Itsy bitsy spider, not.

I am camped out in the living room at my daughter’s home in Australia because I spotted a bug in my room. Spider? Cockroach? It moved so quickly that I couldn’t identify it. All I knew was that I had to exit the room and find someone to go in and kill it. The bug was not found, which means I cannot go back into that room. I will not be at peace until it is confirmed dead. Below is a drawing I made of what I thought it looked like, as a guide for whoever was going to go in and get it. 

Australia is a beautiful country with the friendliest people you will ever meet. Unfortunately it is also home to a large variety of insects. The country has a high number of dangerous spiders, such as the funnel web and the redback. The huntsman spider, the most likely occupant of my room, is common in homes here. Even though huntsman spiders are not life-threatening to humans, their size and fast movements can make even the bravest person run for the hills. 

And don’t get me started on cockroaches. I have spent many days held captive in my apartment in Israel because there was a juke, Israeli slang for cockroach. Cockroaches in Israel are massive and have the ability to fly.  Even if it is dead, I need it to be removed for me to feel comfortable in my own living space. 

I understand that insects are an integral part of the ecosystem and play a role in the balance of nature. Despite this, my fear of them is intense and cannot be overcome. 

Phobias are excessive, irrational fears that significantly impact a person’s daily life. Just for fun, pick your poison (I have them all):

Katsaridaphobia - fear of cockroaches

Phasmophobia - fear of stick insects

Arachnophobia - fear of spiders (the all-time number one phobia)

Ophidiophobia - fear of snakes

Phobias can develop due to:

1. History - previous trauma in dealing with the object

2. Genetics - a genetic predisposition to anxiety and phobias

3. Conditioning - repeated negative experience with the object leads to automatic association with fear

4. Information - snakes and insects have been known to be dangerous to humans and have been depicted as such

5. Brain chemistry - an evolutionarily hard-wired instinctual fear of certain creepy-crawly creatures. 

Phobias are rooted in our emotions and our subconscious. They can be treated through therapy and other behavioral interventions. 

How many times have I heard that they are more scared of us than we are of them? I know it. It is not helpful. 

For me, at this stage in the game, taking steps to minimize exposure is the only way out. Screens and professional exterminators are my best friends. I need to avoid these countries in the summer and must live on a high floor. I will always shake out my shoes before putting them on. Spiders and jukes love to use footwear as a hiding spot.

I cannot imagine myself undergoing exposure therapy, or relaxation techniques for my fear of spiders and cockroaches, not in a million years. We all need to chose our battles.

**BREAKING NEWS**

I have an update regarding the bug incident. A spider, which was identified as a huntsman, has been captured. Below is an unaltered photo of the deceased spider. Be aware that the spider has shrunk in size after being sprayed with Raid, and its original size was significantly larger. This should give you a better understanding of why I was so spooked😱. 

Have an arachnophobia-free week!

See you next week,

Dr. Annie K.