What are phobias in children?
Having a phobia means being extremely afraid of a certain object or situation. Phobias are very different from everyday worry or stress. Children with phobias have so much fear that it's hard for them to do normal activities.
Your child may feel great stress about being near an object or in a situation. To show this stress, they may cry, have tantrums, freeze up, or cling to someone else. Your child may also have physical symptoms. They may sweat, tremble, or feel nauseated. Your child will try to avoid what they are scared of.
Compared with teens or adults, children have more animal phobias, natural-environment phobias (such as fearing storms or lightning), and phobias about blood or getting a shot. Some children fear school and may often try to avoid going.
Unlike adults, children often don't know that their fear is extreme.
What are the symptoms of a phobia?
The main symptom of a phobia is an extreme fear of being around an object, being in a situation, or doing an activity. People with a phobia usually feel immediate fear or anxiety when around the object or in the situation that they are afraid of. Even just the thought of these things can cause stress in people who have phobias. Children show their stress by crying, having tantrums, freezing, or clinging to someone else.
People with phobias may:
- Avoid being around the object or in the situation they are afraid of.
- Have issues at school or work because of the phobia.
- Have had symptoms for around 6 months or more.
How are phobias diagnosed?
Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms, including how long you've had them. They will also ask questions about your medical history and any medicines you're taking. Your doctor may ask questions to rule out other mental health conditions that have symptoms similar to those of a phobia, such as post-traumatic stress disorder.
How are phobias treated?
Phobias are treated with cognitive-behavioral therapy. This therapy includes imagining or actually being close to the object, situation, or activity that you are afraid of. This is called exposure therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be done with one person or in a group.
One type of exposure involves a series of steps to get closer to the object, situation, or activity. This is called systematic desensitization. For example, if you have a phobia of heights, you might first imagine yourself in a high place, such as a balcony on the 10th floor of a building. Then you would do an exercise to help you relax until your worry and fear about heights are less. Next, you would try going onto a balcony on a lower floor and do the exercise to help you relax. Finally, over time, you might be able to go onto the 10th-floor balcony without being afraid.
Sometimes your doctor might prescribe medicine. Medicine may help with the symptoms of anxiety that you have because of your phobia. Medicine for phobias is most useful if it is combined with cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Unfortunately, many people don't seek treatment for anxiety disorders. You may not seek treatment because you think the symptoms are not bad enough or that you can work things out on your own. But getting treatment is important.
How can you care for yourself when you have phobias?
- Find a counselor you like and trust. Talk openly and honestly about your problems. Be open to making some changes.
- Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine. When you feel good, you may think you do not need your medicine, but it is important to keep taking it.
- Get enough sleep. If you have problems sleeping:
- Go to bed at the same time and get up at the same time every morning.
- Keep your bedroom dark and free of noise.
- Do not drink anything with caffeine for several hours before bedtime.
- Avoid alcohol. Drinking alcohol before bedtime may cause you to wake up from your sleep and have trouble falling back to sleep.
- Get at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week. Walking is a good choice. You also may want to do other activities, such as running, swimming, cycling, or playing tennis or team sports. Exercise can help you relieve stress and feel better.
- Discuss the cause of your fears with a good friend or family member, or join a support group for people with similar problems.
- Trust that you can improve your way of coping with these fears.
Phobias: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You feel you cannot stop from hurting yourself or someone else.
Where to get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
If you or someone you know talks about suicide, self-harm, a mental health crisis, a substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, get help right away. You can:
- Call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
- Call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
- Text HOME to 741741 to access the Crisis Text Line.
Consider saving these numbers in your phone.
Go to 988lifeline.org for more information or to chat online.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You have trouble sleeping.
- You feel anxious or depressed.
- You have a sudden change in behavior.
- You have trouble taking care of yourself, or you become confused when doing simple chores or tasks.
- You start to use drugs or drink alcohol heavily.
- Your symptoms often upset your daily activities.
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