Mental Wellness

Subterms

    More stories

    • 125 Shares

      in lifestyle and culture

      6 mental wellness clinics to book a session in Dubai

      by

      Life

      by Sarah Joseph
      43 mins ago

      With the high-pressure society we live in, mental health is quite often an overlooked subject.
      To delve into the matter, it’s important to provide an opportunity for people around the world to make mental health care a reality for all.
      As the UAE continues to break the stigma surrounding this, mental health clinics have gained popularity to address factors surrounding depression, fatigue, anxiety, panic attacks and more.
      With the outbreak of COVID-19, several clinics have adapted to Zoom healthcare services, adding a new meaning to virtual sessions, along with in-person sessions as per usual.
      If you, or anyone you’re aware of, might require these services, Emirates Woman has curated a guide to all the mental health clinics here in Dubai.
      The LightHouse Arabia

      With a team of over 30 psychologists to address different areas in one’s life, The LightHouse Arabia provides high-quality services to help with a wide range of mental health and well-being challenges. From adoption support to psychotherapy, the in-depth sessions make it one of the leading mental health clinics in the UAE. With various events hosted every month, the interactive sessions make it helpful for people to address their problems in a community-driven environment. Located in Villa 1, Al Wasl Road, Al Safa 2, it’s open daily from 8am to 8pm with Fridays being closed.
      For more information visit lighthousearabia.com
      Priory Wellbeing Centre

      Each treatment programme is tailored to the specific needs of each individual ensuring the best possible outcome is achieved. Knowing that everyone has a different pace, the sessions are tailored to each person’s potential in their own time. With a team of professionals, the therapies provide an experience to suit each patient. From cognitive behaviour therapy to individual therapy, the clinic helps everyone to work through their problems and discover more about themselves. Located in Dubai Healthcare City, Block F, it’s open on Sunday and Monday from 8am to 7pm, Tuesday and Wednesday from 8am to 6pm and Thursday and Saturday from 9am to 5pm, with Fridays being closed.
      For more information visit priorygroup.ae
      Thrive Wellbeing Centre

      In a judgment-free environment, this clinic helps clients accomplish their goals while supporting them in a warm, empathic and seamless manner. Combining the latest research, the professionals know that mental health is just as important as physical health. From parenting support to individual therapy, the expert psychologists support people through a range of challenges including depression, anxiety, grief, relationship issues and trauma. The clinic also conducts a host of workshops for people together in a group. Located in Saba Tower 1, Cluster E in JLT, it’s open from  Saturday-Thursday: 9am–8pm and Friday: 9am–5pm.
      For more information visit thrive.ae
      Wise Mind Centre

      This clinic is committed to building a sense of community and belonging ensuring that anyone who visits is never treated as an outsider. Creating a confidential space to explore and harbour lasting change, Wise Mind Center ensures its clientele is kept small for quality over quantity. With individual access to each therapist, the services are provided in Arabic, English and Dutch. Located in Lake Central Tower, 1209, Business Bay, it’s open daily from 10am to 8pm, except Friday’s are closed.
      For more information visit wisemindcenter.com
      American Wellness Centre

      As the ever-increasing societal pace wears people down, the clinic was born to make the brunt of modern life a lot easier. This multi-specialty clinic ensures every session is carefully tailored as per the customer’s surrounding concerns. From mindfulness training to parenting skills training, both children and adults are looked after in a safe environment with highly qualified experts. Located in Al Faris Building 39, Dubai Healthcare City, it’s open from 8am to 10pm.
      For more information visit americanwellnesscenter.ae
      Camali Clinic

      With a step-by-step guided programme created to address any challenges, the clinic creates a personalised schedule to overcome each obstacle. By identifying the root cause of each patient’s personal challenges, clinically proven counselling sessions provide a holistic approach to addressing its client’s mental health. Various emotional and behavioural issues are addressed with love and support. With two locations, it’s situated in Block A, Ibn Sina building no. 27 in Dubai Healthcare City and Cluster M, HDS Center, in JLT.
      For more information visit camaliclinic.com
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied & feature image: Unsplash @priscilla-du-preez More

    • 113 Shares

      in health and weelbeing

      4 Proudly South African Apps For Mental Health Support

      by

      There are very few things in life that we can never tire of talking about. And mental health should top that list. This, in a country where the stigma surrounding mental health challenges is still met with nonchalant responses such as, “you’re being lazy” or “just keep pushing”, therefore making it harder for people to ask for help. At around a R1000 and more for a consultation, quality mental health care has become the reserve of those with deep pockets! 

