I am a clinical entomophobe, I have the most irrational fear of insects. It started when I was a kid growing up in northern California. We had bushes surrounding the house that were populated by bees. Queen bees, bumble bees. I was stung repeatedly between the ages 2-6. You'd think that would have steeled me against the fear, but I haven't been stung since then. Now, living in Texas, in an urban center but near a lake, the weather's heating up, and I'm in a panic: out here we have scorpions, tarantulas, roaches, and lots of wasps and yellow jackets. In fact there's a HUGE yellow jacket nest above the sliding glass door of the porch. When I saw it I felt the same way I feel around insects-- my first instinct is to jump and swat, I don't care if it's an ant, until I know what it is I assume it's some beast from the insect world, and then I get paralyzed. Frozen. I always have this recurring thought that one day I'll be driving and a ****ing bee will be in the car. Doesn't matter where I am, I could be going 70 on the freeway or 15 in a school zone, I see that bee, and forgot it. I will drive the car through a brick wall or through kids in a crosswalk. I have to overcome this bullshit, it just doesn't make any sense. But man insects make me wanna puke. I was in 7-11 the other day, and down here, especially at night, illuminated gas stations have Biblical scenes going on, hundreds of crickets whizzing in and out of the light, dropping dead into spilt gasoline, flopping and jumping all over. so I'm at 7-11 which has gas pumps and I'm inside and I looked down every ****ing aisle and every one of them had at least one cricket. I was thinking of the clerk, dude at least act like this bothers you. it didn't. **** that place makes me sick just thinking about it. and I used to love 7-11.
Hi Ross, and any others viewing this post,
I am a casting producer in Los Angeles working on a new TV show that is looking to help people suffering from animal phobias. I came across your meetup group and thought that our show might be able to help you, as well as some of your group members. The show information is listed below. If there is any way for you to forward this along to your group members to help spread the word that would be great!
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Do you suffer from an animal phobia that is disrupting your life? Are you tired of living with this fear and anxiety?
If this description fits you or someone you know, help could be around the corner!
A cable network is currently casting for a new show that focuses on helping people who are affected by specific animal phobias and are looking to overcome their fears.
If selected for the show, you will receive one week of intensive therapy at an exclusive California facility at no cost to you. There, you will be treated by a team of expert doctors, including a world-renowned psychologist who specializes in treatment of anxiety and animal phobias.
Those interested in participating in the show should email: