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Mental health

Bit of an odd one! Fear of spiders.

8 replies

laura325630 · 30/07/2008 15:01

Hi, I have a huge fear of spiders and last night there was on my dd's moses basket. My dp couldnt find it so I am no longer going to use the moses basket in fear of it going on my dd.

What I am worried about if dropping my dd if there ever was one on her.

Am I mad? Is anyone else like this? Has it happened to anyone?

OP posts:

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GillianLovesMarmite · 30/07/2008 20:04

I'm not afraid of spiders -although I don't like them and still get dh to get rid of them, but my mum is - if she sees one it has to die - she has even been known to stay up and stalk them with the vacuum...
Have you thought about trying some sort of aversion thing - you can probably get some sort of diy self help thing ie where you start off looking at a picture of a spider, then looking at a small version of the real thing and so on until you can cope with gradually normal size ones.
I'm also pretty confident you would be unlikely to drop your lo as I think there's a priority mothering thing goes on!
If it's any consolation it's probably moved on from the moses basket as they need to go and find things to eat...

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NotQuiteCockney · 30/07/2008 20:07

There are enough people frightened of spiders that we don't generally put 'spider' in thread titles - we normally say 'loofahs'.

That being said, it sounds like your fear is pretty severe, and impacting your life significantly. Is therapy an option for you?

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cornsilk · 30/07/2008 20:11

I used to be terrified of them, but got over it (had boys!) You wouldn't drop your dd even if an 8 foot spider came in the room. Your instinct to protect her will be stronger than your fear of spiders.

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LynetteScavo · 30/07/2008 20:15

I have another fear (less common than spiders) and I think my feat would over take the instinct to protect my DC's

Would you consider hypnosis?)]

(And would I consider my own advice? )

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crokky · 30/07/2008 20:25

Why don't you get your DP to take the covers off the moses basket and have a good look at both sides of them. My moses basket covers were washable so if he first looks at it and then you send it through the washing machine, perhaps you could use it again. Also, if you are worried about the spider being in the hood, just don't bother with the hood, take it off adn don't use it. If it was there, you would be able to see it (or your DP would see it for you).

I have fears as well, so I totally sympathise with you. My fears are different from yours, but I suppose it still affects you in the same way. Also, you will protect your baby if necessary, don't worry about that. I have a 2 yo and a baby and have protected them both in the face of my fears.

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crokky · 30/07/2008 20:27

Even if the spiders was there, the washing machine would kill it.

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twofishes · 30/07/2008 20:39

oh yes wait til your DD is older and you have to be the 'Brave Mum' battling with HUUUGE loofahs in the toilet ( with big shoes, marigolds and a hoover)then that helps you deal it cos you have to...(I know that doesn't help at all)
My way of dealing with it was moving to this house where apparently because it was empty for a couple of years the female house loofahs grow HUUUGE , we moved in and they started to move out ( by working their way out of the loft I swear you could hear them moving around and packing up!),now 'normal size i.e smaller than your hand I can abide as long as I can't see them...
Sorry than didn't help at all have gone all cold just talking about them!!

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laura325630 · 30/07/2008 21:06

Thanks everyone!! My moses basket is wicker so there are loads of places it could be hiding!! The pram is upstairs again!

I think I will speak to my doctor to see if there is anything they can do.

For now I will be checking my bed a few times a night until I think this one has gone!! Other option is to move house!!