      South Africa’s mental health culture still sees many people choosing to suffer in silence and embarrassment instead of speaking out. Other than private mental health specialists, there aren’t many free or affordable mental health resources to cater to the population. 

      A 2022 research paper published by the Wits/Medical Research Council Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit found that “South Africans suffer higher rates of probable depression and anxiety than other countries”. This was also a finding recorded by the Mental Health of the World report 2021 which, through the lowest mental health quotient score in the world, concluded that South Africa had a masked mental health crisis. To help you along on your mental health journey, we have compiled a list of apps and social media platforms to lean on when hard times strike. 

      READ MORE: 5 Morning Routines That Actually Work, According To Science

      Fee: Free for individualsAvailable: Android and iOS usersPanda is on a serious mission: to empower people to be proactive with their mental health battles. The user-friendly mobile app features tailored content, assessments, one-on-one therapy sessions as well as anonymous group sessions where you learn on topics ranging from anxiety to depression (and everything in between). The app offers three care packages for individuals, employees and insurers. 

      Fee: R185 per consultation or R120 for an express consultationAvailable: Android and iOS usersWith guaranteed quality healthcare at your fingertips, Kena Health has made it easy to consult a doctor or mental health professional directly. The app connects patients to qualified healthcare practitioners for advice, diagnoses, prescriptions and referrals to specialists or another place of care. Their aim: to make quality health care accessible at a steal.

      READ MORE: It’s Official: Stress Makes Us Crave Junk Food

      Fee: FreeAvailable: Android and iOS users Developed by medical doctors, WHOLE empowers users with ongoing self-care focused on holistic wellness in its entirety. How do they do this? Through a fun way to build healthy habits that can help improve mental health. Experiment with over 100 science-backed activities to boost your happiness. Plus, useful tips that keep you balanced all day and measure your progress. 

      READ MORE: “Social media had me romanticising my mental illness and put me in a hole.”

      Fee: FreeAvailability: Not available as an app yetDeveloped by IT entrepreneur Pieter Oosthuizen, this online support group helps you achieve your mental health and greater self-awareness through sharing and conversations. “The benefit of joining a support group has been widely recognised by mental health professionals around the world,” says Oosthuizen, who was inspired to launch the platform by his own sister’s battle with depression and anxiety.

      “Working with my sister, we started developing a platform that would enable anyone wanting to join any type of support group for a mental health condition or for life coaching generally to do so in a way that’s convenient, secure and affordable. It has also been designed to protect their privacy by allowing them to hide their identity from the host and other group members should they choose to do so.”

      READ MORE: Actress Shannon Esra On Learning To Trust Her Intuition

      More habits to hone

      Over some past few years, several studies have deduced that being constantly plugged into social media increased anxiety and depression. Taking a social media break is helpful for our mental health, as per the research findings of study by the Penn State University, USA and Jinan University, China. If you’re able to silence your mind for a few minutes a day (or more), then meditation also comes highly recommended. Several studies have, in the past, found that practising mindfulness and meditation ultimately leads to decreased stress levels. To get you started, we suggest downloading Insight Timer, Breathe2Relax or Smiling Mind for some guided meditation and breathwork. 

      Click here for some mental health resources and support if you’re in South Africa.  More

    • 113 Shares

      in lifestyle and culture

      Apple introduces new features for better mental health provision

      by

      Life

      by Ruman Baig
      2 hours ago

      Apple launches new features that can tap into deeper areas of health and provide powerful insights.
      Mental health and vision health features have been included in iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and watchOS 10. With this new provision, Apple emphasizes on the fact that mental health is as important as physical health and affects people every day in how they think, feel, and act.
      The new mental health features will allow users to log their momentary emotions and daily moods. It will help them assess and track their emotions and attain important information that will be pivotal in their mental health journey. All of these new features — and existing health features — are backed by science and built with privacy at the core.
      “Our goal is to empower people to take charge of their own health journey. With these innovative new features, we’re expanding the comprehensive range of health and wellness tools that we offer our users across iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch,” said Sumbul Desai, M.D., Apple’s vice president of Health. “Mental health and vision health are important, but often overlooked, and we’re excited to introduce features that offer valuable new insights to provide users with an even better understanding of their health. These insights help support users in their daily decisions and offer more informed conversations with their doctors.”

