[Monty_girl]

Yesterday I stated in a post that I have a phobia of telephones. And I made it clear that it is a "phobia" I have. This is a real phobia people have and I have actually meet one another person in real life who has the same phobia. Telephones cause extreme fear and panic attacks for people like me who suffer from this phobia. So when yesterday I was belittled and made fun of for having this phobia my feelings were extremely hurt. If you are unable to discuss a topic without making fun of someone then you do not need to reply to a post. I felt personally attacked and emotional abused yesterday here in the forums. I would never poke fun of someone who is scared of heights or someone who's scare to drive their car across a bridge. Telephones cause the same fear and anxiety in me as it would someone else with a different phobia. I'm not asking for anyone to say that they are sorry. I want people to think before posting. Is my post a personal attack on someone? Am I over reacting with what I'm saying? Am I making fun of someone and not considering how they might feel to the comments I'm making? When discussing a topic there will always me a difference of opinions. Think we all need to remember to respect each others opinions, even if it goes against our own.

( Oh by the way Dr. Phil has had people on his show that suffer from a telephone phobia. There are lots of us out here who suffer from this.)

montygirl, i'm really sorry that your feelings are hurt...you're right, there are tons of phobias and a person deserves to be respected when they talk about their problem......again, i'm sorry. pat

[SpazKatt]

*hugs* I' sorry you felt attacked, I am afraid of calling stangers on the phone but I'm sure thats not as extreme as your condition, I can imagine how scary it must be *hugs*

[SweetCrusader]

(((((((Monty))))))))))

You do not have to justify that your phobia is valid. It is what it is, and nobody should make fun of you for that.

I, too, have unusual phobias. I am TERRIFIED *phobic* of fish, and I'm scared (not quite phobic, though) of perishable food and food that could contain the salminilla (sp?) virus. VERY afraid. And I have my reasons. I also am very nervous about houseplants (not afraid so much as grossed out by them). Sound strange? It wouldn't if you knew my history.

I guess what I'm saying is that I understand what it's like to have fears that sound strange to some people, but that doesn't mean your feelings are not valid. Your feeligns should be respected, and I'm proud of you for standing up for that. I had to do that myself, with my roomates and it isn't easy.



From one petrified phobic to another.... you were very brave to talk about this.

Angela

[Mahali]

((((( Monty )))) I just thought maybe some safe hugs would not hurt. I am sorry you were hurt here. This should be a safe place.

Take care.

[mamangieh]

Monty girl anyone who can ride a rollercoaster is very brave don't let ppl make you feel bad about phone phobia
I'm still nothemama8 just had to reregister coudn't log in
Angie

[Monty_girl]

((((((((((((((((((( TY Angela )))))))))))))))))))
I came to realize a few years back that my feelings are just as valid as everyone else is. and that I need to stand up for myself cause if I don't, then who will? It's very hard to do and I've cried many times since yesterday. But I just wanted to ty for showing that you cared and offered support. It means a lot, I haven't felt very supported here and have been considered leaving a few times. But I'm a firm believer in giving things a fair chance before I quit something. Thanks, Monty

[Wants2Fly]

Hi Monty Girl --

I, too, am sorry that you feel attacked. I didn't see your post about telephone phobia. When I was younger, I didn't like telephone talk, but I am okay with it now.

You are quite right -- you should not have to be attacked for any phobia. The forums should be a safe place to bring this up, whatever the phobia may be.

Safe hugs.

[Monty_girl]

Ty Pat, I think that's one of the biggest forms of support there is. Is to respect each other.

[Monty_girl]

[Eva1nder]

((((( Monty )))))))

I'm sorry you had to feel attacked by something that is already so difficult to deal with.

I have some phobia's ...one of which that the odd's of me ever even having to deal with is slim to none. If I even see it on tv it can make me hyperventilate.

I know this is silly, but I also know I can't help it as I'm sure you can't help your's either.

You certainly didn't ask for it and want to be able to discuss it and I'm sure others can relate ..there is no need for others to make you feel badly about it.

I hope you are feeling better.

Hope you are doing well.

Hey btw Monty ..I miss yah ...and have yah been having any good new recipes lately?

Hope to chat with you soon

Take good care
Eva

[kimmydawn]

(((((((((((((((((((((((monty)))))))))))))))))))))))))

i don't have to tell you how much i care about you. i love you...all of you. i cried last nite at your hurt (and another's).

you know i understand phobias. i have phobias of ANYTHING being near my nose and mouth, of bees, and a few other things. i simply understand.

i hope, even in your deep hurt, you can see the love and concern reaching out to you here today and let that reach in and overshadow that pain. that is my wish for you this day.

i love you, girl.

kd

[Kalamity]

I get panic attacks if I have to use the phone. The only phone I have is a pre-paid cell and I keep it off most of the time. From my experience most people can't understand how using the phone can be hard. *shrug* I'm not necessarily phobic but I think I can relate.

I'm sorry for what you experienced.

[Nerak]

((((((((((Monty))))))))))) sorry you hurt

[GreyGoose]

I feel for you hon. I know you are really hurting and I know what it's like when you have a phobia and you feel that it is not being taken seriously. I have many strange phobias myself (even religious ones). A person can have a phobia of anything (even exploding canned bicuits!). Take care and PM me any time if you want to talk, ok?

[complic8d]

(((Monty))) I too feel sorry that you were hurt. A phobia is defined as an "IRRATIONAL fear", that's how I explain mine to people to TRY to get them to understand. I know that it does not make sense but I cannot help the anxiety and panic that mine causes. No one should feel like they are belittled for something they have no control over (and are probably embarrassed about already, as I am). BYW, has anyone ever done any therapy to get over a phobia, like exposure? My therapist wants to use emdr for that too, but we have other things to work on now. HUGS and Take Care!

[jmo531]

(((((((((((((((MONTY))))))))))))))))

I am sorry that your feelings were hurt also. I can relate. I have a phoblia of Ocean Water. I love to look at it and I actually think its one of the most peaceful things on earth but I can not go near it. It freaks me out totally. Just talking about it makes me cringe. I have other phobia as well but Ocean Water is one of my biggest.
I also have alot of anxiety and I would describe it as a semi phobia of driving. A few months back I had a hard time driving. I actually couldnt drive I was a passenger but I personally could not get behind the wheel. I was afraid. I can drive now but I still get very panicked in traffic. I hate pulling up to the light and having cars behind me, to the side of me and in front of me. I feel boxed in and confined. Makes me feel like I cant breathe. I seriously thought of leaving my car and running away just to get out of the feeling of being trapped.
I totally understand. I do not thing your phobia of telephones is anything to laugh at. It's a real fear you have and no one should make you feel bad about it. I am sorry.

[vacantangel]

((((((((((( Monty ))))))))))))

I too am sorry you felt attacked about your phobia. I also have many phobias and I know how hard they are to deal with. Even when the phobia sounds weird to someone else, the intense fear is very much real. Take care!!!