TRAVERSE CITY, MI -- In Tuesday's special report, 7&4 News takes a look at phobias.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, there are millions of Americans living with a phobia.
The most common phobias include the fear of public speaking, fear of death, fear of spiders, fear of darkness and the fear of heights.
These phobias cause symptoms like anxiety, stress and panic attacks. Local experts said people can overcome phobias but it takes commitment and hard work.
"I'm not going to suggest that they go out and pick up a snake (if they are afraid of snakes)...that would be setting them up for failure..that would be really triggering their fear and they would probably run away...but I would suggest...can we start by just looking at some pictures of a snake? then can you pick up the picture?" said Therapist Vickie Green, MA, LPC.
Click on the video above to view our full report of phobias. You can get a full list of phobias and their meanings by clicking here.
