myself to the sun.
Please select the FALSE statement regarding phobias.?
Please select the FALSE statement regarding phobias.?B The similarity among all phobias is that people experience an intense and sustained increase in heart rate and blood pressure when they encounter what they fear.C Often, phobias of animals are common in childhood and dissipate with age.
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