Phobias

[Theatrelover]

I am a complete wuss. Now this may sound like a complete non problem but it is horrible.
I am scared of insects (especially spiders and butterflies) hanging, scary movies, violent/intense moments in films, being alone in dark places/creepy places.
It often leads me into freak out mode where I am just absolutely panicking and looking at the floor to try and avoid the screen or insect or looking at the creepy place.
Is their anyway I can build up my tolerance? Bearing in mind even watching something creepy freaks me right out.

[MaximumR]

I can understand your fear of spiders and butterflies (theyre both creepy ass bugs) and as for your fear of scary and intense movies just remember none of its real. Its all just someones imagination. Sometimes if im scared during a movie i just imagine the director says "cut!" and everyone stops acting and acts like normal people. This just helps me.

[Love.Hate]

If you expose yourself to the phobia for a long period of time you'll find that your anxiety levels reach a maximum but then your body starts to calm down when you start to realise that there is nothing to be afraid of afterall.

just, deep breathing when you feel yourself becoming more anxious and calm your body down

[this_kids_a_DJ]

If you expose yourself to the phobia for a long period of time you'll find that your anxiety levels reach a maximum but then your body starts to calm down when you start to realise that there is nothing to be afraid of afterall.

just, deep breathing when you feel yourself becoming more anxious and calm your body down

Exactly! You need to classically condition yourself. As Love.Hate stated you need to expose yourself to these fears and everytime your anxiety starts to build take deep breaths and relax. However, that does NOT mean go and hug a spider, no, no, no haha. Just stand a good distance from one and gradually get closer as you feel comfortable. Or even better, start off by looking at pictures of these things you have a "phobia" of, and work from there.

Also keep in mind that Phobias are different than fears. Having a phobia means that it is nearly impossible for you to complete a task that your phobia pertains to;

in example, I have a phobia of flying... I love the concept of it but so much as seeing a picture of a plane makes me shake, I legitimately can not step foot on a plane without panicing.

with a fear you can still partake in that activity or in using the spider as an example, you are still able to kill it.

Sometimes Phobias require psychiatric help and if you are that afraid of these things that you mentioned, you should see a therapist.