News story about Cinders the pig:

“You can’t get much happier than a pig in muck, or so we are told. But when this little piggy arrived in the farmyard she showed a marked reluctance to get her trotters dirty.

“While her six brothers and sisters messed around in the mire, she stayed on the edge shaking. It is thought she might have mysophobia - a fear of dirt.

“Owners Debbie and Andrew Keeble were at a loss, until they remembered the four miniature wellies used as pen and pencil holders in their office. They slipped them on the piglet’s feet - and into the mud she happily ploughed.

“Now she runs over to Mr Keeble so he can put them on for her in the morning. [Pig in Boots: The world's only porker who is afraid of mud, By Beth Hale, Daily Mail (UK) 10th June 2008; photo by Ross Parry Agency.]

We may experience various kinds and levels of fear and anxiety throughout life, and may be more vulnerable as highly sensitive people.

Many people experience anxiety disorders and phobias. “An American study by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) found that between 8.7% and 18.1% of Americans suffer from phobias. Broken down by age and gender, the study found that phobias were the most common mental illness among women in all age groups and the second most common illness among men older than 25.” [Wikipedia]

“Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older (18.1% of U.S. population).” [Anxiety Disorders Association of America adaa.org]

In her article What Causes an Anxiety Disorder?, Deanne Repich (Founder of the National Institute of Anxiety and Stress) notes “An anxiety disorder is caused by a combination of several factors working together over a period of time. Usually one factor alone does not result in an anxiety disorder.

“Several of the contributing factors are: Biological Factors; Stress Overload/Lifestyle Factors; Childhood Environment; Thought Patterns and Genetic Factors.

“We all have an inborn ‘fight or flight’ response designed to protect us from harm. When our survival is threatened, the fight or flight response creates physical and psychological changes that encourage us to act and protect our survival. These changes include rapid heartbeat, muscle tension, shallow breathing, and more. People suffering from anxiety disorders often have a physical overreaction to stress.”

Phobias and fears such as social anxiety disorder can limit not only our interactions with other people and life in general, but impact our creative expression.

Fear and anxiety at the level of a clinical disorder may need medical treatment, but less intense or pervasive forms may not. Many supplements can help, and there are self-help programs. There are a number of articles about anxiety on this site.

French fabulist and poet Jean de La Fontaine (1621–1695) once commented, “Everyone believes very easily whatever they fear or desire.”

Maybe one way to ease up on ourselves is not to believe in our fears so uncritically. One conception of fear is the acronym: FEAR: False Expectations Appearing Real.

A physical attack or emotional abuse is real; the “threat” of speaking in front of a group is not so real, even though we may react as though it is.

We can find help from foods, supplements, counseling, medications, and changing our attitudes to tolerate more - and even enjoy - “threatening” crowds and situations. Even go play in the mud.

06.22.08 | Share This