To think you can't get over a physical fear of heights?

[DragonMummy1418]

I have a fear of heights, I CAN mentally get over it when I need to, however I physically shake and there is no getting over that, no matter how much I expose myself to heights.

Has anyone actually gotten over the physical fear (not the mental component) or is it just impossible?

What is a "physical fear"?

Surely you are shaking physically because you are scared mentally. It's the symptom, not the condition.

IME, you can control it. I used to be like that on a step ladder, but I've climbed 100ft redwood trees and Sydney harbour bridge.

The worry is still there, even two ft off the ground, but it's controllable.

What I mean is...

I have a fear of heights but I have managed to overcome the mental fear and been abseiling.

The physical element of it though was that I was shaking the entire time, pretty much uncontrollably.

I think CBT can be really effective for phobias, have you tried that? And you understand that the physical symptoms are psychosomatic? They are completely linked to the phobia, it’s how your body reacts to the stress your mind creates.

I don't think you can. It's a very rational fear, unlike a lot of phobias. Clowns and cotton will can't kill you, heights can.
I can't stand on a stool to change a light bulb without an odd, almost numb sensation going up my legs from my toes. It's like my legs don't want to work. I'm not scared of falling a couple of feet but there is a definite physical reaction I can't do anything about.

Yes, CBT has apparently got a good success rate. I have a fear of heights that is getting worse and a friend of mine who is a psychiatrist has recommended I give it a go. I sympathise as it can be quite debilitating - I’m fine flying but can’t go near a high rise window or walk over a bridge!

I have had treatment for a phobia, and the person who did it certainly claimed she had successfully treated vertigo.

(Interestingly for you parentincharge she also said that everyone claims that their own phobia is a peculiarly rational fear!)