      According to research, reflecting on one’s own mental state can help improvise emotional awareness. “Identifying our feelings has been shown to help us manage difficult emotions, appreciate positive moments, and improve well-being.” Multiple studies by researchers have shown that identifying feelings reduces emotions like sadness and anger, and positively impacts our body by slowing our heart rate. Additionally, in a survey of participants in the UCLA Digital Mental Health Study, initial results showed more than 80 percent of participants found reflecting on their mood in the study app increased emotional awareness, and about half said it increased wellbeing,” adds Dr. Michelle Craske, a distinguished professor of psychology and psychiatry at UCLA.
      Through the health app users can scroll through engaging, multidimensional shapes and choose how they are feeling in a range from Very Pleasant to Very Unpleasant. They can also select associations that are having the biggest impact on their feelings, like travel or family, and describe their feelings, such as grateful or worried.
      In addition to that, users will be able to identify the contributing factors to their mental state — whether it’s associations or lifestyle factors, such as sleep or exercise — and can use these insights to better manage their overall health.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram & Feature image: @veneti.a More

    • 113 Shares

      in fitness and body

      Boost Your Mind And Movement With ASICS’ NAGINO™ Collection

      by

      ASICS unveils a groundbreaking global campaign emphasizing the transformative power of exercise in empowering women to navigate everyday stresses. This momentous campaign coincides with the launch of ASICS’ revolutionary NAGINO™ Collection, spotlighting the profound impact that movement can have on our mental well-being.

      The campaign was developed in response to ASICS 2022 State of Mind Index, which revealed that globally, women tend to exercise less than men and, as a result, experience a lower state of mind.

      The power of movement on the mind

      In a world where stress and anxiety are at record levels, the campaign highlights the power of exercise to calm the mind. Contrasting the shortness of breath in stressed moments with the controlled, rhythmic breaths of a workout, the new campaign highlights the power of movement to offset the stresses and strains of everyday life.

      ASICS’ NAGINO™ Collection

      Designed by women for women. The new NAGINO™ Collection is created to support women to find their inner calm through movement. Each piece is purposefully crafted to inspire body confidence and support women to move undistracted and comfortably during their run and workout.

      “With the NAGINO™ Collection we wanted her to feel comfortable and confident before, during and after her training. We know that nothing frees the mind like exercise and so the new collection is designed to be 100% distraction-free, so the only thing she needs to focus on is herself and her workout.”
      Martina Jurcova, Product Manager for Apparel and Accessories

      The collection features pieces designed for running and training and is completed with colour-matching footwear. This includes the brand’s latest product innovation, the GEL-NIMBUS™ 25 running shoe. Each item is highly technical, providing storage and layering options for on-the-go adaptability. One of the apparel highlights is the NAGINO™ Run Unitard made from premium heathered knit fabric and designed in a body-hugging shape to help her feel supported.

      Shop The NAGINO™ Collection

      The NAGINO™ Collection is available online and in-store now. For more information, click here.

      Nimbus 25 Running Shoe

      Nagino Running Jacket

      Nagino Seamless Blue Tights

      Nagino Seamless Bra

      Nagino Blue Vest

      Nagino Blue Run Shorts

      READ MORE: Is This Really The World’s Most Comfortable Running Shoe?

      ASICS Commitment to Move Every Mind

      ASICS believes every mind deserves the right to be moved so we can all achieve a Sound Mind in a Sound Body. This is why ASICS is launching its mission to move every mind to help tackle exercise inequality and support everyone to feel the positive mental benefits of movement.

      This mission comes in response to ASICS State of Mind Index which uncovered a gender exercise gap, with women exercising significantly less than men, and potentially missing out on the mental benefits that exercise bring.

