Everyone has a fear of something, in my case, it's heights. When I'm really high up I often start to freak out a bit, no matter how much I assure myself that I am not going to fall. The thing is, there seems to be a common misconception, especially in the media, that when you face your fear, you conquer it. I really don't think this is the case. It might be if it is a fear of the unknown; for example, being scared to go on a roller coaster for the first time. Once you've done it, chances are it will be a lot easier because you know what to expect. But I didn't realise I was scared of heights until I was in a high place, and I've faced my fear a number of times; I've been on the London Eye twice, I've been in a aeroplane, yesterday I went on Detonator, the ride at Thorpe Park that I have been avoiding for years. Am I still scared of heights? Yes. Am I willing to face it if need be? Yes. You can face a fear a lot more easily than you can conquer it. I think conquering a fear would be a very complicated process, because you would need to understand why you are scared in the first place, and even knowing wouldn't make it stop. Of course somebody who actually knows about Psychology is far more qualified to talk about this than I am, but for now, these are my thoughts on the matter.
I know what you mean, although it depends on what you call 'facing' a fear. I'm faced with spiders on a more-regular-than-I-would-like basis and I'm still terrified. Maybe if I can get to the point where I can pick one up I will be better, but I think you're right in making a distinction between 'facing' and 'conquering' a fear.
ReplyDeleteAnd you're a stronger person than me, I think. I avoid spiders, wasps, daddy-long-legs, etc. and even if it is necessary that I take care of getting rid of them, I still try to get someone else to do it.
Next thing we'll be getting you on a glass floor. Or the Eiffel Tower
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