Phobia of moths, bees, spiders and other insects

[Rainbow Dash]

I love the summer but I hatehatehate insects I hate moths the worst and during the summer I get about one in my room once a week It's really annoying because my bedroom gets boiling but I can't open the window as they'll fly in ._____.

If I see one I scream. I can't sleep in my bedroom if I know there's one there. My dad normally kills them for me but sometimes he can't see them or he can't kill it. I don't actually like killing them, I don't like killing any animals but they scare me >____< I'm terrifed they'll fly next to my face (sometimes they do )

I know they can't hurt me, but holy mother of crap the look of them scares me Even writing this is making me feel sick. I keep feeling like there's something crawling on me when I know full well there isn't.

My parents just tell me to grow up when I run from them :/

Gah what can I do to stop them from scaring me as much? :/

[BigBL87]

Honestly, the best way to get over phobias like this one is through exposure therapy, which is something that you would do with a therapist counselor. It's just basically exposing you to gradually increasing levels of interaction with your fear.

[Stephanie]

Hey there Ceilidh,

Having a phobia of insects isn't uncommon at all, so you're definitely not alone with this!

It is always best to try and face your phobias and work through them instead of trying to avoid them - especially if they're part of everyday life and are generally very difficult to avoid! Exposure therapy can be doine with a therapist which means that it would be better controlled and worked through at your pace. Another idea would just to try and face your fears yourself, which is very difficult and can be scary, but worthwhile in the long run. I think with this phobia, the main thing that is important is to think rationally about what you're worried about. You're aware that these insects aren't going to hurt you, so what exactly are you fearing? Try and take deep breaths and just accept that they are there, reaffirm in your mind that they aren't going to cause you any harm and you have more power than they do. It does take a lot of time and determination, but you could get over this if you really do put your mind to it, Ceilidh.

Take care.

[Rainbow Dash]

Thanks There was actually a small insect in my room last night. I have no idea what it was, it looked like a fly but with a longer body It kept flying next to my laptop screen I wasn't that scared of it as it was quite small but I can tell more will start coming If there was one in something like a glass cage in front of me I think I'd be okay, I'm just scared they'll fly next to me.

I may just start forcing myself to stay in the room next time I see one :/ I won't like it but it may help in the long-term.