It's very difficult for many people to be understanding of phobias, especially when it's of something they have so little fear of themselves. To them, they feel like "why can't you just get over it?"

There's two things that come to mind for me. The first is that if you want others to understand how you feel, you need to tell them how you feel. For them to understand they have to really know what kind of paralyzing fear you really experience. But the only problem with this is that the person also has to WANT to understand. If they write you off or give you little chance to explain your feelings, then it may be impossible for that person to truly understand what you're going through until they decide to want to know.

The other thing that came to mind is that phobias are definitely treatable. Especially one where you encounter the source of your phobia often, I'd highly recommend seeking out that treatment. You don't have to live with that extreme fear, therapy can do a lot for that nowadays. I hope that gives you some kind of hope.

And know that we're here for you as well.