Irrational fear is an intense and persistent fear of something that poses no real threat or danger. Irrational fears can be debilitating, preventing people from living their lives to the fullest.
There are many different types of irrational fears, but some of the most common include:
- Fear of heights
- Fear of flying
- Fear of public speaking
- Fear of snakes
- Fear of enclosed spaces
Interestingly, irrational fears often develop in response to a traumatic event or experience. For example, someone who has been in a plane crash may develop a fear of flying. Or, someone bitten by a snake may develop a fear of snakes. In many cases, the fear is completely out of proportion
There are several ways to address irrational fears. One is to face the fear head-on. This can be done by gradually exposing yourself to what you’re afraid of, starting with small steps and working your way up. Another approach is to challenge the thoughts and beliefs fueling your fear. Once you identify these, you can start questioning them and see if they really hold up. Finally, relaxation and breathing techniques can also help to calm the mind and body when faced with irrational fear. One additional Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for irrational fears. CBT can help you understand and change the thoughts and behaviors that contribute to your fear.
For our discussion about irrational fears, we are joined by Chris Colbert DO, and Kristina Jacomino MD to discuss it.
Listen to the audio
So what are your irrational fears in Emergency Medicine?
Please share in the comments below!
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