The cicada emergence has begun in the Chicago area and it’s causing quite a buzz. With their beady eyes and constant buzzing, these insects may prove to be too much for some people. But for those who are experiencing entomophobia, or a fear of insects, this emergence may be causing even more distress. However, there’s no need to let this fear take over your life. With some helpful strategies and a little bit of bravery, you can learn to coexist with the cicadas and even appreciate their role in the ecosystem.
According to Dr. Avelina Padin, a licensed clinical psychologist at RUSH University Medical Center, our brains are hardwired to be nervous about potential threats, including some insects. However, it’s important to remember that cicadas are harmless to humans. When a fear transitions into a phobia, it starts to interfere with our daily lives. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the cicada emergence, here are some strategies recommended by Dr. Padin to help you cope.
Paced Breathing
One simple but effective technique to calm your nerves is paced breathing. This involves counting to four with your inhale and four with your exhale. It may sound simple, but it sends a message to your brain that there is no threat. As a result, your brain will turn off the anxiety response and help you to calm down.
Pay Attention to Your Inner Voice
When we’re anxious, we tend to overestimate the threat of a situation. We may tell ourselves that the cicadas will bite or sting us, even though we know they are harmless. In these moments, it’s important to check the facts and remind ourselves that these insects are not a danger to us. Pay attention to your inner voice and challenge any negative thoughts that may be causing you unnecessary fear.
Exposure Therapy
If your fear of cicadas is interfering with your daily life, there are professional treatments available to help you overcome it. One effective method is exposure therapy, which is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy. In this therapy, a mental health expert creates a safe environment for you to confront your fear. They will work with you at a pace that feels comfortable, gradually exposing you to the cicadas until you can tolerate their presence without fear.
Stephanie Adams, a plant health care leader at the Morton Arboretum, used to be afraid of bugs, including cicadas. But she has learned to coexist with them and even appreciate their role in the ecosystem. She takes the approach of knowing that they do no harm and will not hurt her in any way. In fact, the emergence of cicadas will benefit the ecosystem by tilling and aerating the soil, and adding nutrients back into it when they die.
If you have a loved one who is afraid of cicadas, it’s essential to not dismiss their fears. Instead, encourage them to be brave and face their fears. This is especially important for children, as you don’t want them to miss out on their summer activities because of their fear. Let them know that it’s normal to be afraid of bugs, but also support them in being brave. If they see that you can tolerate their anxiety, it will help them to manage and tolerate their own fears.
In conclusion, the cicada emergence may be causing some distress for those with a fear of insects. But with the right strategies and a little bit of bravery, you can learn to coexist with these harmless creatures. Remember that they play an important role in the ecosystem and their presence should be appreciated. Don’t let your fear of cicadas control your life, instead, face it head on and overcome it.
