Having a severe phobia of snakes is not the end. There is still a chance to enjoy the wild. The truth is that this type of fear is normal. Hence, snakes are very dangerous because of their poison. Aside from that, the look of this animal is also scary. Also, a study found out that the brain thinks of any snake-like thing as threatening or dangerous. However, if you find yourself with uncontrollable fear, even without snakes around, you may need professional help.
1. Diagnosis for the Right Treatment
Fear of snakes is a specific type. Therefore, it means that a person is only scared when encountering the situation, environment, or animal. The best way to find a solution to the problem is to talk to a doctor or therapist about it. Hence, a doctor will ask you questions about your past experiences, attacks, and how long you have experienced them. Afterward, they can give you several choices that can help you cope up with your fear. You and your doctor will decide which the best treatment for you.
2. Confront your Fear
Confronting fear by knowing where it all started is the first thing to do. There are three main causes of anxiety. One is if a snake personally attacks you; you saw someone being attacked, or learn about the fear of the snake. Fear can start just by watching a movie, videos, or reading an article about snakes’ danger. Therefore, it means that phobia of snakes is not natural but learned.
3. Write down the Details
Moreover, it will help if you will write down the things that make you scared of snakes. Also, by describing your fear, you will realize that some of it are untrue. Therefore, it is a result o too much thinking about it.
4. Identify your Fear
Are you afraid of touching a snake? Do you experience severe fear just by thinking about it being around? Are you scared only by seeing photos or hearing stories about it? These questions need a clear answer from you. Hence, it will help you to know how you will start to feel the attack. Afterward, you can discuss it with your doctor and find ways to deal with it.
5. Know more about Snakes
It is good to study and read information about snakes. Also, avoid feeding your mind with wrong information. It will help you to realize if what you are thinking about snakes is correct. Hence, if you fear hearing or watching stories, try to know the truth.
6. Watch some videos of Snakes
To fight your fear of snake phobia, it does not mean that you need to face a real snake. By looking at photos or watching videos, you will become familiar with it. Therefore, it is best to know your enemy better. As a result, it can lessen your fear of snakes.
7. Ask for Professional Help
One of the most effective ways to treat it is to talk to a professional therapist about it. They can properly guide you to overcome your fear finally. Hence, it is true, especially if a bad experience causes it. The doctor will give you some advice such as:
- Giving activities to condition your mind
- Exercises that will make you familiar with the situation
- Letting you become more close to your fear
8. Toy Snake
People with extreme fear of snake phobia will find it very hard to touch a toy snake. Therefore, a doctor will give you a toy snake that looks very friendly. This type of therapy is also beneficial for children.
9. Feel the Snake Skin
Once you become comfortable touching the toy, you can handle a bag or clothes that look and feel like snakeskin. The doctor will make you think of a real snack as you touch it.
10. Observe Real Snake
Furthermore, if you are already comfortable with its look and feel, it is good to observe the real one. You can do it by going to a nature center or zoo. You do not have to hold a real one.
