Hi all.
I have a phobia which I have had all my life. The phobia is snakes. Even writing the word makes my skin crawl. The phobia is extremely bad - I cannot look at pictures (cartoons or real), watch them on tv, in books etc. When people tell stories about them I physically react with symptoms I get when I have an anxiety attack.
The phobia has gotten much worse since I had my son 4 years ago. A cable can make me look twice and make my heart flip. A belt too. I lift my feet off the floor. Physical reactions include itching (palms and neck), feeling hot, upset stomach, difficulty breathing. Then add in the embarassment factor.
Another example - my son went to a jungle type place with my sister and handled one. I found out when he got home and I couldn't look at him without horror. I had to get my DH to help him wash his hands before I could touch him and even then my skin was crawling. 
This in turn made me a terrible mum.
I do also suffer from anxiety and I hyperventilate regularly (as in I breathe too often and feel as if I will suffocate). I sound as if I cannot cope day to day, I can but I need help.
My lovely GP is referring me to a Psychologist but I'm a bit anxious (haha) about this. The phobia is embarassing. I do not come in contact with them (ever) but I'm scared of what treatment may involve. My GP agreed not to give me medication as I want help to deal with my anxiety issues. I am naturally a worrier but this has gone far.
Not sure what I'm looking for here? Does anyone else suffer a true phobia? (I find it is a word used when people are scared of something, but not truly phobic iyswim?)