Fear Of Heights Phobia - Anxiety In High Places
If you have ever looked down from a great height and been immediately gripped by a paralyzing feeling of terror, you may suffer from acrophobia. Those with an extreme fear of heights often find themselves unable to look out windows of tall buildings. Of all irrational fears, this phobia actually presents a potential danger to the afflicted. When panic sets in and an anxiety attack strikes, a person can become immobile and lose the ability to remove themselves from whatever high place they're experiencing the panic attack. In this article, you'll learn the cause, symptoms and treatments behind the intense fear of heights.
Causes
Like other phobias, the irrational fear of heights is considered a learned reaction. In essence, a person experiences an extremely distressing event and has a strong emotional response. The emotions behind the response are so potent that it becomes a psychological trigger. When confronted with circumstances similar to the original distressing event, the trigger serves as a catalyst for the panic attack.
Some behavioral experts contend that a fear of heights is inherent in all humans and animals. However, though research has proven that toddlers and young animals exhibit an instinctive caution near ledges and cliffs, it fails to explain the extreme fear felt by those who suffer from acrophobia. Symptoms & Diagnosis When a person has an extreme reaction to heights, it typically manifests as an anxiety attack. A faster heart rate, labored breathing, a feeling of being trapped and excessive sweating are all symptoms of the panic felt by an acrophobic. The fear often penetrates so deeply that they're unable to move. At times, this can place them in dangerous situations if safeguards don't exist (for example, on a ladder). Treatment Conventional treatment of acrophobia includes hypnotherapy. The goal of this therapy is to identify the event that created the original emotional trigger. By doing so, a therapist can help the person realize the irrational nature of the emotions. Hypnotherapy is often used in conjunction with exposing the person to situations that carry more and more perceived risk. This can begin by having a person stand on a short stool. Over time, by introducing circumstances that imply more danger, a person can slowly gain confidence and control of their anxiety. Feeling Fearless In High Places Acrophobia can affect a person in many ways throughout each day. From climbing stairs to enjoying a balcony to riding an elevator with a view of a city's landscape; all of these activities can have a devastating impact on an acrophobic. Simple things such as standing on a ladder to change a bulb or even sitting high in the stands during a baseball game can trigger an anxiety attack. By seeking therapy, an acrophobic person can slowly learn to control their emotions and enjoy feeling fearless in high places.
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