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- Story Listed as: True Life For Adults
- Theme: Drama / Human Interest
- Subject: Life Experience
- Published: 02/27/2022
Arachnophobia
Born 1957, F, from Mesick Michigan, United StatesI have a serious spider phobia. I totally panic when I encounter a spider of any kind from the tiniest to the biggest. As a young girl I had reoccurring dreams that involved a spider. The dreams were so intense there were nights I can remember that I was petrified to go to sleep. This fear of spiders followed me into my adult life. When I see or have to deal with a spider my heart rate speeds up. I begin to sweat and shake. I feel my anxiety quickly rising. It's hard to breathe. And depending on the situation I go into total panic mode including crying uncontrollably.
My dream always started with me waking up and wanting to go downstairs. As I approach the stairway there is a big ugly brown spider with beady wide eyes and huge sharp fangs. It is perched on the third step from the top. It never takes its eyes off me. If I take a step forward it either jumps toward me or jumps a step backward. There were times I almost make it to the bottom but then it would jump up at me causing me to run back a step or two. If I step to the side to try and go around the spider it would quickly crawl in that direction. In all my dreams I would never make it to the bottom of the stairs. I would wake up screaming and crying for my mom.
Now as an adult my fear of spiders still haunts me. I will share some of my horrid experiences with you. These are just a few instances. There are many. I could literally write a book, but I will stick to a short story.
One time I was working out in the garage cleaning and organizing when a spider ran in front of me. I panicked and instantly stepped on it. Bad mistake. Hundreds of baby spiders scurried in all directions. Trying to escape the onset of the menacing little things I tripped over a stool and fell flat on my back. I began screaming and frantically thrashing with my arms and legs. I felt spiders crawling all over me. My husband came running to see what was wrong. I screamed at him to help me up and get me out of here. Thinking I had baby spiders in my clothes I ran in the house as quickly as I could and stripped out of them. After thought, yea, I know. I now may have baby spiders that will grow into big spiders in my house. Well, I guess I'll cross that bridge when and if I get to it.
Another time my husband and I along with my brother and sister-in-law were in our truck headed for the movies. When suddenly a spider came down from the roof of the truck on its silky string. Of course, I panicked and tried to get away from it by pushing myself into the seat and corner of my door. My husband thought he would be helpful, so he swatted at the spider trying to kill it. He only succeeded in knocking it onto my lap. Now the panicking was on. I was screaming, yelling, trying to get away from it even more. They all began laughing at me at first. But when I started crying hysterically and nonstop and shaking, they realized this was serious. My husband pulled the truck over. I jumped out and fell to the ground. I could not breathe. Beating rapidly my heart wanted to escape from my chest. My sister-in-law said she saw a look of fear on my face, she had never seen before. As I slowly began to relax and calm down, they went to the truck looking for the spider. They never found it. I was so freaked out I refused to get back in the truck. My husband and brother went to get the car and leave the truck home.
While attending college, I took a biology class. It took place in a large lecture hall. We had been studying different groups of reptiles and arachnids. I suddenly became quite observant as the class period came to a close. Attendants were standing by the big back doors not allowing students to leave. I began thinking what is up with that. They can't stop you from leaving. So, I got up and walked over to the doors to exit but was told I had to go back and sit down. I couple minutes later the instructor announced that before we could leave, we had to choose a line to stand in. At the front of one line, you had to touch/hold a tarantula the other line was for a snake. The two lines were only about seven feet apart. I bet you can guess which line I chose. And I don't even like snakes! But the whole time my eyes were glued to the tarantula. Afraid it was going to jump out of someone's hands. Yes, you got it. The closer I got to the front of the line the more my heart started racing, breathing was difficult, and I was sweating. When it was my turn, I quickly held the snake and was on my way.
My husband and I decided to take a little camping trip. We packed our fifth wheeler and loaded up the jeep with miscellaneous things including some wood for campfires. We packed the back of the jeep with enough wood to last us for a few days. My husband drove the camper. I took the jeep. Once we arrived at the campsite we set up and begin unloading the jeep. I had my arms full of wood when out of nowhere sits this big ass wolf spider on the top log, his eyes fixed on me. I didn't have time to react before it crawled on my shoulder. Once again, I'm thrown in panic mode. I swat at the spider knocking it off my shoulder. And in the process, I fall over a camping chair. The spider lands on the ground and runs towards the camper. Now I'm freaking out because that spider was in the jeep the whole hour and a half trip to the campground. So that causes more rapid heartbeat, palpitations, heavy breathing, feelings that there are spiders crawling on me. On a side note. I made my husband search the whole jeep over for any spiders before our trip back home.
