What is Acrophobia, its symptoms, causes, treatment and home remedies

Acrophobia is a type of mental condition in which a person is afraid of going to heights and the heartbeat becomes faster. There are people in the world who cannot even think of crossing a bridge over a river. Even seeing a picture of a mountain can cause fear and anxiety in them. Acrophobia is one of the most common phobias. When a person goes to a high place, he starts feeling dizzy, the body starts trembling and he starts feeling nervous.

Many people also get panic attacks when they go to heights. Every person in the world is afraid of something at some point or the other – like some are afraid of thunder, some are afraid of darkness, some are afraid of water, as long as this fear is normal, it is fine. But when fear starts dominating the person, then it is harmful for both the mental and physical health of the person. We will learn about the symptoms, causes and home remedies of acrophobia.

What is the reason for the fear of heights

Many people are afraid of going to mountains or tall buildings. They start looking for ways to avoid going to such places. In such a situation, people do not realize when fear becomes a phobia. The fear of going to high places is called ‘acrophobia’. This is not a normal fear. A person suffering from acrophobia is not afraid of going to high places, but is afraid of thinking about it. Such a person gets scared even after seeing tall buildings or mountains in a picture.

Symptoms of acrophobia

Nervousness and anxiety are common symptoms of acrophobia. Also, for some people, extreme heights can trigger this fear. Others may fear any kind of height, such as a small stool or table.

Physical Symptoms

• Excessive sweating
• Increase in heart rate on seeing heights
• talk of high places
• chest pain or tightness in the chest
• Trembling when facing heights
• going out of the way to avoid heights
• When you are up high or looking down from a height, you feel like you are falling or losing your balance.

Psychotic Symptoms

• Experiencing panic attacks when seeing a height or thinking about going to a height.
• Feeling of fear of being stranded at great height
• worry about facing high places in the future
• Experience anxiety and fear when climbing stairs, looking out the window, or driving on an overpass.

Behavioral Symptoms

• Avoid high-rise situations such as tall buildings, bridges, balconies, or cliffs
• Difficulty looking down from high places
• Avoid activities that involve heights—such as walking, climbing rocks, or going up escalators
• Asking others for help when facing heights
• Difficulty functioning in height-related situations, which may make it difficult to perform daily activities.

How is acrophobia treated?

Some phobias are never completely cured, but there are ways you can overcome a phobia. It is important to seek help and treatment for phobias. A person whose phobia is not cured may become isolated, depressed, and unable to be in social situations.

Exposure Therapy

This therapy is considered one of the most effective treatments for specific phobias. In this type of therapy, you will gradually expose yourself to the things you fear in collaboration with a therapist. For acrophobia, you can start by looking at images from the perspective of a person inside a tall building. You can watch videos of a person walking on a rope, climbing or crossing thin bridges. Acrophobia or heights is a common problem.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

In this therapy, the patient is taught to identify negative thoughts and replace them with positive thoughts. CBT is also called talk therapy.

Medicines

Medications are sometimes used to treat acrophobia. In the treatment of phobias, medications are used in conjunction with therapy. Antidepressants. A class of these medications is called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

Also read : What is hydrophobia, its symptoms, causes and remedies

Medications for social phobia treatment-

• citalopram (Celexa)
• escitalopram oxalate (Lexapro)
• fluoxetine (Prozac)
• paroxetine (Paxil)
• sertraline (Zoloft)

Home Remedies for Acrophobia

Overcoming acrophobia or fear of heights is a gradual process. Which requires patience, perseverance and sometimes professional guidance. Here are some home remedies to overcome the fear of heights-

Educate Yourself

The nature of acrophobia affects your body and mind. Learn about the physiological and psychological aspects of the fear as well as misconceptions about the condition. Knowledge can help you fight the fear and help you come up with coping strategies.

Sequential exposure

Exposure therapy is a proven method for overcoming specific phobias such as acrophobia. Begin by exposing yourself to heights in a controlled and gradual manner. Start with less frightening heights—such as standing on a small ladder or looking out from a low-height balcony. Increase the height and complexity of the situations to help overcome the problem.

practice relaxation techniques

Learning relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or mindfulness meditation can help you reduce the anxiety and physical arousal associated with acrophobia. Practice these techniques regularly, in a safe environment and when encountering heights, to help manage your response to fear.

Challenge negative thoughts

Negative thoughts and beliefs about heights can worsen acrophobia. Challenge these thoughts by questioning their validity and considering alternative perspectives. Replace irrational beliefs with more realistic and balanced thoughts. For example, instead of thinking catastrophically about falling, focus on the evidence that supports your safety in the present moment.

Talk to your loved ones

Having a support network can provide encouragement, support, and practical help in dealing with your fear of heights. Consider joining a support group for people with phobias so you can connect with others who are facing similar challenges.

Set achievable goals

Break down your goal of overcoming acrophobia into small, manageable steps. Set achievable goals for yourself—like going up to the roof with a friend or taking an elevator to a higher floor of a building. Celebrate each success, no matter how small, and use it as motivation to face your fear.

Take Small Steps

Some people prefer to dive straight in rather than get their feet wet. For others, starting small works best. There are no rules to overcoming your fear. You don’t have to jump straight to 14,000 feet or 50 feet above the ground. The more you try to deal with your fear of heights, the more comfortable you will become with heights.

Frequently asked questions about Acrophobia

How to overcome acrophobia?

Practicing mindfulness activities such as meditation. Practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and yoga. Reaching out to family and friends for support. Joining a support group for people who have acrophobia or specific phobias in general.

Who is most afraid of heights?

About 2 to 5% of the population is afraid of heights. Women are more prone to this fear than men.

Why are some people not afraid of heights?

Members of the last group have become accustomed to or enjoy the sensations produced by heights, and many also feel a thrill from the danger associated with it.