Dealing with Phobias Resulting from PTSD

Phobias have symptoms of terror, horror, dread and often control the person’s ability to function properly daily. Followed by phobia attacks, a person will also experience paranoia, which prompts suspicion of others and can develop into an obsession and mistrust of others.

Phobias also develop from distrust or extreme and unreasonable suspicious of other people and their motives. They are symptoms of a psychological condition that involves systematized delusions, which often involve persecution.

To help you conquer your phobia (if applicable) we are going to conduct a series of CBT techniques. The CBT techniques include the three question process and the funeral.

Technique – Three Questions

Intention – to help you evaluate yourself more effectively:

Description – find somewhere in your home where you feel comfortable. Your goal is to create a relaxing setting. Once you get in a relaxing setting, ask yourself these three questions:

1. Who am I? What makes me different from others? (Find your unique qualities.)

2. Ask – where do I fit in with others? Consider what things you have in common with others:. Consider the people you know and try to find out how you fit in with these people. Consider the people that you feel close to and can relate to as well.

3. How well am I functioning? Try to focus on your daily activities. Focus on what you did to complete those tasks. Consider the weekly and monthly activities you completed as well. Find someone that is close to you and that you can trust to share your experiences and findings.

Funeral Technique

Intention – To help you appreciate your life. It is not intended to cause you harm or distress.

Description – Before we get started, I want you to consider that you are safe. This is a tactic to help you appreciate your life and it is not intended to cause you harm. Think silently to yourself – “I am safe”. Find a comfortable setting. Now, picture your death. Consider the date, time and the location where you perceive that you will die. What was the cause of your death? Try to visualize yourself at your funeral. Now ask:

1. Who has attended your funeral?

2. What do you think the guests are saying about you? What do you think they feel?

3. Did you leave any uncompleted business behind?

Take a few moments to share your ideas with others that you trust and love.

Phobias and paranoia can take over your ability to function properly. Thus, if you fear your own death, then it is important that you conduct the funeral activity to help you conquer that fear. To help you in the future we would like to say that everyone thinks about his or her own death. It is something that is natural and something none of us can avoid. However, we can all live longer and healthier lives by taking care of ourselves through exercise, proper diet and living healthier.

Summary

We have briefly explored phobias and paranoia. We used the funeral and three question techniques to help you manage your phobias. We plan to add more details shortly to help you even more. The goal for this article, however, is to help you see that there is hope and that you have tools that will help you master your phobias through CBT training. Now let’s join in on next article and kick those panic attacks in the butt.

Help is available online - use the links below to learn more or to take a test.