While teaching a class of eighteen kindergartners a huge spider decides to make an appearance. It scuttles across the floor. Some kiddos scream and run from it while others chase it and want to get closer. I feel my heart racing as I try to keep the kids away from it. As I try to scoot the menace out the classroom door, it keeps turning and running towards me. Trying to act brave for the little ones I'm stressing out big time. I let out small screams here and there. A sixth grader walking down the hallway hears the commotion and checks in to see what's wrong. He sees the spider. Then quickly goes to the science lab and returns with a container for which he uses to catch the spider. He shows it to the kids, but I stay my distance.
Being a teacher and now a substitute teacher, I find kids are always looking at non-fiction books about spiders such as Kids National Geographic and Spiders of The World just to name a couple. And of course, they want to show me certain spiders. My phobia symptoms begin as soon as a see a realistic picture of a spider. I can't even touch the spider on the page or turn the page because I'm afraid of touching one on the other side I know, silly, isn't it? But I can't help it.
If there's a spider in my bathtub or on the wall, I have to spray it with a can of deodorant or bathroom cleaner like Scrubbing Bubbles until it resembles a foamy white cloud. I watch as its legs curl up and it tries to escape its torment. Once life has left its body, I take a broom or mop handle and squish it till pieces of its body is smeared all over my tub or wall. Finally, I clean it up with a big wad of toilet paper and flush it's remains.
Author's note: I hope I haven't offended or upset any readers. I know some spiders are beneficial to us and we should not kill them. But if you don't have a serious spider phobia you cannot begin to understand what I go through when I encounter a spider.
Arachnophobia(Shelly Garrod)
I have a serious spider phobia. I totally panic when I encounter a spider of any kind from the tiniest to the biggest. As a young girl I had reoccurring dreams that involved a spider. The dreams were so intense there were nights I can remember that I was petrified to go to sleep. This fear of spiders followed me into my adult life. When I see or have to deal with a spider my heart rate speeds up. I begin to sweat and shake. I feel my anxiety quickly rising. It's hard to breathe. And depending on the situation I go into total panic mode including crying uncontrollably.
My dream always started with me waking up and wanting to go downstairs. As I approach the stairway there is a big ugly brown spider with beady wide eyes and huge sharp fangs. It is perched on the third step from the top. It never takes its eyes off me. If I take a step forward it either jumps toward me or jumps a step backward. There were times I almost make it to the bottom but then it would jump up at me causing me to run back a step or two. If I step to the side to try and go around the spider it would quickly crawl in that direction. In all my dreams I would never make it to the bottom of the stairs. I would wake up screaming and crying for my mom.
Now as an adult my fear of spiders still haunts me. I will share some of my horrid experiences with you. These are just a few instances. There are many. I could literally write a book, but I will stick to a short story.
One time I was working out in the garage cleaning and organizing when a spider ran in front of me. I panicked and instantly stepped on it. Bad mistake. Hundreds of baby spiders scurried in all directions. Trying to escape the onset of the menacing little things I tripped over a stool and fell flat on my back. I began screaming and frantically thrashing with my arms and legs. I felt spiders crawling all over me. My husband came running to see what was wrong. I screamed at him to help me up and get me out of here. Thinking I had baby spiders in my clothes I ran in the house as quickly as I could and stripped out of them. After thought, yea, I know. I now may have baby spiders that will grow into big spiders in my house. Well, I guess I'll cross that bridge when and if I get to it.
