goodmom

I feared bees all my life. I don't have OCD, but the bee thing compromised my ability to enjoy the outdoors. I'm better now because I had to be brave and confront those guys when my kids are screaming that one has gotten in the house. The worst part of any fear is that you feel like you can control them. For years I thought these "street gang" bees were single-mindedly aggressive and I couldn't control what they did. By educating myself about them, I actually got some sort of control over the fear --don't get me wrong, I'm no bee keeper, and my first instinct is to run -- but the panic has died down. I learned about how they scout, smell, fly, and what they really are looking for out there. They have other purposes other than to sting me. Moreover, I don't wear colors that attract or intimidate them; I don't wear perfume or use lotions or shampoos that entice them; I DO wear lotions with scents that DEtract them (ie mint) and I spray them with soapy water around the pool. Finally, I figure that if the worse happened and I get stung -- SO WHAT? I've been through worse painful situations and lived (I'm not allergic). It's a matter of control - fear and panic is a perception of a lack of it -- take control back. Learn about those nasty bees and they won't seem like nasty conspirators that are after you. You'd be surprised how much it helps. I was afraid for 20 years, but my need to control it for my children took over and I snapped out of it in One summer. Good luck.