how can i get rid of my phobia?

Question

I have a very bad phobia of Crane Fly (Daddy Long Legs). I cannot go in a room with them, be near dead ones, or even look at pictures of them. I find them disgusting and very frightening. It is affecting my day-to-day life now, please help?

i've read self-help websites and they say expose myself to them as much as possible, i really can't do this

Answer 1

The best way to get rid of your phobia is to face your fear. Force yourself to look at photos of Crane Flies, have someone with you helping you be in the same room as one, that way you have a less chance of running away. It is the best way, but it is also the most traumatic for a person.

You could try the above plus seek psychiatric help. They could help you come to terms on why you are afraid of Crane flies and also offer more suggestions on how to get over your phobia.

Answer 2

You can get help with phobias, from psychotherapists, or from hypnotists.

If you want to affect your own cure, first remember that they cannot possibly harm you. I agree that they are a bit freaky, though.

Then you need to be brave and slowly expose yourself to them, to desensitise yourself. Try one in a jar (you need someone to catch one for you). First, just look at the jar from a distance, then next day, or later, get a little closer etc. etc. I am sure you get the picture. It will be difficult, I know, but my daughter and I have gone through a similar-ish process with butterflies, and today she picked some up, first in a butterfly farm (including a massive one!).

You could try researching them first - this definitely helps, by educating yourself about them, and seeing pictures, you naturally become less intimidated.

You definitely can do it, if you really want to.

be strong.

Answer 3

Hi. Wow, sounds like you are hurting. I used to have a terrible fear of spiders. Just freaked out. I never crossed the obsession line, though. But I would watch that. You need good professional counseling from people you trust. Go get it now. Don't wait. My spider thing was a deep psychological issue that had to do with a lot more than bugs. I am still finding out how far the root system of my past really goes. Amazing. But I feel soooo much happier. I still don't like spiders, but I am in control of the situation now.

Answer 4

I will happily dispose of your Crane flies if you are not averse to removing my spiders - loathsome beasts!!
This problem will son go away because the season for
daddy long legs is quite short - a few weeks and they will all have
dropped dead behind the sofa waiting for the call of the hoover!
phobias are usualy tackled by slow and gentle exposure to the object of fear - to achieve a gradual increase in
tolerance. Meantime keep your windows shut!!!!!!!

Answer 5

I completely sympathise with this, I had one in my room the other week and nearly had a complete breakdown! I have a phobia of spiders and other creepy crawlies too, and find that even when I can't see any they are all I think about, just in case i might see one!! I think that the only way to get help a phobia as bad as these are too see someone professional. Mebbe I will as well!
Good luck!!

Answer 6

If you can't force yourself to build up a gradual exposure to them (which is OK, don't beat yourself up about it) then it really might be a good idea to enlist the help of a therapist who can reassure you that you're handling things correctly and provide that extra incentive to beat it.
Good luck! (at least they should be over for another year soon!)

Answer 7

The only sure-fire way to get rid of a phobia is, unfortunately, 'flooding' which means exposing yourself to the thing you're scared of.

However if you go to a therapist who specialises in this you may find it easier than trying to do it on your own. Look for a counsellor or therapist who specialises in CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy).

Answer 8

they r more scared of u then u r of them, thinking of them as tiny friends sometimes helps, try standing outside the room they r in and slowly work ur way nearer 2 them will slowly help, i have a phobia of spiders and daddy long legs and i jus think of them as tiny friends, and now im fine with them till the start moving 2wards me.

Answer 9

I used to be terrified of crane flies,
I would scream my head off,
until one day there wasn’t anyone at home and one found me it flew on to my knee I of course screamed and hit it away, when I looked at it, it was dieing on the floor I felt really sorry for it and stood on it to put it out of it’s misery.
Now I am not so bothered by them still not keen when they fly past my ears but I don’t scream now.

Answer 10

Find some information about them, without pictures and learn of their benefits on the earth. If you start seeing them from a good perspective, that may help you get past your fears. But no matter what, it ain't gonna happen overnight.
Good luck.