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Do you have an overwhelming fear of heights? Then you may have acrophobia. Here we explain what it is and how you can get help.
Acrophobia is a phobia where you have an intense and overwhelming fear of heights. This fear goes beyond the normal caution that people may feel in high places and can affect a person’s ability to climb ladders, stand on a high balcony, or even be on the upper floors of tall buildings. Acrophobia can significantly impact your daily life. Help is available.
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The causes of fear of heights are not fully understood, but may be the result of a combination of genetic, biological and environmental factors. Some researchers believe that a fear of heights may be partly built into humans as a survival instinct to protect ourselves from danger, but in phobias this fear is not realistic or adapted to the situation. Personal experiences, such as falling from a high place or witnessing someone else being injured by falling, can also contribute to developing acrophobia.
According to the Canadian Psychological Association, around one in 10 Canadians experience phobias. These can range from common phobias such as claustrophobia, fear of heights, social phobia, and snake phobia, to lesser known ones such as a fear of clusters of holes (trypophobia).
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Fear of heights is a specific phobia, which means having a strong fear of a particular thing. It can lead to avoiding certain places and situations, which can affect your quality of life. People with a fear of heights may experience the following symptoms when they are in a high place or think about being in one:
If you have symptoms of acrophobia, help is available. It is possible to overcome the phobia and improve your quality of life.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can be especially helpful for phobias. CBT helps to identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours related to heights. Treatment for acrophobia can also work specifically on exposure, gradually approaching the fear in a clear and safe way. In some cases, medication to manage anxiety symptoms can also be helpful.
It is important to remember that treatment should be unique to the individual. It is also important to seek help from a therapist or psychologist with the right experience to get effective treatment for your phobia.
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Seeking professional help can significantly improve your quality of life. It gives you effective tools to manage phobias and can change the pattern you have developed that causes anxiety. Talking to a psychologist or therapist can be extremely liberating and helpful if you are living with a phobia that is hindering your daily life.
Life is too short to let phobias limit you. Therefore, therapy is a step in the right direction to help you live a full and rich life. If you or someone you know is living with phobias, professional therapy can make a real difference. Our therapists and psychologists offer a confidential and safe environment to explore and treat your phobias.
A phobia is an irrational and intense fear or anxiety about a particular object, situation or activity. This fear is usually long-lasting and can be very limiting in daily life.
Ordinary fear is a natural reaction to an actual danger, while a phobia is an exaggerated fear that has no rational explanation. Phobias can be triggered even when there is no actual risk.
Yes, phobias are one of the most common forms of mental health problems. It is estimated that a significant proportion of the population suffers from at least one form of phobia.
Acrophobia is a phobia where there is an intense and overwhelming fear of heights, which can lead to avoidance.
The causes of fear of heights are not fully understood, but as with other phobias, it can be a combination of genetic factors, personal experiences and environmental influences.
Yes, with the right treatment and support, phobic symptoms can be treated. However, it usually requires the help of a licensed psychologist or therapist.
Treatment can vary but often involves cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with exposure therapy and medication if necessary.
Yes, untreated phobias can lead to other problems such as depression or other anxiety disorders.
CBT is an active evidence-based treatment method that works with thoughts, feelings and behaviours in different situations to improve quality of life and overcome certain symptoms. It has been shown to provide good results in cases such as phobias.
Exposure is a tool in CBT where you gradually approach what you are afraid of in a systematic and safe way together with a psychologist or therapist.
If your fear of heights is affecting or limiting your life, you can seek treatment. There is effective help available here at Lavendla or through your family doctor.
If you suffer from a phobia, we recommend that you contact a licensed psychologist or therapist. You can book a first appointment with one of our therapists here at Lavendla. We make the difficult easier.
Treating acrophobia can feel overwhelming, but remember that you are not alone in your journey to overcome your fear. There is help available and here is an idea of what it might look like:
The first step is to understand that you have a phobia and that it is okay to seek help for it. A professional will help you evaluate your situation and understand what is causing your fear.
You will learn about your phobia and how it affects you both physically and mentally. It is important to understand what happens in your body, thoughts and feelings when the fear occurs. You will also set goals for your treatment.
This works on identifying and changing patterns of thinking that are linked to the fear. This will help you develop a more nuanced understanding and increase your ability to manage the phobia. Exposure therapy can be scary, but it is an effective way to gradually face your fears. Together with your therapist, you will explore situations that trigger your phobia and learn how to deal with them. You will also have homework to practice between sessions.
In some cases, doctors may suggest medication to help with anxiety symptoms. This is something you and your doctor can discuss if appropriate.
You will have support from your psychologist throughout the process. At the end of the treatment, you will also receive a plan to continue practicing to maintain your progress over time.
Feel free to book a first session with one of our licensed psychologists or therapists to see how we can help you. Together, we can make the difficult easier.