Phobias
A phobia is an overwhelming fear of an object, place, situation, feeling or animal.
All phobias, particularly complex phobias, such as agoraphobia and social phobia, can limit your daily activities and may cause severe anxiety and depression.
A phobia can develop during childhood, adolescence or early adulthood.
Many people with a phobia don't need treatment, and avoiding the object of their fear is enough to control the problem.
Each phobia is different and no single self-help programme will work for everyone. You may use your own self-help strategy or get help from a mental health specialist.
Claire Ledger was diagnosed with agoraphobia after she had a panic attack while shopping in her local high street.
Most of us find vomit unpleasant, buteven the mention of it makes Hilary Fraser panic.