A Phobia Can Be Like Gaol Sentence

Many years ago, I had a friend whose husband died very suddenly.

They had been happily married for over twenty years and they had been inseparable. Now she was alone.

She had sons and daughters and they used to visit here regularly but, essentially, here reason for being alive had been taken away from her.

Months passed and it became noticeable that she didn't go out very much anymore. She preferred to stay at home behind closed doors; away from people. Her family were concerned but they were unable to coax her out to any kind of social event.

Gradually, she began to develop a fear of going outside altogether. Taking that small step over her front door began to be a traumatic event. And finally, it became obvious to her loved ones that she needed help.

I tell this little story because I have seen how a phobia can cripple and even destroy an otherwise healthy personality.

It makes me appreciate the value of mental health and freedom.

And it makes me fully empathise with those who can fall victim to their irrational fears.