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Anu Krishna |1746 Answers |Ask -Follow

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on May 25, 2023

Anu Krishna is a mind coach and relationship expert.
The co-founder of Unfear Changemakers LLP, she has received her neuro linguistic programming training from National Federation of NeuroLinguistic Programming, USA, and her energy work specialisation from the Institute for Inner Studies, Manila.
She is an executive member of the Indian Association of Adolescent Health.... more

Question by Vikram on Apr 29, 2023Hindi

My wife has an extreme fear of lizards and also all reptiles. She is completely panicked if a lizard enters the house and simply cannot function. Please advise how she can overcome this fear.

Ans: Dear Vikram,
Has this fear something new or has it been from a young age?

Whichever it is, the incident is being replayed over and over again when she sees a lizard. It means that, that incident has to ease in the mind for a better reaction/response when she sees a lizard.
The easiest way is to 'DULL' out that memory and make it vanish. It's a very effective way to train the mind to literally erase that memory without replacing it with anything.

It's a phobia and if you feel it requires an expert, seek one...for an expert who can deal with anxiety related to a phobia, it will be a matter of minutes to help your wife.

All the best!

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Anu Krishna |1746 Answers |Ask -Follow

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Jan 19, 2022

Question by BG - Jan 19, 2022Hindi

Dear Anuji,My aunt lost her husband to Covid and is 42 years of age. She is extremely afraid of going to another city, station, elevators. She panics. This condition was known to her and family after she had a fracture and was taken for CT scan where she panicked and begged for a place by the window. She was claustrophobic we learned and later she was afraid of going to any place other then just remaining home. Kindly please help us step by step with your valuable guidance.Thanking you,With respects,BG

Ans:

Dear BG,

I am truly sorry for the loss in the family.

Take your aunt to open spaces like parks, beaches…the fear of closed spaces and gasping for air could be triggered from any past experiences.

It’s the way in which she has perceived the experience in the first place that has become her truth and reality.

This needs to be substituted with the experience of open spaces into closed spaces.

Ask her to imagine a beach while she is in an elevator; but make sure someone accompanies her on these trips till she is ready to make trips by herself.

Work with a mental health therapist if she doesn’t want or refuses to make this change.

All said, do make sure that she is not forced with this and it is a slow process as she is still in the process of grieving.

Please help her heal from the loss before suggesting any changes. She needs the love, care and support of the family.

Be well and happy always!

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Anu Krishna |1746 Answers |Ask -Follow

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Apr 28, 2023

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 27, 2023Hindi

Hi Anu. I have a fear of snakes however can see them from a distance. There are lots of snakes in my native place and have heard true stories about death of people/ injuries due to snake bites which makes me not to visit my native place. I have seen videos of my friends who have touched snakes and even held snakes around their necks (although with support from the snake park/zoo team) and it makes me feel that they are very brave and I am not. Can you assist me in overcoming this fear?

Ans: Dear Anonymous,
Why would you even want to see snakes from a distance? The fear of snakes is real and I can only imagine how people throw them around their necks and feel joy. But no offence to anyone who loves snakes.

To get rid of your phobia/fear of snakes, ask yourself:
1. Do I live in an area that is dominated by snakes?
2. Am I going to specifically go around searching for snakes to scare me?
3. How often do I visit my native place to keep fearing them everyday?
4. If I do visit my native place, how can I keep myself safe?

These answers will help you find some relief as in it gives you a hold of your thoughts. You also can get into action mode in case, the situation arises. Fears feel real inside the mind, but to challenge them and overcome them is the only way to get past them. Is having the snake around your neck some kind of achievement? Then, you need to someday just go and experience it. I know of people who for eliminating their fears, simply go and DO what scares them in the first place.
If this is not important, then reassure yourself that you live in a safe place and that humans outnumber snakes in that place and that you know what to do when you spot one. Gives you a feeling of reassured control. Hope this helps. But if there is a phobia that is making you lose sleep or appetite, kindly see a professional who works on phobias and it will help you.

All the best!