Phobias: Irrational But Real

Very few people can claim that they are not afraid of real, live snakes. Unless one is a snake charmer, the sight of a snake can easily bring terror in the hearts of most people. While there are those who can even make a pet out of these venomous reptiles, many of us would still find it difficult to get near a tamed or caged serpent.
There is nothing wrong with this fear. But when a mere mention or picture of a snake would send a grown-up man shrieking in hysteria, something could be terribly wrong. Such fear becomes a phobia, an intense but irrational fear of something that poses little or no actual danger.

Ophidiophobia, or the fear of snakes, does not only refer to the fear of actual contact of live snakes, but also, even in the absence of actual live snakes, such as seeing them only in pictures, on t.v., or just a mere mention of snakes that may actually cause a full blown panic attack.

While phobias may be irrational, they are real and serious disorders, which can be treated. People should not be ashamed why they experience such unusual fear and anxiety. People with phobias, especially adults, are always aware that their fear doesn’t make any...