Phobia

My phobia is flying, which developed after Sept. 11th. Luckily, I don't need to fly, so it doesn't interfere in my life right now.

Because your phobia affects your quality of living, you need to find a therapist who specializes in phobias/ anxiety. And you need to give it time.
I was in therapy for panic disorder- it doesn't go away in a few weeks.

What also helped me with my anxiety was reading. Here is a book that has gotten great reviews, maybe you'll find it helpful:

http://www.amazon.com/Anxiety-Phobias-Panic-Reneau-Peurif...

yes yes yes!!! I don't mind needles and doctors as far as pain etc. but I don't trust them. I'm allergic to most meds and I'm hyper-sensitive to things and docs don't believe me. I had an anasthesiologist get mad at me for telling him about my allergies right before my surgery and he give me a "cocktail" before I even finished telling him everything. I was instantly asleep and stayed asleep for 6 hours yelling, screaming and cursing the whole time ( and I don't curse) because of the reaction of the meds. If I'm reacting to meds or having a problem with my thyroid medicine, doctors seem to think I'm just trying to be difficult. I hate it!! It makes me so nervous to even go to the doctor or dentist. Thankfully, I'm healthy and I take my own health in my hands so I rarely need meds or anything.

Im not aftaid of doctors, although I don't go unless I think its life threatening! I don't have any advice there but my husband is so nervous he's never had blood work or a iv in his adult life! I myself am petrified of water, heights and will literally hyperventilate if I get near a airplane or airport. I have never been on a airplane and never will!

Perhaps you should try a psychiatrist AND a therapist. THe psychiatrist can prescribe appropriate anti anxiety medications and the therapist works with you to explore your issues and help adjust the way you cope with things. The therapy will work better when your anxiety is under better control. YOU will have better control when your anxiety is under some kind of control. I know someone who had a similar problem (was fixated on the fact that he might have multiple sclerosis even though he didn't and ruminated about having other serious illnesses whenever he had a minor pain or sniffle -very high anxiety issues) and therapy alone was not enough. He is well and functioning today. Happy, gainfully employed and doesn't over worry on health issues. He no longer needs therapy but does take antianxiety medication still. He and his wife do follow the rule that he may not research health conditions/illnesses on the internet. If he needs to know something, she will do it for him so he doesn't wig out. Good luck to you - you can control this with the right combination of help and determination!

My dad has ALWAYS been afraid of doctors and dentists ever since he had his tonsils taken out when he was a little boy so he's avoided them like the plague. Now he has no teeth and has just been diagnosed with a hernia that he has to have surgery on or he'll die.... So, his phobia is coming to a bitter end here pretty soon. He's been psyching himself up for the anesthesia. I dont think anything can help you except your own mind. The mind is a powerful thing. Being afraid irrationally is phobic, but there is no real cure. Best thing to do is ask for a sedative prior to any procedures to ease your anxiety. Yoga and/or meditation is the best way to deal with our inner fears tho if you ask me.