Fear of bugs.....

I know that people may think this sounds silly and I am sorry if it does but I have a deadly fear of bugs. I get scarred and shake and cry at the meer sight of bugs. Certain bugs scare me more but all of them scare me so bad. In fact at the momment there is a bee traped in the front porch area of my house and I have the door shut so he can't get in the house but I am still shaking in fear and crying. There is no one here with me at the momment to get rid of him and I don't know what to do. My heart is racing and I just can't seem to calm down. There is a window where I can see out to that room and everytime he flies by I about have a heart attack. Is there anything I can do to make my life a little more liveable? This is making life so difficult for me.

~Ashley~age 19

[HFHS M.D.-SW]

Dear Ashley,

You describe a phobia, which is defined as marked and persistent fear that is unreasonable or excessive, cued by the presence of a specific object or situation.  Fear of bugs is one of the more common types of phobias, and phobias are one of the most common afflictions in psychiatry.  Others may suffer from fear of heights, the dark, blood, etc.
You would most likely benefit from a type of psychotherapy called cognitive-behavioral therapy.  It is a short-term form of psychotherapy and is usually effective.
I recommend you contact your health care provider, or if you are in the
Detroit area, you may contact Henry Ford Behavioral Health at 313-317-2000.
Good Luck.

Sincerely,


HFHS M.D.-SW

*Keywords: Phobias, cognitive-behavioral therapy