Acrophobia, or fear of heights, is a common problem. Many people suffer from this fear and are unable to cope with it on their own. However, there are ways to overcome acrophobia.
Acrophobia – what is this phobia?
Acrophobia (fear of heights) is a specific type of phobia that is characterized by panic about being in high altitude and climbing ladders, balconies or higher levels of buildings. Fear of heights is very common and affects many people, however, a person suffering from acrophobia may experience severe fear symptoms even at low heights.
Symptoms of fear of heights in a person suffering from acrophobia can appear even when the person only thinks about being high up, and sometimes even when he is down. A person suffering from acrophobia may experience trembling hands, dizziness, sweating, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, falling apart, anxiety and the desire to escape. All of these anxiety symptoms can be exacerbated when a person suffering from acrophobia is in a high altitude.
Acrophobia is often related to traumatic experiences that a person suffering from fear of heights has experienced in the past. It can be a fear of falling or simply an instinctive fear of falling from a great height. Anxiety therapy is an effective and long-lasting treatment for acrophobia, in which sufferers of this phobia can learn to cope with their fears and also change their thinking about heights.
Symptoms of fear of heights
Fear of heights is one of the most common anxiety disorders. People affected by this anxiety experience intense fear in places of considerable height, such as the floors of skyscrapers, high-capacity bridges or mountain peaks. The somatic and psychological symptoms of fear of heights vary and can include panic attacks, chest pain, feelings of anxiety, nausea, rapid heartbeat, chest tightness, dizziness, cold sweats and difficulty breathing.
People with fear of heights may experience physical symptoms such as shivering or shivering of the body, as well as pronounced psychological symptoms such as severe fear, irritability and anxiety. Fear of heights can be so severe that a person may avoid places of significant height.
Treatment for fear of heights may include psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy or cognitive behavioral therapy. Psychotherapy can help a patient understand the causes of anxiety and discover coping mechanisms. Pharmacotherapy can help reduce anxiety symptoms, while cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on behavior modification and overcoming anxiety through small steps.
If you have symptoms of fear of heights, contact a professional psychotherapist for professional help and advice. A psychotherapist can help you identify the symptoms of fear of heights and suggest effective treatment methods. Working with a psychotherapist will help you learn how to cope with your fear of heights and regain control of your life.
Causes of fear of heights
Fear of heights is one of the most popular phobias. The term phobia is used to describe one’s fear of fear-inducing situations or objects with which one’s exposure causes anxiety or malaise. Sufferers of fear of heights feel fear of visual chasms, falling from heights, several meters between platforms, climbing a ladder, flying an airplane and riding an elevator.
The causes of fear of heights are complex and not fully understood. Psychologists believe that specific phobias, including fear of heights, have their origin in the past, that is, in our early experiences. Fear of heights can be triggered by trauma, falling out of a stroller, dangerous situations involving heights, or simply the sight of tall buildings.
Even an infant can experience a fear of heights. It all depends on the severity of that fear. For example, a child who feels unsafe on a higher floor of an amusement park can get rid of it if a parent supports him and explores the different attractions together.
Fear of heights is one of the hardest fears to overcome. To overcome it, you can try to learn more about the concept of phobia and credit virtual reality, where you can practice your fear from a safe place. The important thing is not to panic and not to run away from situations that cause fear, but to get used to them, gradually, step by step.
How to overcome fear of heights?
Overcoming fear of heights, known as acrophobia, is possible. This means that people suffering from fear of heights can begin to function normally again and enjoy the pleasures of being at high altitude. However, treating fear of heights requires work by the patient and support regarding their treatment from a therapist or psychiatrist. To overcome fear of heights, there are a number of techniques and methods. One of them is the small steps method, which involves gradually getting used to being at heights. People with acrophobia can skydive, climb stairs or climb a tower – all gradually and in small steps. Another method is to combat the phobia by looking at one’s fear and working on one’s self-esteem. With this method, we explain to ourselves the causes of acrophobia and learn how to fight it. There are also support groups that help people suffering from various types of phobias.
If you can’t cope with your fear of heights on your own, it’s a good idea to get help from a specialist. There are a number of medications on the market, such as benzodiazepines, which can temporarily help a person suffering from fear of heights. You can also take advantage of various relaxation techniques, such as yoga, to help with your own anxiety.
Overcoming a fear of heights, while possible, takes time and perseverance. However, the chances of success are high, as up to 80% of those treated for fear of heights experience improvement. Whether you want to bungee jump or simply walk up and down stairs, you can overcome your fear of heights and enjoy free daily functioning.