Phobias can be deeply ingrained and are best treated by an experienced practitioner who has expertise in this area.

• It is sometimes possible to systematically desensitise yourself to the phobia, such as first looking at pictures while managing your breathing, then advancing to a live version of it from afar, then bringing it closer until you can manage the experience.
• Loved ones should try to find a balance between being compassionate, and enabling or reinforcing the behaviour.

Many people have mild phobias, such as heights, snakes or spiders. However, sometimes we fear wind farms or cotton wool. The fear creates a fight or flight response and becomes highly disruptive to our lives.

Phobias fall under anxiety disorders. They are a debilitating fe...