Quick Fixes for Everyday Fears: A Practical Handbook to Overcoming 100 Stomach-Churning Fears

Everyone has fears, and having some fear is healthy: being afraid of getting mowed down at an intersection, for example, makes us look both ways before crossing, while being fearful about corporate downsizing might motivate us to work harder. Other fears, though, can be debilitating. In this practical handbook, journalist and fear expert Clarkson reviews the three types of fear: worry, phobias and emergency fear. The 100 fears she considers range from physical fears, such as fear of falling, to personal fears of embarrassment and situational fears at home, work or school. Whether it's arachnophobia (fear of spiders), xenophobia (fear of foreigners), testophobia (yes, fear of exams), or fear for our children's safety, the book briefly discusses characteristics and background for each, and offers strategies to overcome them (along with helpful little mantras). Readers who hope to find groundbreaking ways to deal with common fears will not find them, though. Regarding the contemporary fear of terrorism in the wake of 9/11 and other recent attacks abroad, Clarkson advises the same approach as the Homeland Security department: discuss our feelings, create an emergency plan and continue with our normal routines so that terrorism does not control our lives. While there are no quick fixes for serious phobias, this book serves as a good resource for those looking to confront everyday fears; for readers who may have lingering, deep-seated phobias, Clarkson suggests seeking the assistance of a doctor or therapist.