DEAR HARRIETTE: I am currently struggling with a phobia related to gunshots and police sirens due to childhood traumas. When I was a child, I experienced instances where my father would bring conflict into our home, and it has left a lasting impact on me. As a result, I have developed an intense fear and anxiety around the sound of gunshots and police sirens.
These triggers take me back to those traumatic experiences and cause significant distress. It has reached a point where these sounds disrupt my daily life and affect my overall well-being. Harriette, I am reaching out to seek your advice on how to overcome this phobia and find peace. How can I manage these triggers and regain a sense of safety and calm? -- Phobia of Gunshots
DEAR PHOBIA OF GUNSHOTS: On a practical level, I ask if you currently live in a safe neighborhood. While no area is immune to potential violence, some are safer than others. Especially given your past, you should put yourself in a well-protected location with security.
Beyond that, now is a great time to get a therapist who can walk you through your childhood experiences and help you unpack what happened and how it impacted you. You must face the incidents that occurred with your father. No matter how frightening they were, when you examine them and determine what happened and why, you may be able to relieve some of the overarching pressure that you are feeling right now. Get help!