Dear Dish-It Discusses Fears and Phobias

Today on Dear Dish-It’s “Let’s Talk About it Tuesday” we will be answering questions about fears and phobias. In light of the Halloween season we will be looking at what kids and teens are scared of. Some horror is just pretend and scares us in the moment, while other fears and phobias can be more powerful and truly have an impact on us. There are some fears that we just can't get over, and they haunt us on a regular basis. There are plenty of different ways, which you can face and cope with your fears. Sometimes we have to put ourselves in uncomfortable positions in order to gain comfort with these elements. 

Let's Take a Look at This Week's Questions:

Question by GamingsincethebeginingofPINK

Question: I have a few phobias.. Fear of darkness and fear of heights. I want to get over my fears, but I just can't! Please Help!!

Insight/Advice:

There are a lot of people in this world who are scared and get anxious because of those things. Having a fear of darkness is very common. By nature, humans can shy away from the unknown. There are many ways for approach your fear of darkness and if you wish to decrease this amount you experience, perhaps you can use the assistance of a night light in your room. Your fear of heights is also something you can try to overcome slowly by gradually subjecting yourself to heights. You can confront your fears or you can accept them, and let them go. No one is going to force you to do something that freaks you out, but the more likely you are to face your fear, the more likely you are to overcome it. It can take a lot to be brave, but why have a fear stand in your way? You might surprise yourself by having a newfound experience with your fear. 

Question by Little DizzyFlippy

Question: I think I have some sort of Blood like Phobia... Whenever I hear (or read) the word, see it, or even hear the word veins, I get really dizzy or I have a nervous breakdown. You should see me in health class! Help!

Insight/Advice:

The phobia you are describing affects much of the population. Something to remember about this phobia is that it causes your heart rate to rise and drop- This can cause fainting in some cases. If you know you will be around blood, mention to your peers what you feel and they can assist you in any possible outcome. It has been shown that deep breathing exercises can help your nerves dramatically.

Question by Gabcat

Question: I have Coulrophobia, which is a fear of clowns. I can't stand it looking or even hearing the word not to mention seeing clowns! I want to try to get over it but everything the internet has told me to do has never worked! So I ask, is there anyway I can get over this phobia?? If you reply THXX! XD

Insight/Advice:

Your fear of clowns is extremely valid. Many people who experience this phobia can try to overcome it by exposing themselves more to clowns. At the end of the day, you must remember that clowns are people just like us, but dressed up and playing a role. To familiarize yourself more with clowns, try to visit an amusement park or even a haunted house if you’re feeling up to it. Given the spooky season we are in, they will be plentiful!

Afterthoughts

There are plenty of ways to address your fears and phobias; one way is to directly confront your fears. You can do this gradually and over time.

I think it is safe to say that everyone is scared of something, and that is a normal reality. Not everything in this world is going to be designed for everyone’s enjoyment. Just take a breath and relax. Try not to worry about your fears and focus on what brings you joy. It’s one thing to have a phobia; it’s an entirely separate thing to live in fear. Don’t let yourself stay in the fear too long. Use your powers to lift yourself out of that mentality into some place constructive. Be good to your mental health and self-care, help yourself exist in healthy state of mind.

 

Helplines & Resources: 

• TeenMentalHealth.org
• KidsHealth - A safe, private place for kids & teens who need honest, accurate information and advice about health, emotions, and life.
• Teen Line - A helpline for kids and teens to work through their personal issues and mental health as needed.  1-800-TLC-TEEN or 1-800-852-8336 (Toll-Free US & Canada).
• Mind Infoline – Information on self-harm and a helpline to call in the UK at 0300 123 3393 or text 86463.
• Kids Help Phone – Free, anonymous and bilingual helpline for young people in Canada, available 24/7 by phone, Live Chat, and the Always There chat app for any issue, including self-injury and suicide. Call 1-800-668-6868 or visit kidshelpphone.ca.
• Kids Helpline – A helpline for kids and young adults in Australia to get help with issues including cutting and self-harm. Call 1800 55 1800. (Kids Helpline).

Interested in getting in touch with Dear Dish-It?

Simply email deardish@kidzworld.com with your concern, and we will address you on “Let’s Talk about it Tuesday” if your question is suitable for our topic of conversation. Regardless, keep your eyes peeled as Dear Dish-It it is covering a lot of issues, and you never know when your question or topic of concern will be featured in an article. Please let us know if you would like your handle to be listed as anonymous and list your age in your question if you would like as that can impact advice. To learn the Do's and Don'ts of Dear Dish-It, and to find out what kind of questions are appropriate, check out this article!

Give Us Your Opinion

What are your fears? What are your phobias? Comment below.