I just answered a question about phobias so I was intrigued to ask this one. I am TERRIFIED of moth and/or butterflies. Anyone else out there with this problem? I mean I can hardly go outside at night in the summer its so bad, scares me to tears. Any suggestions how to cure this, other than having to interact with them! ICK!
2007-11-09 15:38:59 · 15 answers · asked by irlefw 2 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
i think it's pretty normal, lots of people have phobias that they never really fix. just remember they cant harm you.
2007-11-09 15:47:50 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best way that I know of to cure phobias is to slowly increase your exposure to the object of fear.
For example, you could look at pictures of moths and butterflies. Then you could stand at the window and look at the real moths and butterflies. Then you could go outside for 30 seconds and back in, then out and then in again. Then you could actually look for a moth or butterfly while you're outside and make yourself not run away for 2 seconds, then keep increasing the time that you stand there without running.
This is called desensitization. It takes some courage and a lot of time - but it can work if you really want it to.
On the other hand, being afraid of moths and butterflies might not really be affecting your life that adversely - it's not like being afraid to drive a car or something - so you might just want to live with it! But if want to feel free to go outside whenever you want, then I would recommend desensitization.
Good luck!
2007-11-09 23:45:24 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try to figure out when phobia 1st started; then think of what other fears you have that you might be trying to avoid. It might give you a clue as to why you're keeping your mind on moths and butterflies.
But are you sure you actually have a phobia & not just a fear? A phobia is an irrational and unexplainable fear that is usually a substitute for something else.
Source:
Mental Health Worker
2007-11-09 23:48:34 · answer #3 · answered by knicname 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It may sound out there, but I think the easiest solution may be hypnosis. I didn't believe in it AT ALL, but the therapist guaranteed results, so I tried it to stop smoking. I had to go back once (free because of the guarantee), but it worked wonders! My hypnotist says he cures phobias too. As he explains it, you have a fear or problem and like a smelly pair of gym shoes, you put them in a closet and forget about them. After a while other things pile on top of it, until one day you notice the odor (phobia), only now you can't figure out where it's coming from (or the reason for the phobia) because of everything piled on top of it (memorys, experiences, etc.) He says that the process of hypnosis allows the hypnotist go bypass all the junk on top and go directly to the sneakers(by going directly into the subconscious), removing the odor (or fear). If you decide to go that route, make sure it's a one on one session, and that you ask around to see if anyone has had good results with him/her. I also found it more comforting to have a trusted friend in the room because in order for it to work you must be relaxed and that's hard to do with a complete stranger. Having my friend there put me at ease because I knew he wouldn't let anything bad happen to me. It let me concentrate on the session so I got better results. Good Luck
2007-11-09 23:50:44 · answer #4 · answered by Andi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Okay, I had the same problem. The fear of moths (mottephobia) is usually caused by a memory in which a large moth or butterfly that traumatized you. I suggest that you attempt to regress that memory and maybe you'll get over it I did! Good Luck!
2007-11-09 23:43:01 · answer #5 · answered by Dr. Lecter 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can understand this phobia. I know a few people who went out at night and had moths fly into their ears. it was terrifying. Plus they had to go to the ER to get them out.
2007-11-09 23:47:14 · answer #6 · answered by Reba 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Learn about your fear. Name your fear and face it. I know you are terrified of these mysterious flying insects, but if you learned more online or out of books about how harmless and beautiful these creatures are, you'll be less afraid. Next, go to a bug museum in your state and look at thier butterfly collection. Butterflies and moths can actually be quite pretty. try finding one in your favorite color.
2007-11-09 23:44:42 · answer #7 · answered by ask lylah 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Let me ask you this...if you are terrified of them then why do you even talk about them? Why do you choose to focus on it. There are million other things you could be thinking about. You want to feel good so it makes sense to focus on things that make you feel good, sense our thought determine our feelings and our focus determines our thoughts. Just forget about your phobia and dont ever speak of it again. Get so good at forgetting about it that you dont notice its even there. Turn the other cheek.
2007-11-09 23:43:11 · answer #8 · answered by Keith 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well to tell you the truth i am the same way i hate things that fly,moths butterflies ,grasshoppers,crickets you name it and for years like you i didn t know why,but i think i have realized why i feel like that i worrie they will get stuck in my clothes ,because when i was a kid i lived where we had a grasshopper plague and one got stuck in my pants i flipped ,and they always seem to fly right at you so i feel for you really i do .even though i know they cant hurt you .hope it helps to know your not alone
2007-11-09 23:49:15 · answer #9 · answered by junebug 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA
I have a freind named jessie who has the exact same thing
just go to a butterfly exhibit in the zoo and wait there until eventually u say HAY THIS AINT SO BAD
2007-11-09 23:42:41 · answer #10 · answered by killaboi12369 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Night moths and butterflies have no interest in you.... They are looking either for light, night moths, or necter, butterflies.
You need to aknowledge to yourself that this little insects are not any threat to your body.... and enjoy them!
2007-11-09 23:43:32 · answer #11 · answered by ♥♥The Queen Has Spoken♥♥ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