Hi,

This is my first time on this forum. I have just registered as I need some help please. I moved to South Africa 5 months ago and for as long as I can remember I have had a totally irrational/morbid fear of spiders - any kind not just tarantulas.
This is affecting my life quite badly now as I am so frightened of seeing one and I am dreading the rains coming and bringing them into the house. I know it is pathetic to be so frightened of something that is tiny in comparison with me but unless you have a fear of something people don't understand.

I don't want to own a spider to get over the fear but I need some kind of help and soon. I want to be able to catch them in a glass and take them outside or remove them from the patio etc. I don't like them to be killed as they are brilliant insect repellent but the thought of going within 2 metres of one sends shivers down my spine. My husband is the spider catcher in our house but he is out at work and often away leaving me having nightmares.

Can anyone recommend someone or something to help me get over this? I live in the fourways area. Many thanks for reading. I hope someone can help me. Nicola

Didn't they have big spiders where you come from? Unless you came from Siberia I guess.

I'm not sure I can be much of a help, I used to hate spiders immenselly and still do to some extent (true spiders mind you, filthy disgusting beasts) but I guess the fear eventually died down. That and I used to read lots of insect books at the school library and pretty much learnt whatever I could

Perhaps you could visit a member in your area who has a large collection.

I am sure there are a few members who would like to help.

And maybe just maybe your fear could be turned in to fascination. Who knows you might one day keep T's yourself. Perhaps an Avic or even n Pokie.

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Nicola Taylor wrote: ... Can anyone recommend someone or something to help me get over this? I live in the fourways area. Many thanks for reading. I hope someone can help me. Nicola

First, order a copy of Carolyn Swagerle's book, Legacy of Annie Rose .

While you're waiting for it to arrive, get hold of your family doctor and ask to be referred to a professional psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist who makes a specialty of treating phobias. Start a regular treatment schedule and stick to it.

Just be aware that there are three types of people who are even more unbearable after their recovery than before:

1) Born again Christians

2) Recovered smokers

3) Recovered arachnophobes!


:silly:


Best of luck. Keep us posted on your progress.


Douglas Adams was wrong, by the way. The masters of the universe aren't white mice. They're large, fuzzy spiders!

Thanks for you help and advice guys.

The answer to the question did we not have spiders where I came from. No I didn't come from Siberia ha ha. In the UK yes of course we have spiders but we managed to keep the house clear of them using the plug in devices also they are nothing like what you get here. If on the odd occasion one wandered in I would have a panic attack and usually wait for next door to hear me to come and remove it. It is a fear I have had since I was a small child.

Book ordered - appointment made with doctor and a friend is taking me to see some big ones on Wednesday not that I will stay in the room but she is trying to help.
Will keep you posted. Here's hoping that by the time they start wandering in I will be way on track to kicking this.

Maybe you'll have better luck with tarantulas. As I said, I hate spiders but have no problem with Tarantulas. It's weird I know but my mind does't seem to register them as spiders. Maybe all the research I did tricked my brain or something