Whats the difference between a fear and a phobia?
A fear is something that produces discomfort, but typically doesnt stop someone from doing what they want. Example: feeling anxious about going up to a high floor in a skyscraper, but still being able to go into the building and take the elevator to any floor. A phobia, on the other hand, produces a more severe reaction: just the thought of going into the skyscraper causes anxiety and the decision not to even try entering it. So, a fear is manageable. A phobia causes you to alter your life and feel incapable of doing what you want, when you want to do it. A phobia is like a thief: it steels your freedom.
