Advice/help about a phobia *TW

Hi @Gabbanagirl, I empathise and fully understand the distress. I suffer from rat phobia. Like you, I could not speak the words 'rat' and 'mouse' at the start when the fear was uncontained. Seeing images of one triggers panic reactions too. Sufferers of phobia strangely respond similar to fear triggers although the objects of fear may be different.

For immediate relief, can you muster sufficient courage to swat a 'S' away when you see one? Not with your hand but maybe a fly swat or towel. Do you have house mates who might be able to help or lend emotional support?

For longer term, I recommend visiting a psychiatrist and taking prescribed meds to help cope with the constant and crippling anxiety. This helped me alot as I work on my recovery. Do consider this option.

@Gabbanagirl Even if you can't afford therapy, surely you can buy a good swatter.

Get a well-made one, not a piece of cheap plastic garbage that will break apart in a week. Length is an advantage to an extent, as a longer handle means a faster paddle & it gives you range. Once it's in your hand, you can hunt down the arachnids in your home & turn them into wall pizza.

Hello @Gabbanagirl,

Managing Arachnophobia is indeed a challenge for many.
I believe you have a few issues on hand at the moment.

First and foremost, I believe you want to be "assured" that
your bedroom and the place are free from arachnids
else you cannot have peace of mind with the surroundings.

Engage exterminator is one option but
if you are financially constraint,
maybe you can seek neighbour(s) and/or friends
to help you check the place thoroughly;
this hopefully helps to give you peace of mind for now.

Next, you may need to equip yourself with some coping skills.
When you see an arachnid around or at a close distance,
you can back off a little or
to a safe distance/space that you feel comfortable with
and practise Diaphragmatic Breathing (DB) to calm yourself.

In your free time,
you can also use Guided Imagery (GI);
having the "visuals" in your mind while you are physically safe in a place,
try to stay as long as you can with the image and observe;
at any one time, if you are uncomfortable,
just end the exercise.

Graded Exposure (GE) treatment can be the next option
only when a client like yourself is ready for such exercises.
Because GE unlike GI requires the client to
be exposed to the object gradually at different stages.
A little more intensified.

Last but not least,
concerning seeking a Therapist,
you may like to consider to work with a trainee Therapist under supervision,
your case will be reviewed by the supervisor,
you are still in good hands and the cost is usually more affordable.

Alternatively,
seek a Psychiatrist can be an option with a prescription but
when you encounter an arachnid on the spot,
drugs take time to work after taken it.

I cannot mention the names and/or brands of the prescribed drugs.
Certain prescriptions lowered heartbeats and
may not be suitable for clients with a heart condition(s)
and other drugs can cause drowsiness;
usually suitable to be taken in the evening before sleep.
If you are working in the daytime,
it can cause hazards to the client. 
So if you are seeking a Psychiatrist,
do declare the necessary info like your health condition and occupation,
so that the Psychiatrist can offer the most suitable prescription.

I hope the above info is helpful for your reference. :)

Take care and all the best for your recovery journey, :)

@Gabbanagirl exposure therapy worked for my Myrmecophobia (fear of ants). maybe the same would work for you?