Phobias: Overcoming Fear and Anxiety
Remaining in a state of 'fight-or-flight' leaves you exposed and susceptible.
Oleg Kuzin, the head of department No 2 (Psychosomatic Center) at the Regional Neurotic Clinic "Sosnovy Bor", explains that phobias are the result of our mental evaluation of a situation. Our brains are equipped to find vulnerabilities in our defense system, and if one is detected, it triggers the "fight or flight" response.
Phobias are often associated with feelings of fear towards non-threatening or absent aggressors. This is due to our imagination, which allows us to anticipate danger even when it's not present. The initial reaction to fear, regardless of whether it stems from a fear of heights or spiders, is an instinctive one – people tend to avoid or run away from the source of fear.
However, Oleg Kuzin advises against suppressing fear with methods such as medication or alcohol. Instead, he believes it is crucial to learn how to manage and hear our fears. This approach enables individuals to confront their fears, ultimately depriving them of their power. For example, someone with a fear of water may be encouraged to gradually immerse themselves in shallow water until their body becomes accustomed to the sensation.
When fear arises in unknown situations, it tests our knowledge, and the struggle with fear intensifies it. People may imagine all sorts of reasons for a phobia, even apocalyptic scenarios, and each encounter with a similar situation will cause panic, regardless of the cause. To break this cycle, it is necessary to repeatedly expose oneself to the stimulus without the negative reaction. With continued exposure, the fear will gradually fade from memory.
In some cases, fear may be triggered by specific situations or objects, such as a car accident in the case of someone who fears driving. In such instances, Oleg Kuzin suggests starting with small, manageable steps, such as sitting in the car without starting the engine, and gradually building up to more challenging tasks, like driving on residential streets or highways. It is important to avoid dwelling in the discomfort zone; instead, take your time and progress at a steady pace.
When fear rears its head, remember that life is finite, and the desire to try will overcome fears. By implementing strategies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychosomatic techniques, relaxation practices, lifestyle modifications, and support networks, it is possible to effectively manage and overcome phobias. In the case of Oleg Kuzin’s specific methods, more details would need to be provided for a tailored explanation of his approach.
Health Corner. Material prepared by Natalia Valyagina.
Zen.News. Email Newsletter. Telegram. VKontakte.
- In the realm of health and wellness, overcoming phobias can be achieved through a combination of mental-health strategies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychosomatic techniques, relaxation practices, and lifestyle modifications.
- Science shows that phobias can also be addressed through fitness-and-exercise regimens, as gradual exposure to the source of fear, like stepping into shallow water or slowly starting to drive again, can help deprive the fear of its power.
