Knowing how to express yourself, especially regarding phobias, is important to helping those around you make you feel comfortable, school-based therapist Sarah Loyd said. If these fears hinder performance in everyday life, it is equally important to seek out professional counseling, Loyd added.
“Know your limits,” Loyd said. “When you feel like you just can’t take any more, then just remove yourself from the situation.”
Freshman Charlotte Manio and junior Aarushi Sheth said they have respective phobias of certain ringing sounds and of needles. They will discuss these fears, from origins to coping mechanisms.
Fear of certain ringing sounds
Manio said she believes her fear likely stems from a nightmare from grade school where she picked up a ringing red telephone. Since the school environment has gradually acclimated her to bells and alarms, Manio said she has grown to control her fear of ringing sounds.
“If [a sound comes] out of nowhere and I’m not mentally prepared for it, then I’ll usually get nervous about it,” Manio said. “But otherwise, it’s not too bad.”
When they do arise, Manio said she addresses her fears by not allowing herself to overthink. For instance, she often has her phone on “Do Not Disturb” mode and checks through a peephole when her doorbell rings to mediate any uncertainty.
“I feel like the sort of outcomes I believe I’ll end up [in are] the worst case scenarios,” Manio said. “It’s usually very exaggerated, [like the movie] ‘Scream.’”
Fear of needles
Sheth said her earliest memory of fearing needles comes from a vaccination she had when she was a young child.
“Every year, I’d be like, ‘Maybe they’ll turn it into a liquid. Maybe I can drink it instead, and they won’t have to put a needle in my arm,’” Sheth said. “The idea of [getting vaccinated] did not appeal to me at all.”
Despite her fear, Sheth said she has only ever lost consciousness after getting shots, not while taking them. Talking about related details or even reading about needles can also be potential triggers, Sheth added.
To deal with these triggers, Sheth said she might breathe slowly, drink water, rest her head on a flat surface or employ other coping mechanisms depending on the situation. Since her mother is a therapist, Sheth said it is nice to have her as a backup.
“[My mother will] be holding my hand, and she’ll tell me, ‘Just keep talking, so I know you’re not passing out or anything,” Sheth said. “I feel like, for the rest of my life, I’m always gonna want someone to be there, someone to be a support system.”
Recommendations
Loyd said there are many options students have to help deal with any phobia, such as seeking cognitive behavioral therapy and beginning gradual exposure to their fears.
On the other hand, Loyd said such students’ peers can help by maintaining compassion.
“Think about your own fears that may seem irrational or silly. Within the day, be a good person, be a good friend, and say, ‘Is there anything I can do to help you?’” Loyd said. “If you’re not able to manage that, be like, ‘Thank you for sharing, but I am not the person that can help you in the moment.’ It’s good to know our strengths and weaknesses.”
