Fear factor

What am I afraid of, I mean really afraid of? On a lighter note (but I'm serious when I say this), I'm petrified of cockroaches(couldn't find a single term for this phobia) and spiders(Arachnophobia). Basically my fear of these creatures is not because of any other threat but simply because they are incredibly disgusting! I remember once my cousin brother carried a dead roach and chased me all around the house till I reached a dead-end and fell in to the bath tub crying my lungs out...it wasn't too long ago lol! And I believe I have a serious phobia here, let me tell you why. I initially chose Bio Science for my A/Ls. But in my first week of classes I realised we had to dissect cockroaches and that was the last time I ever saw the walls of that lab or any Bio lab for that matter. I immediately switched to the Maths stream and here I am working as a Computer Specialist instead of being a doc, my long-term dream. Yep those roaches ruined my plans of a medical career, unfortunately or should I say fortunately? :) On a very serious note, I'm also afraid of disability/disfigurement (don't know the phobia term for this). I'm not afraid or ashamed to say this but since I was born able and good-looking, I'd fade away quite profoundly if I ever become disabled/disfigured due to some accident. Because that will swallow my self-confidence, self-esteem and my identity that has brought me this far in life. Call me selfish but yeah I'm terrified of losing my self-confidence. Everything else in life I can cope with.

Here's a list of phobias you may identify yours' with http://www.phobialist.com/index.html

So what is this fear factor? Basically all of us have some kinds of fears in us (rational and irrational fears). Fear of public speaking perhaps...some fear of flying and some of heights. It is believed that most people can deal with these rational fears and go about their normal lives. However if a certain fear is persistent and interfers with your daily life, it is considered a phobia (irrational fear) and needs to be treated (as my cockroach-phobia, duh I don't need treatment I'll just avoid them:). As quoted in an article relating to fears "Rational fears on the other hand, serve as self-protection mechanisms. When rational fear is activated, your body and mind become alert to the dangers in your immediate reality and respond accordingly. Fear of snakes, poisonous spiders, fire, and falling are examples of rational fears and are based on your instinctive self-defense responses...". That means fear can be quite useful for us as much as it can be irritating. If not for fear, we would never know the goodness of security and comfort. As long as your fear is not going to end up as a persistent phobia that makes you avoid the source of it (like not visiting the dentist because of your fear of dentists), it is natural and rewarding to be afraid of some things in life. It wil make you try harder, more alert, bring out the best in you and enjoy the comforts in avoiding them.

Tell me what you're afraid of and why...spill it out, discuss it, be prepared, manage it, live happy, brave and free...