Acrophobia is a mental illness in which a person experiences an intense fear of heights. It is a type of anxiety disorder. A person with acrophobia experiences intense fear and anxiety when they think about or are in high places. Therefore, they avoid high places most of the time. It is normal to be afraid of heights to a certain extent, but a person with acrophobia is overly afraid and cautious even when going to a small height, which affects their daily life.
Causes of fear of heights or acrophobia
Many people may feel a little scared when looking down from a high place. However, for many, this fear becomes pronounced and affects their normal life. There is no specific cause for this fear of heights or acrophobia. In fact, it is a psychological thing. Let’s find out what researchers say.
1) Evolutionary trend
Many people believe that fear of heights has come along with the evolution of human civilization. It is believed that in ancient times, people who were cautious about heights and avoided risky heights were able to survive well. Since then, the fear of heights has remained in people’s minds to some extent, many experts have given this opinion.
2) Previous trauma
Fear of heights can also be triggered by any trauma or bad memories about heights. For example, falling from a high place and getting seriously injured, or witnessing a height-related accident, etc., affects the sense of danger associated with heights.
3) Genetic factors
Sometimes, if someone in the family has a fear of heights, it can also be hereditary. Young children often have this fear of heights, which in many cases decreases as they grow older.
Symptoms
Climbing up a high ladder, crossing a bridge, taking an elevator to a multi-story building, looking down from a high building – here are some signs that you may have a fear of heights or acrophobia!
Physical symptoms: – Rapid heartbeat, excessive sweating, trembling, dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea or stomach discomfort.
Mental symptoms: – Severe anxiety or panic attacks, excessive fear of falling from high places, strong desire to quickly leave high places, etc.
Behavioral symptoms: – Walking a long distance to avoid high places, feeling uncomfortable working at high places, etc.
Strategies for dealing with this fear
1) Gradual acclimatization-
You need to practice gradually acclimating to heights in a safe environment. This way, you can overcome your fear in a systematic way. You should start with less frightening heights and gradually face more challenging situations.
2) Behavioral therapy-
This is a form of psychotherapy that helps you identify and change negative thoughts about heights or fear. With its help, new ways of dealing with fear are learned and irrational ideas about fear are changed.
3) Relaxation techniques-
The body and mind should be relaxed. Deep breathing, muscle relaxation, meditation, etc. are effective methods. These techniques are very effective in dealing with any type of fear situation.
4) Medication to overcome fear of heights or acrophobia-
If the fear reaches such a level that daily activities are disrupted, then some medications can be used in that case. You can take medication as per the doctor’s advice.
Irrational fear of heights or acrophobia, including any subject, can significantly affect the daily life of any person. If you suffer from this problem, the idea that you will never be able to go to high places normally is not correct. If necessary, you can take the help and guidance of a psychologist, psychiatrist or trained therapist to overcome this phobia.
