HOW TO HELP YOURSELF AND OTHERS

‘The good news is that almost all phobias can be successfully treated through a variety of different techniques,’ says Dr Modgil. ‘One of the most successful ways to overcome a phobia is through a process known as desensitisation, which is general exposure to your feared object or situation. It’s understandable that people with phobias often go out of their way to avoid certain situations, however, this can actually serve to keep phobias alive, as you’re not able to give yourself a chance to change your perception of what you fear, or see that you might cope with it better than you expected. For many people, facing their fear can help minimise its impact and make it seem less scary.

‘There are also a number of self-help options, including counselling, psychotherapy and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), or relaxation and visualisation techniques that you can try yourself at home. It might be a good idea to look at lifestyle changes, too, to help manage anxiety, including regular exercise, eating healthily, getting enough sleep, and avoiding caffeine and other stimulants.’