when I see a spider I freeze, shake and sweat... how do I get rid of my fobia??? please!!!?

Question

I think it is something I developed from my childhood... I know it sounds stupid and I do feel ashamed of myself for it, but that is exactly what happens if I see even the smallest spider... please help!

Answer 1

I highly recommend a qualified hypnotherapist. I had a horrible phobia and after two years of research I didn't just go to a hypnotherapist I took the full training to become one. We solved my phobia and I became a practicing hypnotherapist and my favourite issue to deal with was phobia's because they were so easy to solve!

If you are in canada you can check www.findopia.com for listings

Answer 2

I feel you 187%. Until about 2 or 3 years ago I was just like that, it was like I was having a panic attack every time I saw one of those 8 legged freaks. Then I moved in with a damn tree hugger. He was a total nature boy and refused to kill the things when I would see them (what else are boyfriends good for if they won't kill creepy crawlies?). He would give me the "they're living creatures, you can't kill them" speach. Once I really thought about it, it started making sense to me, what do spiders really do....they trap and kill other creepy crawlies and feast on them (I'm pretty squeemish when it comes to most bugs). So, after a very long time and lots of tears of terror I picked up my first spider without squishing it dead, I started with a daddy long legs (that's what I suggest because they are totally harmless and don't move very quickly). Those always seem to like the bathroom so when I would see one in there I would pick it up by its legs and relocate it to the backyard. After that I just started paying attention to what the spiders were doing, what they ate, the way they move, I became a bit fascinated by them. Now I have no problem killing them! I certainly won't go as far as the boyfriend, but I can be in the vacinity of a spider without freaking out. I used to not be able to even get close enough to kill the things, now it's not a problem, I grab my shoe and wack 'em when I see 'em. Start small and remember that you can move faster than they can and that they are easily smooshed. Good luck and don't be ashamed, there are soooo many people who are in the same boat.

Answer 3

Kim, it's nothing to be ashamed of, I have the same phobia. Where I was born they had hulking great hairy ones, so I think the fear is natural. There's also the whole leg/movement issue...how far from natural can you get!
I don't freeze, I find myself across the room with my back against the opposite wall, screaming...
The best thing, if there are spiders aplenty where you live, is to get some professional help. There are many ways to desensitize or defuse a phobia.
Best of luck honey.

Answer 4

My 5 year old suffers badly from this, I think its because he watched a Harry Potter film with spiders in when he was only 3 and has given him a phobia. I have to check all the rooms before he goes in for spiders. I've heard that the only way to deal with this is to be brave and confront your fears gradually taking a small step at a time until eventually you are not scared. Ask your doctor for help - this is very common so please don't feel ashamed

Answer 5

First of all know that most spiders arent poisonous and most spiders don't bite. In fact they help control raches, ants and other insects, spiders can be helpful, and granny says good luck comes to those who let spiders live in thier homes. Read about spiders and know which ones are harmful. In the US we mostly have to worry about the black widow and the fiddle back or brown recluse.

Answer 6

consider this, who's bigger you or the spider,
close your eyes and ask a friend to place a spider on your hand, feel how small and fragile it is, dont neccesarily open your eyes first time, your friend helps you, perhaps as you say the sight is enough, but try it a few more times, until you feel confident and reassured enough in yourself,
then take a peek, if you get the same symptoms as before, either push yourself, or give it up as a bad job.
let me know if this helps...

Answer 7

if you want to stop the spider`s getting into your rooms . Here is a little tip that really works !! Place a seed off the horse chestnut tree ( a conker ) in every corner of your room , i guarantee you will have no further problems with spider`s in your home anymore !!!! This Is Not A Wind Up it really work`s ........

Answer 8

you almost have to take a step outside of youself. the next time you see a spider, picture yourself as a decked out army person with every weapon all ready. you are strong and powerful. i used to scream seeing, centipedes, and totally freak out.... but there have been times when my husband hasn't been around, and i've had to rush past all that fear, and simply wack out on it. lol. with a big shoe, making a lot of noise in the process. i've gotten better at it, and now that i've successfully killed a few, it's easier for me to feel strong when i see one, and simply run for the shoe. (especially with my 2 year old standing there watching it, saying..."oo, a caterpillar." "No! It's not a caterpillar! get away! Lol!"

Answer 9

Fobia? LMAO Sorry, that maid me chukkel. Oops, now I'm doing it. Anyway, I used to have the same "fobia." Try a phobia workbook, worked for me. You can buy them at most bookstores.

Answer 10

I know the feeling I do the same and even more. I run scream hyperventilate some times i even cry. It isn't a fear you can get over easy. I now try to hide my feeling so I don't scare the little kids. Just try to be brave and try not to get worse like me!