Ways to Overcome Entomophobia

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Irena_Pergjika]Irena Pergjika
We all have some kind of fear that stops us from living life the way we want. Although we've tried to overcome it, the fear keeps coming back to haunt us. Whenever that feeling comes over us, we are unable to shake that stressor/anxiety away. How can we cope with our phobias? The answer is coming so keep on reading...
The word phobia comes from a Greek word Fobos which means fear. Those of us who face their phobias on a daily basis are unable to interact and cope with many situations in life. As opposed to the mild anxiety and adrenaline rush associated with a normal fear, the fear response in a person afflicted with a phobia goes haywire, and is characterized by rapid/increased heartbeat, sweating, vomiting, and trembling. I like to think of phobias as anxiety attacks. Let's first discuss the most common phobia of all: Entomophobia.
Also known commonly as insectophobia, this phobia is associated with the acute fear of insects. Since there is no differentiation between species, the list of feared animals includes, but is not limited to: mosquitoes, cockroaches, bees, ants, fleas, maggots, worms, and even the arachnids such as scorpions and spiders. When we a person with entomophobia comes close to an insect, or just sees or imagines one, the stress response kicks in, jump starting their heart and circulatory systems, triggering a sense of panic and anxiety. Basically the whole body is coaxed by the sympathetic nervous system to run as fast and far away from the stressor as possible. This is called the Fight-or-Flight response.How about we slow down for a minute and stop running?
Imagine your friends planning a camping trip for the weekend. You happen to have a entomophobia and are unable to go just because the sheer thought of being surrounded by bugs makes you break out in cold sweat. Wouldn't that simply suck? You bet it would!
Some other stuff I recommend doing to overcome your fear,
while making sure you won't miss any other weekends with your friends are:
Admit you have a fear - denial never helps.
Cognitive therapy - you may try to seek professional help which helps you rationalize your fear.
Come face to face with your fear - at first I am sure it will be unpleasant and stressful, but imagine how good life would once you overcome it. If you see an insect don't run way! Stay where you are, taking deep breaths and thinking positive. They won't even approach you. Trust me; they're more scared of you than you of them. Remember, who's bigger, you or them?
Bug spray - Spray on and do what you want! One thing is for sure: They won't come near you!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Ways-to-Overcome-Entomophobia&id=6595178] Ways to Overcome Entomophobia