Spring Is in the Air … in More Ways Than One

"Spring is when life's alive in everything."
-- Christina Rosetti (1830 - 1894)

Ah, spring...the weather is not too cold or too hot, the azaleas are in bloom, and the mosquitoes are not biting yet. This spring also promises to be unique for many, especially those along the East Coast, as it brings the 17-year cicadas, known as Brood X, with it. Millions of these large, noisy insects are expected to emerge from the soil by mid-May and with them increased panic and anxiety.

Tthe cicadas are harmless. But their mass quantities, large bodies, red eyes, and poor flying skills contribute to people's reactions to these distinctive creatures, which range from wonder and amazement to disgust to all-out fear and dread when they see millions of cicadas surfacing at once.

Like other specific phobias, an insect phobia is characterized by an irrational, involuntary fear reaction that is inappropriate to the object, place, or situation and it generally leads to the avoidance of a circumstance that poses no real threat of danger. Heightened anxiety, even panic attacks, results with exposure to the fears. As with all phobias, those with this phobia recognize that their fear is excessive and unreasonable, but they are seemingly unable to control it. The feared object, in this case insects or the cicada, is usually anticipated with alarm.

"For people who have insect phobias in general and have learned to live their lives around this fear," says Jerilyn Ross, President and CEO of ADAA, "the cicada invasion is their ultimate nightmare because of the unpredictability, intensity, and inability to escape these insects. However, one good outcome of the 17-year cicada appearance has been that people who suffer from an insect phobia and have previously avoided situations like camping, gardening, and other hobbies have been pushed to get treatment. Although this is a challenging time, this may be the impetus they need."

More than 6.3 million people in the U.S. have a specific phobia. If you suffer from a one, what can you do to keep it from affecting your everyday life? Many people benefit from working with a therapist or other trained professional who will help them face their fears and develop coping strategies.

With time and assistance, a specific phobia is treatable. Go to Find a Therapist to search for an appropriate treatment provider.

Do you have a phobia? Take a self-test and share the results with your health care professional.