#shawleveryday2019 Day 59

A phobia is a type of anxiety disorder that describes an intense, irrational fear of something, someone, or someplace that poses no or little actual danger. A phobia is more than just a general fear about something, it can cause major disruption to your daily life and ability to function normally.

There are 3 main types of phobias:

• Specific Phobia: going to extreme lengths to avoid a specific object or place (examples: spiders, heights, etc.)

• Social Phobia: a fear of being humiliated or under-performing in social situations (examples: public speaking, eating in front of others)

• Agoraphobia: feeling discomfort in situations where escape is difficult or help is not readily available (examples: leaving the house, public transportation, small spaces)

Common symptoms of phobias include:

• ​a sensation of uncontrollable anxiety when exposed to the source of fear

• a feeling that the source of that fear must be avoided at all costs

• not being able to function properly when exposed to the trigger

• acknowledgment that the fear is irrational, unreasonable, and exaggerated, combined with an inability to control the feelings

Causes of phobias are unclear, but are often related to a traumatic experience. Phobias are also linked to the amygdala, which controls the "fight or flight" response." Treatment for phobias typically includes therapy and/or medication.

Details about this shawl
Dinner in the Eiffel Tower Shawl pattern