How do you overcome fear of heights?

Question

I've got a friend who likes hiking tall mountains and keeps asking me to go too.

Answer 1

I believe that the best way to overcome our fears is by facing it, till you get use to it and finally you overpass...
It does not means you have to climb the Empire States, but you can start by trying a roof, free of risks for you...

Answer 2

I have the same problem, except I just want to overcome the fear. I thought about it and the best way I found is to immerse myself into the fear. I drew up a list of all types of heights; like standing on a chair, looking over a balcony from the second floor, going up escalators etc. Then I would try the easiest things first and make my way down the list, but only after I had mastered the previous level first. It takes time, but the more practice the better. I dont believe in hypnosis. I did go see a specialist but she thought I should just 'talk' about it instead of immersing myself into it. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Everyone is afraid of heights, although in various degrees.
The way to overcome such fear is to climb heights. Do it with an experienced mountaineer or professional guide. they know how to do safely. I overcame my primal fear years ago, and enjoy mountain climbing for many years.
when you climb above the tree level you fear tends to go away. That is at a height of 40 or 50 feet. It's at the height where trees and cars look like toys.
Mountaineering can be safe, if conduted with knowlege, skill, the right climbing equipment, and safety equipment.
Oh yeah some brandy or a good tranquilizer is advisable for your first experience.

Answer 4

your probably afraid because something bad has happened to you in a higher altitude place. Maybe a relative broke a bone or lost a loved one. You should go and plan something you will really enjoy when you get to the top. Make the trip a fun trip and you will want to get to the top and it will help overcome your fear. its the same effect the vet has on a dog. If something is a bad experiance then you will always fear it. If something is a good experiance, you will want to do it again even if you were afraid of it before. you should just go once and plan the fun thing at the top maybe bring your husband or a good man friend along or girl friend or really good woman friend along....*wink wink* and share a good weekend or day together.

Answer 5

It's scary, (I share a fear of hights too) the best way is just to go and do it. Don't do anything really risky. If you can, before you go on the mountain, go into a big building and just look out of the windows( I live in Baltimore, so its "easy" for me.) Take a ride in a cable car at a fair. little steps will help you to lose much fear. And, unless you are ready...don't look down when you are on the trail. The view would probly be great, but you could also"freeze"

Answer 6

Acrophobia, or fear of heights, is considered a phobia because it is usually an irrational fear. You know that standing at a high altitude does not pose a direct threat to your safety, but you are fearful nonetheless. You may want to consult a psychologist for treatment, or you can try to do it on your own. The key is baby steps. Go to places of increasing heights (gradually), and don't leave until your fear/anxiety subsides and you are comfortable. Eventually, you will be able to make it able to stand on the roof of a tall building without hesitation. That's the basic idea of it; let me know if you want more details!

Answer 7

You can't; it's only natural to have a fear of heights. And it's not really the fear of heights, it's usually the fear of falling.

All I can suggest is start small and work your way up and don't listen to people that say don't look down (make sure you look down from time to time and get used to the sensation so your body and mind can learn to deal with it).

If you ever truly overcome your fear of heights; that's when it really gets dangerous because you forget to be cautious.

Good luck.

Answer 8

Jump on an airplane with a window seat!! Then look down and you will realize that you have already conquered the fear already without even trying.

And then the next time you are somewhere you fear, just think of the airplane and say out loud " I've been in higher places seating down!!"

Answer 9

I have this too. When the fear strikes focus on your breathing and don't look down. Once the panic passes ( it will pass) then you can relax a little. Just keep doing this and it will become less of a problem as the day goes on.

Answer 10

I myself suffer from this unfortunate fear, and can say that it is hard to overcome. I don't think you can completely "kick it", but you can definitively lessen it. I've found that prolonged exposure to frightening heights makes it seem not as big a deal, and by comparison, future situations are not as frightening.