      As a first step to move every mind, ASICS is conducting a global live study. This is to better understand the environmental and societal barriers preventing women from exercising. Plus, what needs to be done to help them to move freely.

      Sign up here to learn more about move every mind. More

    • 75 Shares

      in health and weelbeing

      From Unconscious Eating To Intentional Wellness

      by

      We’ve all done it before – eating on the go, snacking in front of one or more screens, indulging when we’re not hungry, and rushing through meals, it’s even become the norm to some. However, these are not harmless habits.In response, mindful eating has been gaining popularity in recent years as a way to cultivate a deeper connection with our food and our bodies. The practice is centred on fully immersing yourself in the nutritional experience of tasting your food.

      According to Márcia Garcia Eugenio, Head for Multiply Incentivised Wellness for Momentum Health Solutions improved health and wellness lies in breaking free from this cycle of thoughtless eating and instead approach each mouthful with intention.

      To help start you on your journey and guide you in making mindful eating a fun and positive practice, Momentum Multiply has created the 5Ms of truly mindful eating:

      1. Make time

      Set time aside for meals, this will ensure that you don’t hurry while eating and end up just gulping everything and anything down. Not eating enough times in the day can result in actually eating more than we may need at our next meal.

      2. Minimise distractions

      Aim to be fully present with every meal – turn off the TV, put down your phone and step away from any other distractions. Except good company of course – sharing meals with friends or family is a great way to connect.

      3. More chewing = smoother digestion

      Take your time and chew your food slowly and thoroughly to make sure that you savour each mouthful. This will help you experience the depth of your foods’ flavour, texture and taste. 

      4. Mind the 80/20 Rule

      Research1 suggest to achieve a healthy diet, 80 percent of your daily intake should consist of nutritious food such as fruit, vegetables, high-fibre carbs and protein. So stop before you eat – and intentionally choose based on what you’ve already eaten, and still planning to consume.

      5. Make it an experience!

      Different foods have different textures, taste, and consistency. So, when you eat, opt for variety in food to add to the experience. This provides you with a wider spectrum of valuable nutrients and encourages to make every meal worth sitting down for.  

      To guide you on your holistic wellness journey, Momentum Multiply’s new products Multiply Inspire and Engage helps members live a healthy, balanced life by rewarding them for improving both their physical health and mental wellbeing.

      Truly mindful eating is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and it may take some time and practice to develop. However, the benefits it can offer are limitless. By adopting a more mindful approach to your overall health from eating to keeping active and everything in between, will result in endless benefits.

      Visit multiply.co.za to start your journey and unlock the priceless value of holistic wellness. 

      1Understanding Calories | Why All Calories are not Equal – Harvard School of Public Health (chgeharvard.org) More

    • 113 Shares

      in lifestyle and culture

      All the mental wellness clinics to visit in Dubai

      by

      Life

      by Sarah Joseph
      2 hours ago

      With the high-pressure society we live in, mental health is quite often an overlooked subject.
      To delve into the matter, it’s important to provide an opportunity for people around the world to make mental health care a reality for all.
      As the UAE continues to break the stigma surrounding this, mental health clinics have gained popularity to address factors surrounding depression, fatigue, anxiety, panic attacks and more.
      With the outbreak of COVID-19, several clinics have adapted to Zoom healthcare services, adding a new meaning to virtual sessions, along with in-person sessions as per usual.
      If you, or anyone you’re aware of, might require these services, Emirates Woman has curated a guide to all the mental health clinics here in Dubai.
      The LightHouse Arabia

      With a team of over 30 psychologists to address different areas in one’s life, The LightHouse Arabia provides high-quality services to help with a wide range of mental health and well-being challenges. From adoption support to psychotherapy, the in-depth sessions make it one of the leading mental health clinics in the UAE. With various events hosted every month, the interactive sessions make it helpful for people to address their problems in a community-driven environment. Located in Villa 1, Al Wasl Road, Al Safa 2, it’s open daily from 8am to 8pm with Fridays being closed.
      For more information visit lighthousearabia.com
      Priory Wellbeing Centre

