Even the most unpleasant-looking insect does not cause panic in a normal person. But for people suffering from insectophobia, the mere memory of a mosquito or bee sting can unbalance. Any insect seems to them an enemy that can cause irreparable harm to all of humanity.
Why is man afraid of insects?
Insectophobia and entomophobia are different names for the same problem of fear of insects. And if for a specific person it simply does not exist, then this does not mean its absence for another, frightened in childhood by a huge bumblebee or a terrible spider.
The roots of the emergence of various phobias should be sought precisely in childhood, when at the moments of knowing the world, some of the inhabitants of the globe seem attractive to the child, and some are frightening. Fairy tales and films in which insects were negative characters can have an impact on the fragile child's psyche.
Computer games and horror films are especially dangerous in this regard. If a fairy tale you read can be analyzed and a useful lesson can be learned from it, then with the so-called horror films, the situation is much worse.
Seeing with his own eyes on the screen giant insects, deliberately attacking people and destroying everything in their path, a child with a weak psyche begins to experience fear. In the absence of his parents, he becomes especially vulnerable, and even in an ordinary fly that accidentally flew into the apartment, he sees a potential enemy.
When is the line between common fear and real phobia blurred?
People suffering from insectophobia explain their illness by a complete seizure of the mind by fear. And even if the insect has already flown by for a long time, and the person still continues to be in suspense, expecting the terrible consequences of the visit of the winged guest.
Insectophobia is treated by a psychotherapist. And it begins with a recommendation to purchase an illustrated encyclopedia of insects.
Fear of insects can often be observed in women who, at the sight of a wasp, begin to wave their arms and try to drive it away. And if such behavior can be considered normal, given the danger of bites from this insect, then in a person suffering from insectophobia it becomes inadequate.
Confrontation therapy involves contact of the patient with an insect in the presence of a specialist. After a visual acquaintance with the object of fear, work on oneself will be more fruitful.
In addition to the usual waving of his arms, he begins to scream, cry, dust off his clothes, trying to get rid of a non-existent enemy. All arguments in favor of insects are in vain.
The situation in nature is especially aggravated when a person suffering from insectophobia begins to see a threat in every midge. The picnic is hopelessly spoiled both for the patient himself and for those around him. Not finding mutual understanding and support from loved ones, a person closes in on himself.
