We live in New York City, and they seem to be everywhere after dark. Every time she sees one, which is almost daily, she panics. I try to reassure her that they aren't in her apartment, but I can't imagine how much she would panic if one did turn up - they're all around the alleys outside, and it wouldn't really surprise me. Anyway, does anyone have any suggestions? A good book that might help? Right now I just try to calm her down and tell her that she's bigger than her, and they can't hurt her, but I don't know how much it helps. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
2006-09-18 15:16:14 · 11 answers · asked by sjauletta 1 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Follow-up: I'm not upset at her for acting irrationally, I just want to help her beat this - she is just beginning a promising career in an area where she'll have to enter some really low-income areas to assess living conditions and conduct interviews, so I want her to overcome this.
2006-09-18 15:26:25 · update #1
Further update: They aren't in either of our apartments. Have you ever been to NYC? They're all over the streets at night, in even the best neighborhoods. I'm not forcing anything on her at all - she's beginning a career as an Assistant District Attorney, which will require her to interview witnesses in housing projects - she wants to get past it enough that she's able to work without the fear taking control.
2006-09-18 15:33:10 · update #2
cockroaches are nasty and make you feel itchy. Take up for your girl, man. [I hate cockroaches too.]
2006-09-18 15:19:31 · answer #1 · answered by *Benny B* 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't try to force something on her. The way to conquer a phobia to face your intense fear, but in her case, I don't see the point in her conquering that fear....unless it's affecting her life in some way. I have arachnophobia....fear of spiders and whether I get over it or not is not going to affect my life in that I have no desire to live with spiders or be around them, etc. She is probably the same way....most people don't want cockroaches on them, in their homes, or be around them. A fear of flying is something to try to conquer, a fear of cockroaches is not....in my opinion.
2006-09-18 22:27:36 · answer #2 · answered by First Lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Coakroaches can't hurt her?Dude first off you need to quit lying to her,second off quit taking her to your place.
You need to be honest so that she stays a complete clean freak so she doesn't get them.Do you know how many diseases you can catch from a roach?Did you know that one single roach can kill you?I hope she intercepts this so,that she knows how you are lying to her,theres nothing wrong with her freaking over roaches.
2006-09-18 22:29:40 · answer #3 · answered by jgmafb 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
you can't she's a girl and she likes for you to come to her rescue, so pretend you are a dragon slayer and kill the bug or do the "i have a heart" bit and carry the little critter outside!
2006-09-18 22:26:02 · answer #4 · answered by Crista M 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no, not really. i think she fears the thought of them being on her. being that it is dark. it's not about getting in her food. so, start with that. will they ever jump on her. most likely, no. so, if she is real worried. bring along a little bottle of bug spray and let her kill them. that shows her she has the power, not them.
2006-09-18 22:22:36 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Slay all the roaches. I know from experience that they know nothing of peace or even of truce. Your only hope is to ANNIHILATE! They will remain until the very last roach dies, and YOU MUST KILL EVEN THAT VERY LAST ROACH!
2006-09-18 22:23:52 · answer #6 · answered by dinochirus 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's like learning to swim. She needs to be in a room full of cockroaches. It won't be long before she's comfortable with them.
2006-09-18 22:27:02 · answer #7 · answered by S K 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Ask yourself this question and DON'T rush it: "What's more important, her or the cockroach?"
2006-09-18 22:22:31 · answer #8 · answered by Webster 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
make more money and move her to a better neighborhood.
2006-09-18 22:24:36 · answer #9 · answered by sabrina 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Get her to practice killing them.
2006-09-18 22:19:46 · answer #10 · answered by Teacher 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