Understanding phobias

Woman driving a car looking worried

A phobia is defined by a persistent and overwhelming fear of an object, place, animal, or situation. A phobia is much more than an aversion – at its most extreme, a phobia can cause people to go to great lengths to avoid the source; they may stop working, avoid socialising, or become unable to leave their home due to the anxiety they encounter. Many people feel shame about their phobia but there is no need – phobias are not as uncommon as you might think, and there is help out there to help you to get back to your usual self.

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