Conquering Unreasonable Fears: My Journey with Dogs and Humans

As a content creator on Quora, I often face criticism for my choice of topics. Nevertheless, sharing my thoughts has been a form of therapy and a way to help others in similar situations. Today, I want to share my journey in overcoming two irrational fears: my fear of dogs and my fear of human beings.

Overcoming My Fear of Dogs

My fear of dogs has been with me since I can remember. Unlike many phobias, I have never been bitten or attacked by a dog, yet the sight of them can still make me petrified. Despite this, I have never experienced a traumatic incident with a dog. However, the mere presence of a dog can still trigger a strong emotional response in me.

Dogs are often described as the sweetest, kindest, most gentle, and adorable creatures on earth. They are beloved by many for their unconditional love and affection. However, my fear of them has been a hindrance to my enjoyment of their companionship. When I see a dog from a distance, my instinct is to stand as far away as possible. Even today, my goal is to pet a dog in a calm and controlled environment.

Every morning, I set a goal for myself to interact with dogs. I stand next to them and stare because they are incredibly cute and cuddly. Owners often offer the chance to pet their dogs, but I still get scared when dogs put their nose or mouth near me. This usually results in either screaming or running away, and a barking dog can send my heart into a flutter.

Despite understanding that a dog bite is just another injury, my irrational fear persists. I recognize that dogs are not going to harm me, and even if they do bite, it is a temporary issue that can be resolved with an anti-rabies vaccine and proper treatment. However, my fear remains despite these rationalizations.

Understanding My Fear of Humans

Fear of humans is a more complex issue. While dogs epitomize innocence and unconditional love, humans are capable of cruelty and malice. This, along with my upbringing and experiences, contribute to my fear. However, despite the potential for cruelty, I still love dogs.

Humans are capable of immense kindness, but the capacity for cruelty can make me wary of them. The fear of being hurt or abused by another person adds to the complexity of my anxiety. My goal is to overcome this fear and find a balance between understanding human behavior and my own emotional well-being.

Steps Toward Overcoming My Fears

Conquering fear is a gradual process that requires repeated exposure and positive reinforcement. I have started by setting small, achievable goals to interact with dogs. Additionally, I am trying to understand the behavior of dogs to reduce my anxiety. I also seek support from friends and family who can provide guidance and encouragement.

Interacting with therapy dogs under controlled conditions, learning about canine behavior, and attending support groups are some of the strategies I am employing. By taking these steps, I am slowly but surely moving towards overcoming my irrational fears.

In conclusion, while overcoming fear is challenging, it is a journey worth taking. Sharing my experiences and struggles may help others who are facing similar challenges. If you too are battling an irrational fear, know that you are not alone, and persistent effort can lead to significant progress.