How Do i get over my Fear of Wheelchairs?!
Question: My "biggest" phobia is the fear of Wheelchairs, im probably the only person in the world with this fear.... But every since i was young i've always had a problem with them and many nightmares about them and also sleepless nights. Just from being in the same room with a person who's in a wheelchair (or if im out at the mall and spot one) I freeze up, it gets hard for me to breath, i start to get really nervous and sweat as if im in a panic, so i am wondering how i can get over this strange fear?
Answers: Yes you can by desensitizing yourself to it. It will take time but you are experiencing panic attacks of a fear that is really not rational but very real to you. I am sure you aren't the only one out there. Many people have fears of things that no one would usually fear. You must face your fear and then retreat. Keep going around people in wheelchairs and when you get too uncomfortable ...leave. Keep doing this over and over again until you can stand it for a longer period of time. Do you know someone personally in a wheelchair? If so, talk to them and if possible, get in one yourself. or touch it.Just keep doing this over and over again and lengthen the time. If you have a trusted friend who understands , then go with that person. I had many panic attacks over anything. I particularly was afraid of driving and getting in a lane to make a left hand turn. I use distractions when driving. Like I used to carry an ammonia inhallant , as I felt like I was passing out. It was a diversion and I did crack a couple of them open. I always take a drink like Coke or water in the car or change the radio station to get my mind off of the anxiety. I hold my breath because when you panic, you are actually overbreathing but it feels like you can't breathe. I hold my breath until my head tingles and then it brings my breathing back to normal.. Try anything that works for you and keep trying until you can face your fears. Did you ever see the Maury Show where people were afraid of so many things like birds , frogs or even cotton balls? They used pics of what they fear and then bring in the animal or product and the people panic. Then he takes them away for awhile and brings them back in until they can touch the item. This is desensitization but it doesn't happen in one show. So go do a search for wheel chairs or look at pictures of them too until you can't ake it and then keep trying that too. Good luck and you can overcome this phobia. It is not crazy , it is real. A therapist may be able to work with you on this too.