      Each treatment programme is tailored to the specific needs of each individual ensuring the best possible outcome is achieved. Knowing that everyone has a different pace, the sessions are tailored to each person’s potential in their own time. With a team of professionals, the therapies provide an experience to suit each patient. From cognitive behaviour therapy to individual therapy, the clinic helps everyone to work through their problems and discover more about themselves. Located in Dubai Healthcare City, Block F, it’s open on Sunday and Monday from 8am to 7pm, Tuesday and Wednesday from 8am to 6pm and Thursday and Saturday from 9am to 5pm, with Fridays being closed.
      For more information visit priorygroup.ae
      Thrive Wellbeing Center

      In a judgment-free environment, this clinic helps clients accomplish their goals while supporting them in a warm, empathic and seamless manner. Combining the latest research, the professionals know that mental health is just as important as physical health. From parenting support to individual therapy, the expert psychologists support people through a range of challenges including depression, anxiety, grief, relationship issues and trauma. The clinic also conducts a host of workshops for people together in a group. Located in Saba Tower 1, Cluster E in JLT, it’s open from Sunday to Thursday, 9am to 8pm and Saturday 10am to 6pm.
      For more information visit thrive.ae
      Wise Mind Center

      This clinic is committed to building a sense of community and belonging ensuring that anyone who visits is never treated as an outsider. Creating a confidential space to explore and harbour lasting change, Wise Mind Center ensures its clientele is kept small for quality over quantity. With individual access to each therapist, the services are provided in Arabic, English and Dutch. Located in Lake Central Tower, 1209, Business Bay, it’s open daily from 10am to 8pm, except Friday’s are closed.
      For more information visit wisemindcenter.com
      American Wellness Center

      As the ever-increasing societal pace wears people down, the clinic was born to make the brunt of modern life a lot easier. This multi-specialty clinic ensures every session is carefully tailored as per the customer’s surrounding concerns. From mindfulness training to parenting skills training, both children and adults are looked after in a safe environment with highly qualified experts. Located in Al Faris Building 39, Dubai Healthcare City, it’s open from 8am to 10pm.
      For more information visit americanwellnesscenter.ae
      Camali Clinic

      With a step-by-step guided programme created to address any challenges, the clinic creates a personalised schedule to overcome each obstacle. By identifying the root cause of each patient’s personal challenges, clinically proven counselling sessions provide a holistic approach to addressing its client’s mental health. Various emotional and behavioural issues are addressed with love and support. With two locations, it’s situated in Block A, Ibn Sina building no. 27 in Dubai Healthcare City and Cluster M, HDS Center, in JLT.
      For more information visit camaliclinic.com
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied & feature image: Unsplash @priscilla-du-preez More

    • 125 Shares

      in health and weelbeing

      5 Steps For Tapping Into Motivation, Direct From The Pros

      by

      We’re meant to start a new year full of beans, dreams and a renewed sense of purpose… At least that’s what Instagram tells us. But, if it feels like you’re in a rut or can’t quite work up the energy to do whatever it is you really want to do, you’re not stuck in neutral alone. Just one example: 52 per cent of unhappy employees say they lack energy and motivation, according to a recent Indeed survey. No matter where you think your drive is – or isn’t – right now, these simple steps can help to rev up your motivation. Hint: it’s all about embracing the long game and being kinder to yourself.

      1. Do Something 

      Reality check: drive isn’t something that only lucky people have, like great hair or fast feet. Anyone can develop drive (or motivation – experts use them interchangeably) if you know how to go about it.

      “People often think of motivation and drive as the big flame that happens if you take lighter fluid and spray it all over a grill,” says Steve Magness, an executive coach, performance expert and co-author of the book Peak Performance. “A better way to think about drive is that you get some coal, light the fire and let it slow burn over time. That allows us to sustain and cook whatever we’re trying to cook.” 

      James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, writes that “one of the most surprising things about motivation is that it comes after starting a new behaviour, not before.” In other words, you don’t just get motivated, then do something. You do something, and that gets you motivated. “Getting started, even in very small ways … naturally produces momentum,” he writes. If starting out, even in a “very small way,” feels like anything from a minor sticking point to a monumental obstacle, he recommends making the first few steps so easy that you waste no energy thinking about doing them.

      So instead of waiting “until you feel like it” to overhaul your LinkedIn profile to get the job you want, block out 10 minutes to play around with the first entry. Instead of trying to overhaul your nutrition, start by planning what you’ll have for breakfast most days and buying the ingredients.

