Your body and your mind
Signs and symptoms
A phobia shows up in the body and in the mind. Here is what people often notice — none of it means something is wrong with you.
A simple checklist
You do not need to have all of these. Even one or two can be a sign that fear is taking up a lot of room.
Being afraid
A strong scared feeling that shows up fast, sometimes before you can even think about it.
Irrational fears
Thoughts that feel out of control — like knowing a spider is tiny but still feeling certain it is dangerous.
Upset stomach
A queasy, churning, or sick feeling in your belly when the fear shows up.
Hyperventilating
Breathing too fast and too shallow, which can make you feel dizzy or tingly.
Headaches
Tension headaches from holding your body tight or worrying for a long time.
Insomnia or tiredness
Trouble falling asleep, waking up a lot, or feeling worn out during the day.
Where you feel it in your body
Fear switches on the body's alarm system. That is why it feels so physical.
Head
Racing thoughts, headache, dizziness, trouble focusing
Chest
Heart pounding or beating fast, tight feeling, breathing too fast
Stomach
Butterflies, nausea, cramps, or feeling sick
Hands
Sweaty palms, shaking, feeling cold or numb
Legs
Weak knees, feeling like you need to run or freeze