AERIAL EXPEREINCE TIP #23

Fear of Heights: For the Beginner

The Aerial Experience and Fear of Heights
The Aerial Experience is not recommended for the person severely afflicted with Fear of Heights or Acrophobia. However it can be a very useful experience for those who are trying to overcome a milder form of Acrophobia. The safety precautions and individual control over speed and choice of obstacle in the Aerial Experience might increase a person's comfort with height.

If you have Fear of Heights and are thinking of participating in the Aerial experience we recommend you speak to one of the Camp Fortune Aerial representatives before attempting to climb. They will be able to help you make the right decision for you and your degree of Fear of Heights.

What is Fear of Heights?
Acrophobia is another name for a fear of heights. Acrophobia can be dangerous, because sufferers can experience a panic attack in a high place and be unable to get themselves down from it. Some Acrophobics also suffer from urges to throw themselves off high places and are not in any way suicidal.

How is Fear of Heights Treated?
People who suffer from acrophobia can often become comfortable with particular high places, i.e. they lose their fear of a place, but the fear returns when they go somewhere new. Some phobias appear to diminish with age and may disappear altogether when someone reaches his 50's or 60's.

Only about 20% of adult phobias go away on their own without treatment. When phobias interfere with a person's quality of life and life decisions, treatment is essential. Most people who seek treatment completely overcome their phobias. Successful treatment involves behavioral therapy, medication, or a combination of both.