What Does a Phobia Feel Like?

“Have you ever been in an elevator? It’s like riding in a coffin down a mine shaft.” 

TV Show: Samantha Who? ABC

How do you describe to someone else what your fears feel like to you so that they know exactly how you feel when you faced with your fears?

The above statement couldn't be a clear example of claustrophobia. Claustrophobia is basically the fear of small enclosed spaces.

How would I describe other fears? Let's look at these five:

• Arachnophobia – fear of spiders.

Spiders are like ice down your back.

• Catoptrophobia - Fear of mirrors.

 Looking into a mirror is like seeing your ghost.

• Xenophobia – fear of strangers, foreigners, or aliens.

 Meeting a stranger is like having the rug pulled out from under you.

• Somniphobia – fear of sleep.

 Falling asleep is like dying every night.

• Necrophobia – fear of death and/or the dead.

 Death is like never seeing the sunlight again.