Say it out loud | Mental Health in Illinois

There are three main types of phobias:

Specific phobia–A specific phobia is an extreme fear of a particular object or situation that is not harmful under general conditions. Specific phobias include such well-known fears as claustrophobia (fear of confined spaces), acrophobia (fear of heights) and zoophobia (fear of animals, particularly dogs.) Many people with specific phobias know that these fears are not logical, but are unable to overcome them without treatment. Some specific phobias may be relatively inconsequential; others may greatly impact a person’s ability to function at work or home.
Social phobia [LINK to page] –Social phobia is fear of being watched, embarrassed or humiliated while doing something in public. A common form of social phobia is fear of public speaking, such as giving a speech or speaking up in class. Some people experience extreme fear about eating or writing while people are watching. Social phobia is not the mild discomfort or shyness many of us feel when doing some of these activities. It is extreme fear, so strong that, in many instances, a person cannot perform the task that is feared. Untreated, social phobia can significantly disrupt a person’s social and work life, and prevent full enjoyment of everyday life.
Agoraphobia–Agoraphobia is the fear of places or situations from which escape might be hard, such as being in a crowd or standing in a line. In severe cases, untreated agoraphobia can keep a person from leaving his or her home without help only with extreme distress. Agoraphobia sometimes develops after one ore more panic attacks.


	Irene and Bob

	Kim and Mike

	Letechia and Jasmine

	Nanette and Niel

	Vince and Gil

	Vince-en español

Browse Mental Health Conditions by Letter: