Fear of insects!

[SpidersRun]

This may sound silly, but DS (15) absolutely hates insects - spiders, flies, you name it. He doesn't like feeling this way and wants to do something to get over it. Has anyone had experience of this and can you tell me what helped? (Nobody else in the house is affected!)
Thanks 😀

Anyone??

You all love spiders?!

It's not nice is it? My DD 16 yrs has been terrified of spiders since she was about 7. I mean terrified, she screams and gets hysterical. That said, she still does nothing to help herself eg clean and dust her bedroom.

I wonder if it would help him to learn more about them? There are places like zoos or small farms that teach children and let them get up close and personal, is that worth looking into?

Just a personal story on my own fear of daddy long legs (crane flies?). I was petrified of them from being a child, really petrified. Then at around age 19 or 20 I was undergoing nurse training and I remember working nightshifts on a ward during a hot August and Sept when what seemed like hundreds of them were flying onto the ward. As I had no choice but to stay there I had to quickly get used to them and I've not been scared since then! I'm not suggesting something like this 'baptism of fire' for your son I'm just letting you know what worked for me. Sorry I cannot offer more help but if it is affecting his life severely I would look into some sort of psychotherapy for it. Afterall people get over fear of all sorts , flying etc. Good luck.

And no I am terrified of spiders, wish I could get over my fear of them, but as an adult I have more coping mechanisms. I dread this time of year though so sympathies to your DS.

@shadypines thank you for responding. Interesting to read about your daddy longlegs cure, definitely not the strategy for DS, though if it happened naturally, well, great!

He has not found reading about them helpful, still finds them repulsive, and we have done quite a few visits, when he was small and recently, but it hasn't really made any difference.

He is trying to do small things to help himself, catching and putting out small creepy crawlies, trying not to panic at gnat clouds, but we are not there yet!

What a brave boy you've got! Sounds like he is taking small positive steps, well actually they are big steps for him so well done to him.

@shadypines yes, for him each one is a big deal. I say, just do a little thing at a time, no more than you feel you can manage. I hope he will get there, he really wants to.

Your username is lovely, btw!

Thanks, yes fingers crossed for him. I would actually like to spend a month week at my username! No work, just relaxing in a hammock, with a cocktail or cuppa and a good book!

I have a 17 year old big rugby playing DS who completely freaks at the shear sight of spiders or daddy long legs and like OP I'm looking for any suggestions. Teased him today about getting him treated with hypnosis.

I know that might have been a throwaway phrase Expat but I think it best not to tease. If someone has a fear of something it is very real to them, doesn't matter how 'tough' he is at sport. Perhaps some sort of therapy like that is worth considering, after all he is getting to the age where if he spreads his wings (excuse the pun) he can't be relying on other people to come to his aid as much as his family might!

shadypines although I made it sound like teasing to him, I was actually serious and I will consider it if it does not improve. I was trying to gage what he thought of the idea of getting some phobia treatment.

Well I can understand Expat, have considered something for DD 16 yrs many times! Good luck