Fear of heights is one of the most common fears. It can help us assess situations and circumstances and make wise choices. Phobias take fear and magnify it many times until there is no way to reason with it. Acrophobia is the fear of heights. It may seem irrational, but it is definitely dangerous.
Some can look out over the checkerboard of farmland and be amazed at the sheer beauty they see. Some gaze down on mountain peaks and are in awe of the snowcaps viewed from an entirely new view. Some can climb trees and enjoy the neighborhood from their tree top perch. Others can’t.
For the acrophobe there is nothing better than firm soil underneath their feet. Tall buildings can be a problem as can a trip to a mountain summit. Even stepladders can be a challenge.
The Cause of Heightened Acrophobia
It is firmly believed that virtually all animals have a fear of falling. This may be one fear that we are born with. Like other phobias it may be possible to learn a greater expression of the fear, but there is panic among virtually all animals if there is the possibility of falling. Consider a cat stuck in a tree. If it weren’t afraid of heights it would simply climb down without fear of falling. Even though it is capable of this feat there can be a long period of time before the cat makes the decision to come down on its own.
With humans, being afraid of heights is accented by the fear of falling and can be triggered by something as seemingly insignificant as climbing stairs. Many who have a phobia of heights may purchase a ranch style home with everything on one level. They may refuse to fly and do not like escalators at the local mall. They may be fearful of hiking and amusement rides are not amusing to them in the least. Panic in a place of higher elevation can be a dangerous scenario for the acrophobe and those that love them. The acrophobe runs the risk of hurting themselves in this environment.