“Hey Anabel,
I have a terrible phobia of cats. I know it seems very illogical and I am always judged when I express it to people. But recently, it has become a daily stress for me that 4-5 cats have come to the stairs of the palace.
I need immediate therapy because I can't leave the house alone because I know I'll find them gathered there and my phobia is so strong that I don't make plans at all when I know I'll have to go out unaccompanied , for this reason alone.
I understand how nonsensical all this can seem to people, especially those who have cats themselves." - writes someone on Instagram @ anabel.plus , a platform focused on followers' stories.
The girl who wrote the message is not alone: ??I am writing the article , Alexander the Great of Macedonia, Julius Caesar, Louis XVI of France, Napoleon Bonaparte, the general of the American army and the president of America in 1953-1961, Dwight D. Eisenhower, ballerina Isadora Duncan or William Shakespeare suffered from cat phobia.
We add here some Albanians based on a poll by Anabel: 18% voted in favor.
Cat phobia is known as ailurophobia . People usually have a phobia of cats for two main reasons: a cat may have attacked them during childhood or they see them as the embodiment of evil. In some cases, phobias are inexplicable, that is, without a specific cause. Some are so afraid that even a photo can cause them anxiety and panic.
Is it treated? Yes, like all other phobias.
Psychotherapy: Talking to a mental health professional can help you manage your phobia. Exposure therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy are the most effective treatments.
- Terapia e ekspozimit përqendrohet në ndryshimin e përgjigjes ndaj objektit ose situatës që shkakton frikë. Ekspozimi gradual dhe i përsëritur ndaj burimit të fobisë specifike dhe mendimeve, ndjenjave dhe ndjesive të lidhura me to mund ta ndihmojë personin të menaxhojë ankthin,.
- Terapia konjitive e sjelljes (CBT) përfshin ekspozimin e kombinuar me teknika të tjera për ta parë dhe përballuar objektin ose situatën e frikshme ndryshe.
Medikamente: Në përgjithësi, psikoterapia është e suksesshme në trajtimin e fobive specifike. Megjithatë, ndonjëherë medikamentet mund të ndihmojnë në reduktimin e simptomave të ankthit dhe panikut që përjetoni nga të menduarit ose ekspozimi ndaj objektit ose situatës që keni frikë. Kujdes: Mos i merrni pa u konsultuar paraprakisht me specialistin.
Medications can be used during initial treatment or for short-term use in specific, rare situations, such as flying on an airplane.
Relaxation strategies: such as deep breathing or exercise.
Standing next to a cat with someone else's help.
