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 them, and they can't hurt her, but I don't know how much it helps. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
2006-09-18 15:20:26 · 12 answers · asked by sjauletta 1 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
At least they're not bed bugs! I have seen some nasty skin problems due to those little buggers!
2006-09-18 15:22:29 · answer #1 · answered by Tricia 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cockroaches are awful. They crawl on food at night. If the problem is bad during the day, just get up at night and see the massive invasion. It might drive her crazy, if she could see this at night. She sounds like she is young. Poor thing and it is not easy. There is nothing you can do, until she fully accepts and realizes that they will not hurt her.
Any city that is near water or a river, has an abundance of roaches. They keep many other pests away. But I firmly believe every city should be made to spray the sewer systems throughout the entire city. Instead the city leaves the problem up to the residents. It is a City wide problem. They need to take care of it. That is what us City tax payers need is for our City Health department to act. Act by spraying and getting rid of the roach problems. It is awful Good Luck.
2006-09-18 15:30:48 · answer #2 · answered by Norskeyenta 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Start with a toy model, and then put it on her by surprise. Having got used to it frequently, the real one will have less panic effect, and residual resistance, which can be overcome easily.
The exam fear is got removed by repeated model tests to students, the more such, the better, till there is little difference between trial and reals !
2006-09-18 23:17:02 · answer #3 · answered by Spiritualseeker 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Every time I see one of those ridiculous "fear conquering" talk shows, I see the host tormenting the guest by making them face their fears. Whatever it may be. For someone like your girlfriend, she would be made to face and probably even touch the roach. They say that works to help covercome the fear. I can't see how. That's about the only way I've ever heard of.
2006-09-18 15:26:15 · answer #4 · answered by *Larry P. he's for me* 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had the same problem...Then I went to the zoo. They were holding a show about exotic animals, and they called on a volunteer. Of, coarse, I was picked. The zookeeper had me close my eyes and stick out my hand. While I had my eyes closed, he stuck a madagascar hissing chockroach, on my arm. I eventually thought chockroaches were kewl, and that it was sad to kill them.
Have your girlfriend become friends with the chockroaches.
Here is a video with a chockroach controlling a robot (it's pretty awesome): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwZD59Ic9T8
2006-09-18 16:12:44 · answer #5 · answered by Sandi 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Irrational fears are tough. I have a friend that fears lizards, one that fears birds and MANY that fear cockroaches. Logic does not work; the fear is too deep. You might consider hypnosis.
Look at it as job security! She will need you to kill the cockroaches so she won't leave you!
Good luck!
2006-09-18 15:28:52 · answer #6 · answered by ssbn598 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think you're going to win this one! Cockroaches are disgusting, disease-carrying pests... To keep her from freaking out, you may want to make sure you put traps around EVERY possible entrance point to her apartment, to make sure none get in!
2006-09-18 15:23:10 · answer #7 · answered by from HJ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I suffer from the same phobia, and I had it bad...still have it, but not nearly as much.
Have her watch Joe's Apartment over and over, until she is more desensitized.
Now, I still have panic attacks, but not nearly as destroying as they used to be. I be feeling her pain!
2006-09-18 15:25:10 · answer #8 · answered by rrrevils 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Kill the roaches, you are supposed to be her knight in shining armour. Protect and kill for her then she will know you will keep her safe from the horrid things.
2006-09-18 15:27:52 · answer #9 · answered by obenypopstar 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dude, kudos for caring.
Show her you care by setting traps and stuff. Kill em, squash him. They wont go away, neither will her fear, so just be there for her.
2006-09-18 15:26:14 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