Another time my husband and I along with my brother and sister-in-law were in our truck headed for the movies. When suddenly a spider came down from the roof of the truck on its silky string. Of course, I panicked and tried to get away from it by pushing myself into the seat and corner of my door. My husband thought he would be helpful, so he swatted at the spider trying to kill it. He only succeeded in knocking it onto my lap. Now the panicking was on. I was screaming, yelling, trying to get away from it even more. They all began laughing at me at first. But when I started crying hysterically and nonstop and shaking, they realized this was serious. My husband pulled the truck over. I jumped out and fell to the ground. I could not breathe. Beating rapidly my heart wanted to escape from my chest. My sister-in-law said she saw a look of fear on my face, she had never seen before. As I slowly began to relax and calm down, they went to the truck looking for the spider. They never found it. I was so freaked out I refused to get back in the truck. My husband and brother went to get the car and leave the truck home.
While attending college, I took a biology class. It took place in a large lecture hall. We had been studying different groups of reptiles and arachnids. I suddenly became quite observant as the class period came to a close. Attendants were standing by the big back doors not allowing students to leave. I began thinking what is up with that. They can't stop you from leaving. So, I got up and walked over to the doors to exit but was told I had to go back and sit down. I couple minutes later the instructor announced that before we could leave, we had to choose a line to stand in. At the front of one line, you had to touch/hold a tarantula the other line was for a snake. The two lines were only about seven feet apart. I bet you can guess which line I chose. And I don't even like snakes! But the whole time my eyes were glued to the tarantula. Afraid it was going to jump out of someone's hands. Yes, you got it. The closer I got to the front of the line the more my heart started racing, breathing was difficult, and I was sweating. When it was my turn, I quickly held the snake and was on my way.
My husband and I decided to take a little camping trip. We packed our fifth wheeler and loaded up the jeep with miscellaneous things including some wood for campfires. We packed the back of the jeep with enough wood to last us for a few days. My husband drove the camper. I took the jeep. Once we arrived at the campsite we set up and begin unloading the jeep. I had my arms full of wood when out of nowhere sits this big ass wolf spider on the top log, his eyes fixed on me. I didn't have time to react before it crawled on my shoulder. Once again, I'm thrown in panic mode. I swat at the spider knocking it off my shoulder. And in the process, I fall over a camping chair. The spider lands on the ground and runs towards the camper. Now I'm freaking out because that spider was in the jeep the whole hour and a half trip to the campground. So that causes more rapid heartbeat, palpitations, heavy breathing, feelings that there are spiders crawling on me. On a side note. I made my husband search the whole jeep over for any spiders before our trip back home.
While teaching a class of eighteen kindergartners a huge spider decides to make an appearance. It scuttles across the floor. Some kiddos scream and run from it while others chase it and want to get closer. I feel my heart racing as I try to keep the kids away from it. As I try to scoot the menace out the classroom door, it keeps turning and running towards me. Trying to act brave for the little ones I'm stressing out big time. I let out small screams here and there. A sixth grader walking down the hallway hears the commotion and checks in to see what's wrong. He sees the spider. Then quickly goes to the science lab and returns with a container for which he uses to catch the spider. He shows it to the kids, but I stay my distance.
Being a teacher and now a substitute teacher, I find kids are always looking at non-fiction books about spiders such as Kids National Geographic and Spiders of The World just to name a couple. And of course, they want to show me certain spiders. My phobia symptoms begin as soon as a see a realistic picture of a spider. I can't even touch the spider on the page or turn the page because I'm afraid of touching one on the other side I know, silly, isn't it? But I can't help it.
If there's a spider in my bathtub or on the wall, I have to spray it with a can of deodorant or bathroom cleaner like Scrubbing Bubbles until it resembles a foamy white cloud. I watch as its legs curl up and it tries to escape its torment. Once life has left its body, I take a broom or mop handle and squish it till pieces of its body is smeared all over my tub or wall. Finally, I clean it up with a big wad of toilet paper and flush it's remains.
Author's note: I hope I haven't offended or upset any readers. I know some spiders are beneficial to us and we should not kill them. But if you don't have a serious spider phobia you cannot begin to understand what I go through when I encounter a spider.
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- 7
Marla
07/26/2022I hate spiders! I remember staying out of the kitchen for nearly a day because of one. You wrote this well - your writing shows the reader how truly terrifying spiders can be.
