Not all phobias they seem strange or curious to us and we can understand some of them perfectly. This is the case of apiphobia or fear of bees, a fear that usually makes sense or is rational, since the sting of this animal has more or less serious consequences. But we are not facing a rejection, but rather a phobic disorder and that is why we talk about apiphobia.
What is apiphobia?
Apiphobia is the fear of bees, wasps or other with similar characteristics. It is also called Melanophobia and it is one of the most common phobias and one that is better understood since, who is not afraid of the possibility of being stung by a bee or a wasp?
The bites of these animals are at least very painful and in some cases, when the person is allergic, it can cause serious health problems or even death. But they are exceptional cases. Still, we can understand the danger that bees represent for anyone, whether or not they have apiphobia.
Symptoms of fear of bees or wasps
We have to be realistic. And the truth is that bees are in some danger, it is true, but it is also true that you are not always in danger when you see a bee fluttering near you. Rejection is one thing. Theism a totally different one that you will notice by the number of symptoms that you experience.
The symptoms of apiphobia are the same as anxiety. The initial nervousness, excessive sweating, choking sensation, tingling in the extremities, palpitations or even a panic attack if one or more bees get too close to you. And at all times there is that desire to flee and get away from the stimulus that causes you fear.
The causes behind phobias
The most frequent cause of apiphobia is conditioned by a traumatic experience lived in the first person or simply having witnessed it. As with all types, a shocking event may be reason enough to develop an irrational fear of that stimulus.
Because in the case of apiphobia it is an excessive fear, greater than the mere fear of being bitten by this animal. It is also true that in the case of fear of bees there is an important cultural factor, since from a young age we are taught to be afraid or, at least, be careful of them.
The best treatment for apiphobia
Depending on what environment you live in, you may not have to face your fear of bees very often. But any phobia, even if it does not condition or limit your life due to particular circumstances, must be treated. And psychological help is needed to overcome a phobia and to protect you from future occurrences of other phobic disorders.
The technique that works best for all types of phobias is cognitive behavioral therapy, which begins by identifying distorted thoughts about bees and then trying to modify the behavior, fear, or avoidance. And cannot be missing to reduce anxiety symptoms.