Any tips for fixing a phobia?

Linds · 03-12-04, 03:07 PM

Well, I have been trying to get over this silly irrational fear of spiders for quite some time. I have conquered the fear completely of those little jumping spiders and those white spiders don't scare me either. I can be in the same room as all spiders now which is a big step. Daddy Long Legs still scare the hell right outta me though. I can look at T's now, and the like, I was even able to feed and water the one we had for a short while at work (they are illegal so we don't sell them, we had one for educational purposes for a while but every single person there was scared of it so the little guy didn't last long with us before being traded for something else

). LOL mind you I would get so hot everytime I had to give it food or water and I don't know what would've happened if it move quickly

I have come a long way in powering through this phobia, however still not enough. I was looking at T's at arachnomania's booth at the show and some were quite beautiful, but as soon as I saw those big Curly Hair T's a little panic streak went through my bones. I was fine looking at the rest, but those guys gave me a good chill. My problem is I don't know of anyone in the area that would be able to help me get over the fear of these animals. It really sucks because I think they are so beautiful and would love to keep one. I was wondering whether it would help if I got one as a lil spiderling and grew with it? Does anyone have any advice for me? I really would like to keep one some day, there are some real beauties out there

*so conflicted*

~Suntiger~ · 03-12-04, 03:23 PM

Maybe you could try getting to know someone else's first? Get to know it, hold it, just hang out with the little critter in general.
The thing to keep in mind, is PIPECLEANERS...(that is exactly what it feels like when they walk over you.) If you aren't afraid of those, then you're good to go!

Sounds like you've come a long way already, so I bet you'll have no problem getting through the rest of your phobia! Good luck!!

drewlowe · 03-12-04, 03:38 PM

I had a fear of snakes and spiders. Both are not completly gone but they are very managable. For me i did research and found corn snakes to be one of the most docile and great beginner snake so i bought 1 then a week later i bought a second, i'm glad i did to i absoultly love them both. I did the same thing with spiders i did some research found rose hairs to be one of the best begginers and ended up buying one. If someone tries to help me i find it's worse than it was when it started. I have to take things into my own hands (so to speak). Now i'm not 100% "cured" but it's a very managable. I would def. have more of both if i had more space.

Jamie

Auskan · 03-12-04, 03:47 PM

Linds, I don't know if this would help or not. I love to watch documentary type programs like what they show on Discovery channel. I found that watching programs on spiders gave me a whole new appreciation for them (although I've always been fascinated by them & never had any fear, so I was starting from a different place than you). But I wonder if you watched these kinds of programs (our local library even has videos on different types of spiders) might help you to get over your fear a little. I.e., by seeing what wonderful and unique creatures they are....

Invictus · 03-12-04, 04:19 PM

Do what I did. Get about 16 beers into you, find someone who has a really docile pink toe, and say "Shhhhhure... I'll <expletive> hold the lil' sssspider...."

I'm almost cured because of that experience.

I, like you, used to be TERRIFIED of them.

Cruciform · 03-12-04, 04:30 PM

The one problem with watching documentaries on them is when they do the close-up on the face so that it fills a big screen TV with unspeakable horror

I found that wasn't so helpful.

Holding a pink-toe in my hand was fairly therapeutic though.

ChokeOnSmoke · 03-12-04, 04:34 PM

I second Ken's idea.. and if that doesn't work try vodka

Cruciform · 03-12-04, 04:36 PM

There's always LSD too. Just pretend that the bugs crawling all over you are spiders

SaIiLdVaEnR · 03-12-04, 04:46 PM

Hey Linds,

I'd be happy to help you at the next reptile expo with your fear. I have a 6 inch Rosea that is the most docile little girl ever. She's never reared up or shown her fangs and would just sit happily on your hand for hours if you let her.

Aidan

Cruciform · 03-12-04, 05:02 PM

You'd think a spider would look at a human the same way a college kid looks at a keg.

Pixie · 03-12-04, 05:19 PM

1. Having a friend with a tarantula that is handleable
2. Getting your own tarantula

Getting a tarantula of your own would be the best step in helping you with your phobia. Just having it around and learning more about them through personal experience is the best way to get over your fear.

A friend with hands on experience with Ts is very helpful too! For example, I had my first T Charlotte for 2 years before attempting to handle her. I was quite happy with a nice display pet so I wasn't in a hurry to hold her but once I did, it was the best! Now, I still have a healthy respect for all my Ts but don't fear them whatsoever.

Once you learn how they are and how they function, you will lose your "irrational" fears about them. I found that my first handling experience to be the bigger breakthrough in dealing with my fears.

Good luck, I say get the prettiest docile species you like and go from there. I find that I much prefer dealing with sub-adults or adults as slings can be quicker and easier to lose! I would recommend a T 2" or more for your first.

Pixie

If you're too scared to get one yourself just yet, a friend that has one and can show you how to handle them is quite reassuring.

Big_V · 03-12-04, 05:22 PM

Someone just hold her down and put the spider on her. That should work. LOL. If she cant move and has no choice the fear will be gone quite quickly.

UpscaleBoas · 03-12-04, 05:27 PM

my advice is take it slow......my fear is hights.....man a 5th floor balcony would have my head spinning....so i thought skydiving would be the answer.....

went through the 8 hour training.......was doing great....go up in to the plane and managed to get into position in the door...the instructor yelled 1....2....3... and slapped my butt to make me juemp.....i don't move.....1.....2....3.....again she hits me.....no movement......1....2....3... this time she kick my A$$ out the door.....thank God it was a tandum jump and the cord get pulled because our tied to the plane.....

and ways....now if i look out a 2nd floor window i get virtigo......lol

take it slow...baby steps...

Toirtis · 03-12-04, 05:31 PM

Come spend a week at my place during the summer....I have buckets of big house spiders in my house and garage, and spiders everywhere you look along the side of the house, in my garden and yard....you simply get used to them.

C.m.pyrrhus · 03-12-04, 05:32 PM

Just about everyones advise is good. Just do it and take it easy. This, although a crappy pic, is what I do during our tarantule season here in Arizona, play with em! Never had a single one act aggresive, maybe cuz they have lovin' on their minds. I will bet your phobia melts away and you will soon be collecting these guys as well.