ReplyHelp Us Understand What's Happening
Help Us Understand What's Happening
Gerald R Gioglio
03/09/2022Wow Shelly, sounds serious...and your writing sure makes it very clear. Best, Jerry
ReplyHelp Us Understand What's Happening
Shelly Garrod
03/09/2022Thanks, Jerry, for reading my story. Yes, it is serious. After all these years I still have this extreme fear of spiders. I can't shake it. Those were just a few instances I shared in my story. There are many more!
Shelly
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Jess Hudak
03/09/2022I don't like spiders either and I understand. But my big fear is the dark. I am sixteen and and am terrified of the dark. I refuse to got outside after the sun sets. It's creepy, especially by the dumpster. I'm just saying, these fears are legitimate.
ReplyHelp Us Understand What's Happening
Shelly Garrod
03/09/2022Hi Jess, thanks for reading my story. That must be really scary being afraid of the dark. I can only imagine. People who are lucky enough to not have a phobia don't have a clue what we face when encountered with our fears.
Shelly
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Shirley Smothers
03/09/2022I could feel your fear through your words. I don't like Spiders. If I can I ignore them. But if they get close I will kill them.
ReplyHelp Us Understand What's Happening
Shelly Garrod
03/09/2022Thanks, Shirley, for reading my story and sharing your thoughts. Most of the time I can't get close enough to a spider to kill it.
Shelly
Help Us Understand What's Happening
Help Us Understand What's Happening
Help Us Understand What's Happening
Shelly Garrod
03/09/2022Thank you so much JD!! Although I can say I don't care for the spider picture LOL! Just kidding, you picked a good picture to illustrate the story title. Thanks again
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Kimberly Barnhart
03/05/2022Great descriptions of your encounters with spiders! Spiders are not my favorite either. I enjoyed your story!
ReplyHelp Us Understand What's Happening
Help Us Understand What's Happening
Tracy Hunt
03/04/2022Shelly, I had no idea you had such a severe spider phobia. I am so sorry that you suffer such a horrible affliction. Your story is very well written and I enjoyed reading it. If you have a problem with any spiders just call me and I'll come take care of them for you sis.
ReplyHelp Us Understand What's Happening
Shelly Garrod
03/05/2022Thanks for reading my story and leaving a comment Tracy. Oh ya, major phobia! I'm not sure how or when it started but I remember being afraid of spiders since I was a little girl.
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Shamik Dhar
03/01/2022Interesting read, Shelly! I hope you over your fears of the spiders!Great Story!
ReplyHelp Us Understand What's Happening
Help Us Understand What's Happening
Gail Moore
02/27/2022I have a spider phobia, i have passed this on to all 4 of my kids.
Sometimes I can't sleep at night because I think a spider may be in the room.
Last week I was cleaning the bed wear and a huge spider ran from the pillowcase.
Now I am even more afraid.
Great story : -)
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Shelly Garrod
02/28/2022I feel your pain Gail. I have yet to find a spider in my bed although I have awoken with a trail of spider bites down my arm. So obviously there was a spider in my bed. Thank you for your comments.
Shelly
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JD
02/27/2022That's quite the phobia you have, Shelly. I wonder where it began? Where did the nightmares stem from? Maybe as a child you saw some sort of creepy horror show that had a spider and it imbedded itself in your young brain, but you don't remember it? Thanks for sharing your true life stories about your horrifying encounters with spiders. Especially the first.
As for myself, once I read Charlotte's Web I always had to 'rescue' whatever spiders I found in the house. I would catch them in a container and then let them go outside. But recently I had my first spider scare in which I did not want to do anything but kill the thing. I was getting ready to crawl into bed and pulled back the cover and a huge black spider came crawling out from under the bed sheets. It never before had occurred to me that a spider could crawl into my bed. Boy did I scream. I tried to kill it but is disappeared and I haven't seen it since.
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JD
02/28/2022I hope I never do again. Totally freaked me out, so now I can better understand your fear.
Help Us Understand What's Happening
Shelly Garrod
02/28/2022I know, even at the ripe old age of 64 I still have a major fear of spiders. The only thing I can remember is having that horrible recurring dream of that hideous spider. If something happened before hand, I don't remember. Oh my gosh JD! If that happened to me I honestly don't know what I would do. I have never seen a spider in my bed (yet) and I hope I never do!! Thank you so much for commenting on my personal story!
Shelly
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