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by Donald B. Ardell, Ph. D.
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Wellness in the Headlines
(Don's Report to the World)

A Closer Look at Phobias

Monday March 12, 2001

Yesterday, I suggested that, just perhaps, the reason we have such a bloated health care system focused on treating illnesses that could have been avoided with better self-care is that Americans fear healthy lifestyles. They have a phobia about wellness, or at least about pursuing one or more of the multiple skill areas that are part of overall self-management for genuine lifestyle artistry.

It may be that a closer look is in order regarding the matter of phobias. What causes these problems? Some experts maintain that phobias may well be inherited, and suggest the evidence for this is to be found in a small structure in the brain called the amygdala, which controls fear responses. A major study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) identified the amygdala as the site of a gene in mice that affects learned fearfulness, leading to the notion that there is a biochemical basis for the disorder. Imagine that--this means that fear of disapproval, for example, may be physiologically or hormonally based. Other experts point to environmental influences on the development of social phobias, particularly the acquisition of fears from observing the behavior of others, and the consequences of these actions. There is a name for this--it's called "observational learning" or social modeling.

Personally, I think we need to gaze less on our amygdalas and pay more attention to encouraging parents and others to be better role models at every opportunity, even if plagued by the occasional fear, rational and otherwise. Being a role model for a self-managing lifestyle is more challenging for some than others. Just the same, whether through genetics or social modeling, everyone would benefit from embracing responsibility for his/her past and the choices ahead. We can resolve to make the most of our varied situations, including making conscientious efforts not to take things too seriously while choosing, as well, to view life as a positive opportunity here today and gone tomorrow. Waste not a minute feeling sorry for yourself or fearful about things you can't control. Carpe diem and carpe manana -- seize and make the most of today and tomorrow.

Of course, that's easier for some to say than for others to pull off, but it deserves a mention, just the same.

Comments on this and all of my daily Reports are warmly welcomed. Please stay well.

Domain: mental
Subdomain: mental health

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