ACROPHOBIA, you have it too?

Are you afraid of heights? Do you feel bile rising to your throat while standing on a higher floor? Well, you're not alone; 1 in 8 people have Acrophobia; in fact, I think I do too. Acrophobia is one of the most common phobias found in people of all ages. So, you have nothing to worry about when you discover you are acrophobic.

So, what is Acrophobia all in all?

In very simple words, Acrophobia is the fear of heights; the word is of Greek origin, 'Akron' meaning heights and 'Phobos' meaning fear. The textbook definition goes Acrophobia is a mental health condition in which the individual experiences an intense fear of heights; it is also one of the so-called natural environment phobias.

A person with Acrophobia goes through mental distress when they're at a higher altitude, like anxiety, intense fear, panic, dizziness, shivering, etc. Acrophobic's tend to think everything negative while on a taller building or any heightened place. People with Acrophobia usually fear many kinds or more than one kind of height or place.

What causes Acrophobia?

There isn't anything specific that causes Acrophobia; it varies from person to person. Usually, it's a natural thing present within a person from childhood, this is called evolutionary perspective, while for some, a certain incident can make them fear heights for example, if a child witnesses a person fall from the 3rd or 2nd floor and is injured badly, this child may grow up to be acrophobic, this kind is called behaviorist perspective. Dwelling on and upsetting about the imaginable pain you could experience from falling from a specific height could contribute to emerging Acrophobia

Signs and symptoms of Acrophobia

The widely observed symptoms of Acrophobia are feeling intense anxiety and unstable breathing. The heights that fear people may vary; some may fear tall bridges while others also fear shorter heights such as a ladder.

The symptoms of Acrophobia are divided into 2 kinds, psychological symptoms and physical symptoms.

Psychological symptoms

1. Feeling intense anxiety and fear

2. Thinking about being trapped in that place

3. A strong feeling that they might fall or the floor below them might collapse

4. Feel a strong desire to back off and escape, fearing that something negative will happen to them, such as falling or dying.

Physical symptoms and signs

1. Experiencing heavy and unstable breathing when looking at heights

2. Experiencing rapid heartbeats

3. Feeling dizzy

4. Trembling hands and body

5. Feeling nauseous

Can Acrophobia be treated?

In treating the fear, both behaviorist and evolutionary aspects lean on the behaviorist perspective on how phobias are learned.

Exposure therapy is a commonly used therapy for many phobias, whether evolutionary or behaviorist.

Exposure therapy involves gradual exposure to the feared object or situation, as in here a situation in a safe and overlooked environment; this is done so that when coming in contact with their feared entity, people learn that they are not in any kind of danger and no longer experience the symptoms they were experiencing.

Intensities of Acrophobia

About one in 8 people say they experience some distress or panic when exposed to heights, but not all of them have Acrophobia.

70% of the people who possess Acrophobia have very intense symptoms. A personal survey says that most of their intense fear is very high compared to the rest. When exposed to heights, some experience severe dizziness and faintness, while some may experience a mild rise in their heartbeats or goosebumps. While all of these are considered Acrophobia, their treatments vary from one another.

How can you help yourself in situations of fear?

There are not many ways considering they are intense and sometimes unstoppable, but hey we can try.

If you're alone,

1. You can pat your heart while telling yourself it's okay and you'll be okay.

2. You can take deep breaths while having your eyes closed.

3. You can back off a little from the sight of the height and close your eyes, try and think of a happy memory.

4. You can also call someone close to you and tell them about how you feel; talking about your fears always helps you.

If you're with a friend or family,

1. You can hold onto their hand

2. You can ask them to hug you tight or just talk to you casually

Usually, a close person's presence may calm you down, but it is a better option to leave the place if that doesn't too.

A few activities that can help you manage your symptoms

1. Practicing mindful activities such as meditation.

2. Implementing relaxation techniques like deep breathing and yoga.

3. Getting enough sleep and water.

4. Joining a support group for people with Acrophobia.

A note from us 😊

If you have Acrophobia, know that you're not alone; it is a common phobia. Avoiding high-altitude places can give you short-term relief, but this doesn't solve the root causes of your fear. Talk to a healthcare provider or seek therapy; although it can be difficult, it might yield better results. The sooner you seek help, the sooner you get to enjoy the view from your 15th-floor balcony.

Face your fears, champ!