A phobia is best described as an irrational or unreasonable fear of an everyday object or situation. To a non sufferer, getting into a lift is something they do not even think about, whereas to the claustrophobic (fear of enclosed spaces), it is such a terrifying ordeal that they will avoid the situation at all costs. Similarly, where one person can happily pick up a small spider from a bath and put it out of the window, the arachnophobic will be terrified of that eight legged monster. Each situation may seem silly to anyone else but it is very real to the sufferer. They have no logical explanation why they feel the way they do.

Common Phobias:

• Acrophobia (heights)
• Agorophobia (open spaces)
• Arachnophobia (spiders)
• Aviatophobia (flying)
• Bacteriophobia (germs)
• Belonophobia (needles)
• Emetophobia (fear of being sick)
• Claustrophobia (enclosed spaces)
• Hydrophobia (water)
• Ochlophobia (crowds)
• Ornithophobia (birds)
• Social phobia
• Shy bladder in men

Emetophobia

This is where the person has an overwhelming or irrational fear of being sick or seeing someone else being sick. It can rule a person’s life dominating their thoughts each and every day.

This is a speciality area of mine.

The behaviour pattern of Emetophobes may include:

• Watching people closely to see if they are ill or pale
• Completely avoiding certain foods, almost to the point of obsession
• Feeling edgy about germs and hygiene
• Avoiding public transport in case others are sick
• Finding it difficult to watch certain programmes on TV, especially hospital dramas
• Feeling worried about becoming pregnant because of morning sickness
• Feeling dizzy or out of control at the thought of someone being sick
• Hating the idea of being out of control

Social Phobia

This is described as a fear of being judged or put on the spot and it can occur in many situations with many varied symptoms. The most common of which are:

• Blushing
• Stuttering
• Shy bladder
• Fear of public speaking

• A negative self image
• Fear of rejection
• Sensitivity to criticism
• Worrying continuously about how others see you

Shy bladder

Shy bladder is about not being able to urinate in front of others and is are common symptom of social anxiety in men and sometimes women. Men with Shy bladder find it very difficult to relieve themselves in front of other men, particularly in public toilets and at work. They will often choose to use a cubicle or avoid going altogether. This avoidance leads to severe discomfort and anxiety. Research suggests that there may be over 4 million people suffering from this in the UK alone.