      2. Remove Barriers

      Even the pro athletes sometimes have a tough time getting started, says Magness, who has worked with NBA players and Olympians. “What saves these athletes is that their environment is set up in a way that lowers the bar – there’s less activation energy that’s needed to get out the door.” They have trainers devising their workouts, training partners depending on them to show up. Their systems are organised to minimise hurdles. And good news: you can do the same. 

      During a rough period when Magness says he was working too much and finding excuses not to exercise, he added five minutes to his evening commute to get to a park where he liked to run. The easy choice would have been to take the faster way home. But by going a few minutes out of his way and seeing his running shoes on the passenger seat, he removed the barrier to taking that run. “It’s almost like your brain sees running as the easier decision now. Those cues are inviting you to take that action, and you don’t have to think about it,” he explains.

      Success strategy: Unlocking motivation is all about the long game, say experts. Seeing drive as a slow burn to sustain rather than a big flame.

      3. Create Micro-goals

      Dr David Zald has watched motivation disappear. He’s the director of the Center for Advanced Human Brain Imaging Research at Rutgers University. His research has found that this happens when the workload seems too heavy or the rewards too far off. The obvious but hard-to-see-when-you’re-in-it solution is to break that big goal into smaller, doable tasks. 

      “Below your goal are subgoals, each of which has its own subgoals, cascading down to specific behaviours,” says Dr James M. Diefendorff, a professor of industrial/organisational psychology. Goals closer to the top of the hierarchy explain why you’re doing what you’re doing and reflect your values, while goals further down explain how the goal will be met, he says. Subgoals help you understand the steps you need to take and give you tasks to succeed at along the way – both help make long-term goals more manageable. Feeling like you’re making progress also feeds drive.

      So below ‘take all my vacation days this year,’ subgoals might be: ‘narrow down Airbnbs to two,’ then ‘email options to friends,’ and finally ‘book it.’ Similarly, if you’re having a hard time getting excited about a long run, promise yourself that you’ll run a kilometre or so, then take a break, and repeat that pattern until you’re finished, tips Zald.

      Key in on the phrase ‘take a break,’ too. You’re more likely to stick to a goal if you earn immediate rewards for steps you take rather than delaying rewards until you’re finished, according to research by Dr Ayelet Fishbach, author of Get It Done: Surprising Lessons from the Science of Motivation.

      4. Stop One Rep Short

      If you’re driven, you’re always pushing yourself hard… right? Performance coach Brad Stulberg wants to change your mind about that. In his new book, The Practice of Groundedness, he makes the case that “anyone can crush themselves and do an Instagram-worthy workout or all-nighter. That’s actually pretty easy. What is hard is maintaining drive for longer periods of time.” To keep it going, “force yourself to stop the equivalent of one rep short, day in and day out. Doing that is all about going a little slower today so you can go faster tomorrow.” Close the laptop at 6pm instead of 7pm. Sit down to eat lunch. Drive runs on sustainable energy, so feed it right.

      Success strategy: Rather than driving to the basket non-stop, be patient with yourself and look after your energy levels for a real motivation winner.

      5. Let Drive Change

       “The pandemic altered the lives of nearly everyone and led millions to re-evaluate and clarify the core of what is important, essential or meaningful in life – which may not be climbing the corporate ladder,” says Diefendorff.

      What sets you on fire can be a moving target, since we become interested in different things and develop different values over the course of our lives, he adds. To understand what you care about, try thinking about what happens on your best days. What gives you energy and excitement? If you don’t want to switch jobs or goals to feel a sense of drive again, “try to structure your day to ensure that some ‘best day’ activities can be experienced at least some of the time,” Diefendorff suggests.

      The post 5 Steps For Tapping Into Motivation, Direct From The Pros appeared first on Women’s Health. Words by Emily Sohn More

    • 88 Shares

      in health and weelbeing

      10 Of The Most Common Phobias, Explained

      by

      By Nikolina Ilic

      Did you know there are more than 500 recognised phobias? Ranging from super common to incredibly rare, and from NBD to deadly serious, they’re more common than we think: according to Australasian Psychology Services, specific phobias are thought to affect around 11 per cent of the Aussie population. In South Africa, the biggest animal phobia is arachnophobia or the fear of spiders.

