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i posted this in forums and was just sort of brushed off and told to move it to another forum and it literally upset me so much. i was trying to talk about a disorder i have and get some people to empathize with but that's all i got. so i'll just post it in here because ******** everywhere else, at least i know cliquers won't be d bags.
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I suppose I'm mostly using this to vent. Whatever.

A phobia (from the Greek: φόβος, Phóbos, meaning "fear" or "morbid fear" ) is, when used in the context of clinical psychology, a type of anxiety disorder, usually defined as a persistent fear of an object or situation in which the sufferer commits to great lengths in avoiding, typically disproportional to the actual danger posed, often being recognized as irrational. In the event the phobia cannot be avoided entirely the sufferer will endure the situation or object with marked distress and significant interference in social or occupational activities.

So lately I've come across a lot of people belittling phobias because they think it's impossible to be scared of something that bad. To the point where they think it's funny to sort of mess with people about their phobias like it's this big joke they're putting on. I will admit that a lot of people do speak in hyperbole when talking about phobias (ex: I have a phobia of heights vs I'm afraid of heights), but for those of us with real phobias it is hurtful and makes us generally feel like s**t about our fear(s).

I personally have a phobia of bees/hornets/wasps/etc. I've had it for as long as I can remember. I've put up with my friends and family messing with me about it for just as long. Laughing at me when I scream out of fear, saying there's a bee on my person when there isn't just to see my reaction, sending me pictures of bees. I've even been yelled at for "acting inappropriate" in front of guests. People don't seem to understand the amount of stress it puts me under! I've been pushed to tears with the amount of shame I have over my fear, thanks to the way people treat it. I don't know how to get people to take it seriously. I just don't. Just a few minutes ago I was in the middle of mixing brownie batter when a wasp showed up in the kitchen window. I've since been in my room, afraid to go back to the kitchen, and angry at myself for not being able to go back to the kitchen. Phobias disrupt our lives and, despite what people apparently think, are a serious disorder.

One thing that should be noted as well, is that phobias aren't always irrational! This is a misconception that I think supports the idea that certain phobias "aren't real".

Anyway. I guess I just wanted people to have some more information on phobias. And for those of you with phobias to not feel alone in the struggle. If you have a phobia and want to share your story go ahead!

I have a huge fear of bugs (Mainly centipedes and bugs that look like roaches and waterbugs) I have these episodes if I see one in sight and scream my head off when one's on me.

I don't know if it's a phobia but I avoid trying over bridges at all costs and if I have to drive over one for more than like 5 seconds I legit start crying my eyes out and make someone hold my hand like a little kid.