Why you shouldn't laugh at someone else's phobia — no matter how ridiculous it sounds

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• All phobias are irrational and specific.
• But some can seem more ridiculous and unbelievable than others.
• You should never laugh at someone's fears or dismiss them in any way.
• If you do, you're likely to make the person feel embarrassed, which will make their fear worse.
• While one person could be afraid of pens, the one mocking them could be terrified of flying.
• So don't act superior — we all have our weak spots.

Most people are scared of something — unless they're a psychopath. But not everyone has a crippling fear that leaves them unable to function when they're triggered by it.

A phobia is an all-consuming, debilitating fear of an object, place, situation, feeling, or thing. According to the NHS, having a phobia is a type of anxiety disorder. When experiencing the fear, symptoms include dizziness, sweating, nausea, shortness of breath, increased heart rate, and shaking. Some people have panic attacks.See the rest of the story at Business Insider

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