      “Approximately one-quarter of the population have one or more phobias, with the number one fear being glossophobia: fear of public speaking, which affects up to 75% of the population,” explains Mark Stephens, lifestyle hypnotherapist and phobia specialist. “Phobias can develop at any time of your life, but will often start when you’re a child and can be triggered by a single traumatic event or a series of events that induce fear.”

      The most common phobias:

      Trypanophobia: Fear of needles

      Mysophobia: Fear of germs

      Coulrophobia: fear of clowns

      Catoptrophobia: Fear of mirrors

      Glossophobia: Fear of public speaking

      Leptophobia: Fear of losing weight/ being skinny

      Hadephobia: Fear of going to hell

      Decidophobia: Fear of making decisions

      Pteronophobia: Fear of being tickled by feathers

      Hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia: a fear of long words

      Phobias: Everything you need to know

      What is a phobia?

      A phobia is a concern or fear about certain situations or activities, like animals and objects. Fear is a rational response in certain situations, however, some people react to objects, activities or situations (the phobic stimulus) by imagining or irrationally exaggerating the danger, resulting in panic, fear or terror that is out of proportion to the actual threat. Sometimes, even the thought of, or simply seeing the phobic stimulus on television, is enough to cause a reaction. These types of excessive reactions may be indicative of a Specific Phobia.

      What happens when I have a phobia?

      People with phobias are often well aware that their fears are exaggerated or irrational, but feel that their anxious reaction is automatic or they are not able to control it. When exposed to the phobic stimulus, anxiety can reach excessive levels. Specific Phobias are often associated with panic attacks, during which the person experiences and is overwhelmed by physical sensations that may include a pounding heart, choking, nausea, faintness, dizziness, chest pain, hot or cold flushes and perspiration.

      How do I know if I have one?

      A person may have a phobia if they:

      Have a persistent fear that is excessive and unreasonable in relation to a specific object, activity or situation, such as heights, seeing blood or encountering a dog. Adults will be able to recognise that the fear is excessive; children with Specific Phobias may not be able to.

      Avoids situations in which they may have to face the phobic stimulus, for example not walking down a street where there may be a dog or refusing to go further than the ground floor of a building. If the situation is unavoidable, it is endured with distress.

      Finds that the anxiety or avoidance associated with such situations makes it difficult to go about daily life (for example, working, studying or seeing friends and family).

      What are the main categories?

      Specific Phobias are generally divided into the following categories:

      Animal type: fear that relates to animal or insects (e.g. fear of dogs or spiders).

      Natural-Environment type: a fear associated with the natural environment (e.g. fear of thunder or heights).

      Blood-Injection-Injury type: A fear associated with invasive medical procedures (e.g. injections), or by seeing blood or injury.

      Situational Type: a fear of specific situations (e.g. elevators, bridges or driving).

      Other: Any other Specific Phobias (e.g. fear of choking or fear of vomiting).

      What causes phobias?

      Several factors are likely to increase a person’s risk of developing a Specific Phobia. These include:

      A family history of mental health problems:

      A predisposition to anxiety may be passed down from a parent with a mental illness. Research has shown that children of moderately to severely depressed parents are up to three times more likely to have an anxiety disorder, and specifically a phobia, than children of non-depressed parents.

      Traumatic experiences: someone who has, for example, witnessed or experienced a traumatic event (e.g. being bitten by an animal or trapped somewhere like a cupboard) may feel extremely fearful of situations or objects associated with the event afterwards. By avoiding these, even when they are in a non-threatening situation, they may develop a phobia.

      What treatments are available?

      Phobias are treatable and seeking professional help is the first step towards recovery. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is the most commonly- used therapy for people with Specific Phobias and can be conducted either in group sessions or individually. Cognitive behaviour therapists work closely with people to develop a shared understanding of their thinking and behavioural difficulties. Therapists will help people to uncover unhelpful and unrealistic ways of thinking (e.g. “I will be trapped. Medication is also available, like antidepressants, however, there has been no clear indications of efficacy in using medication have been found in treating phobias.

      This article was first published in womenshealthmag.com.au More