Describe Your Phobia?
I have been afraid of basements ever since I was a young child. My experience doesn't seem to be tied to any one bad experience, I've just always been terrified of them.
When Did Your Phobia Begin?
My phobia began when I was very young, around the age of four or five. My grandparents had a basement, and I just really hated going down there. When I would go into the basement, I always had to have every light on and had to have another person with me.
Advice
- Avoidance works for some people, but it isn't always an option.
- Find ways to cope with your fear, like slow breathing or thinking of something else.
- Get help if it really gets out of control.
How Has Your Phobia Affected Your Life?
I've always avoided basements. I hated going into house that had any type of underground room. At one point, though, I ended up living in a basement apartment because it was the only place I could afford. It was awful, but I think that forcing myself to confront my phobia kind of helped me.
Have You Tried Any Treatments to Overcome Your Phobia?
I've never seen a therapist, but I did pick up a phobia treatment workbook at Barnes and Noble, and it has really helped my manage my problem. I still don't like basements at all. They are creepy! But it seems like I can deal with them now, rather than just avoiding them.
