Decoding Zoophobia
For many of us, the plain sight of animals can leave us nervous and restless. Perhaps you’ve seen yourself in a similar situation where just the mention of particular or different types of animals make you run for your life. In that case, you are probably a victim of zoophobia.
Studies have shown that up to 6% of people around the world are affected by zoophobia at some point in their lives. So in comparison to other prevalent phobias, this is quite a common one and, hence, easy to treat and cope with.
If you, or someone you know, are very wary of animals, and you are curious about what caused it, and you can treat it, keep reading ahead.
Somethings You Need to Know About Zoophobia
In simple language, the fear of animals—sometimes one, sometimes a group of them—is known as zoophobia. Now zoophobia is not like the regular fright that you get when you come across an aggressive dog or a cat. It is a specific phobia that instills anxiousness, tremor, restlessness, extreme uneasiness, and trepidation just at the mention or thought of animals.
Although zoophobia can emerge due to the fear of any animal, visuals of spiders and snakes invoke the maximum and strongest reaction from people.
Causes Of Zoophobia
People suffering from zoophobia may give abnormal, jump-scream reactions even while looking at pictures of animals. Such a fear can be observed in both adults and children. Even if the responses may seem abnormal to some, they are genuine, and people have no control over them.
For some people, zoophobia is developed as a defense mechanism, an involuntary reaction they indulge in to protect themselves from animals, even if there is no immediate danger in sight. Others may develop zoophobia as a result of a previous traumatic experience with an animal.
Symptoms Of Zoophobia
People who suffer from zoophobia, including adults and children, show a variety of symptoms. Let us take a look at some of the most common psychological and physical symptoms that result of zoophobia:
Psychological Symptoms
● A feeling of trying to avoid your source of fear at all times
● Excessive anxiety
● Panic attacks
● Restlessness
Physical Symptoms
● Fast breathing
● Excessive sweating
● Heart palpitations
● Shivers
How Do You Deal With Zoophobia?
The worst thing about zoophobia—or any other fear for that matter—is that if they are left untreated and undealt with, they only grow stronger, worse, and uncontrollable. If you feel like you show any of the symptoms mentioned above, your first step should be to get yourself tested immediately.
Zoophobia Treatments: How You Can Help Yourself
A few treatment options that can be utilized are:
Exposure Therapy
Here, the subject would be exposed to the source of fear, slowly and gradually. They will then be asked to confront the objects that instill fear in them so that they are able to manage their anxiety and panic attacks better. Only licensed healthcare workers are permitted to carry out this therapy procedure, wherein they are expected to note the behavioral changes in their patients at every step.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
During this treatment, the reasons for the development of the phobia are closely examined. The subjects are asked to focus solely on those negative experiences that caused the phobia and then, through various skills, are taught how to manage their beliefs and negative behaviors.
Besides these two therapy options, many patients may be prescribed medications that are usually short term to help alleviate the anxiety. They are generally recommended for people who suffer from a mild case of zoophobia.
How To Cope With Zoophobia
You should cope with zoophobia like you would cope with any other fear—with courage and persistence. If you see yourself exposed to the source of your fear, don’t avoid or run away from the situation. Instead, encounter it as frequently as possible so that you can overcome it quickly.
Self-help is a great coping mechanism, which often yields positive results. Take care of yourself and indulge in self-building activities. You can join self-help groups where people go through the same problems as you. Try to communicate with people about what helped them overcome their fears and replicate it yourself.
If the fear is too intense or causing severe problems that you cannot handle on your own, seek professional help. Developing zoophobia is rational and completely understandable, and you should not be ashamed of not being able to show as much affection toward an animal as your friend does.
