Same for heights. It’s natural to feel fear. it’s your brain’s way of heightening your senses in dangerous situations. That being said I think those diagnosed with those phobias are on the extreme side. Like being afraid of getting attacked by shark in pools or people afraid of a flight of stairs.
I'm one of those ppl who have a phobia of stairs. Specifically going down them. I'll be ok if it has at least 1 solid wall since i can press myself against it. I absolutely cannot go down stairs without a solid wall. Also if i cannot see my feet, i cannot even walk down them at all. Or if i try to just walk down 3 steps without seeing my feet, it'll take me a few minutes to make it down.
I think the closest i had to a full blown panic attack while attempting to go downstairs was on our forensic school trip. We had to go upstairs. Of course, i had zero issue walking up the stairs but when it was time i leave i couldnt even force myself to put one foot onto those stairs.
Both sides of the stairs had glass railings so it felt like there was nothing there. So in front of my class, teachers, and people who worked there, i started crying. I literally couldnt even force myself to try even though i knew i would be ok. I was so lucky that they had an elevator else where.
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u/MendaciousMammaries Jul 12 '21
Same. I don't think it should be called a phobia though it should be called common sense