Show What are you scared of tt 1 ri t We all have fears at some SOIne time t Ine A 1 Diane Cashel Director Alcohol and Drug Education E are all afraid from time to time WE Most of the time our fears have a basis in reality such as when we feel afraid of walking down a dark alley alone at night We know from our own experience and the experience of others that we are jeopardizing jeopardizing jeopardizing izing our safety and so it seems reasonable to be afraid Read these tips to learn the differences differences differences dif dif- between fears and phobias and how phobias can be treated Many of us experience mild slightly unnatural fears as well such as the fear of flying or riding in an elevator Most of us will fly in an an airplane and ride in an elevator in spite of our fears because we know that as a practical matter we can overcome them These fears do not interfere with our daily lives A phobia is an emotional need to avoid situations or objects A n simple phobia might be the complete avoidance of flying or riding in an elevator Simple phobias t l m can be relatively easy to overcome with a three Behavior Therapy teaches us small steps to change the way we think 4 about activity Education Discussion sessions address irrational ir irrational irrational ir- ir rational fears about the activity Group Support Support helps us realize that we are not alone in our fears A more serious phobia however is a fear so powerful it might prevent us from going about the normal activities of everyday life It has a component of encompassing all fear which fills us with an almost constant feeling feeling feeling feel feel- ing of dread Serious phobias can usually be treated successfully by a mental health professional profess professional s ion a I wit with h be behavior h a v i 0 r m modification 0 di f i cat ion medication or both Successful intervention intervention intervention tion ca can help phobia sufferers become more realistic about their fears so that they can return to a full life For more information about phobias contact the Alcohol and Drug Education program at J J |