Serious snake phobia - plz help

[kellyjamie]

Evening everyone,

 

So as the title says i have a serious snake phobia, confirmed. I head to brisbane in jan and i am absolutely crapping it because of that. Now ive been twice before and once there wasnt too bad, but in Jan this year we stayed in Narangba and the house had a massive garden with grass about ankle high and tress, some running water and scrub at the bottom. I was absolutely petrified the whole 3 weeks i wouldnt let my daughter out to play i was so worried! when we went out to sit i would check under chairs etc like a raving loony first and i always felt i was looking over my shoulder. heading to the beach i made everyone stick to the path and avoid the bushy bits. Ive researched the snakes in the area and checked where they seem to be prevalent, i wasnt sure if its better to be prepared and know or to just know nothing as its maybe worse knowing too much?? Now this was all made alot worse when our friend was out jogging past the lake at North lakes 2 days ago and came across in her worde "the biggest snake ive seen since moving here"!!!!!!!! It turned out to be a carpet python, but we have other friends who have encountered them. Now im aware what im meant to do if i see one and trust me im fully aware of first aid but jesus people i cant put into words how absolutely terrified i am , im beginning to think the anticipation is maybe worse?? I hoping to find someone to get either hypnosis or CBT from and hope it works. i know to some this will be a good joke and a usual stupid pommie but this is a fear ive always had i cant even visit the reptile house at the local zoo!

[Guest Trueblue22]

It definitely sounds like a phobia. Maybe you should just keep researching, types, areas etc.....it might help put your mind at rest. You don't say how old your daughter is, but if she's old enough you could learn together about all the different insects etc...teach her what to stay away from. Have you looked at any kind of self help books for fears/phobias.

[kellyjamie]

Thanku for the reply. shes 6 and i defo dont want to pass my fear to her id like her to embrace the wildlife and enjoy it but be safe and knowledgeable at the same time. learning with her is a great idea!! Ive tried to go to the local butterfly farm where they keep snakes but last time i literally froze on the spot when i walked in. the feeling is horrific and overwhelming to say the least!

[Que Sera Sera]

I think its really healthy to fear something thats dangerous personally I wouldnt call it a phobia. I dont go in long grass and I dont go walking through the sand dunes and I dont even walk in national parks unless I stick well and truly to the path. Ive seen one brown snake since we have been here and we were pre warned it was there and it was slithering away from us about 4 metres away. Thats close enough thanks.:laugh:

[Guest AKA63029]

Hi Kelly.

 

I know this is going to sound blasé, but please don't worry too much, fear is often born from ignorance (no insult intended) and this 'ignorance' can lead to all kinds of scenarios going through our heads at times.

 

Personally I love the snake and wildlife in general, but I have never 'feared' it as you do, so maybe it is easier for me, BUT.

 

If you want an excellent course to help you on your way have a look at this:

 

 

 

http://www.workingwithwildlife.com.au/online-snake-awareness.php

 

 

 

IMO it is the BEST beginner course there is out there, all done online and some great tutors as well. I did it before I came out just to know a little more about Aussie snakes, and it has not only paid dividends personally but also helped me secure a further course where I hopefully will qualify to become a snake re locater.

 

There is NOT a snake around every corner Kelly, no matter what anyone says, you HAVE to look matey and even then they are blooming difficult to find.

 

Try not to bury your head in the sand matey, I know this is easier and will make you feel better, but if 'educated' about them hopefully you will learn to appreciate them as well.

 

And besides, NEVER EVER bury your head in the sand over here. There is one particular snake called the 'Buried In Sand Fierce Snake', and they 'know' you are there.:wink:

 

Only kidding matey.

 

Don't get me wrong Kelly, I have the same reaction when I see a Giant Aussie Centipede, frighten the be Jesus out of me because I got bitten once by one. I KNOW IT IS Irrational, but to get 'over' the fear of them I know I have to get close and learn about them.

 

You'll be fine matey, honest guv.

 

Cheers Tony.

[Murta]

kellyjamies...I TOTALLYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY get you!! I am the same if not worse. I grew a fear following a childhood visit to a zoo my brother shoving my face at the pane of the take on was in!! Couldnt relaxing to the toilet as child thought they were coming up the toilet. Wore socks over my PJ!!! MAdness...

then I marry a Greek and off course all holiday full of paranoia..and inability to mind over matter. I so get you..looking under chairs etc.

Over the years I have made myself look at the tv when they are on. Looking at pictures and touching the pictures etc. Its hard real hard and yes on my cons side of my decision list to moveto oz. Off i live in ireland we dont even have snakes and now relocating to a country renowned for them, big task ahead!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Its the quietness off them I hate!! I can certainly say over the years of visiting greece regularly and hanging out with th e locals it has subsided. I gain trust in the familiar surrounding so this is what I hope for the future in oz.

 

AKA I know you are right mind of matter and all that jazz but I like the OP have a deep rooted irrational fear that you have now extended to a GIANT OZZIE CENTIPEDE...Cheers mate hahahahahahahah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Love Shoes]

I too am petrified of snakes, when I meet people (locals) I tend to talk incessentally about snakes and question whether or not they have seen any locally, they all say the same thing ´we very rarely see them´, i have seen 2 both dead, been run over, we are not far from the bush, and I do get my knickers in a twist about them. I am probably a bit too cautious if that makes sense, I don´t open the garage door until the car has started, crazy, because I probably have more chance of gasing myself with petrol fumes than getting bitten by a snake.

 

On a more serious note though, I think all we can do is be on our guard, try to keep away from the bush, long grass and other natural habitat´s were snakes like to live.

 

So no prizes for guessing that I won´t be in the bush today or any other day, shame really because my OH is always saying ´shall we put our wellies on and go Kangaroo spotting over the road´, :rolleyes:

[Guest AKA63029]

kellyjamies...I TOTALLYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY get you!! I am the same if not worse. I grew a fear following a childhood visit to a zoo my brother shoving my face at the pane of the take on was in!! Couldnt relaxing to the toilet as child thought they were coming up the toilet. Wore socks over my PJ!!! MAdness...

then I marry a Greek and off course all holiday full of paranoia..and inability to mind over matter. I so get you..looking under chairs etc.

Over the years I have made myself look at the tv when they are on. Looking at pictures and touching the pictures etc. Its hard real hard and yes on my cons side of my decision list to moveto oz. Off i live in ireland we dont even have snakes and now relocating to a country renowned for them, big task ahead!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Its the quietness off them I hate!! I can certainly say over the years of visiting greece regularly and hanging out with th e locals it has subsided. I gain trust in the familiar surrounding so this is what I hope for the future in oz.

 

AKA I know you are right mind of matter and all that jazz but I like the OP have a deep rooted irrational fear that you have now extended to a GIANT OZZIE CENTIPEDE...Cheers mate hahahahahahahah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

:embarrassed:

 

Honestly Murta.

 

Give me an angry Taipan rather than an Aussie Centipede.:yes:

 

I'll shut up now.:biglaugh:

[Love Shoes]

Give me an angry Taipan rather than an Aussie Centipede.:yes:

 

Tony, can I just ask a really serious ? what would we do if we saw a snake in the yard and it was coming towards us ... run or try to kill it, they are deaf aren´t they and don´t like vibration ? so if we run will they slither off ....... do they tend to chase or do they leave us alone unless they are threatened .... and what is the best implement to use ..... apart from the phone (I have the snake man on speed dial) thankfully I have never needed him YET .... hope it stays this way :yes:

[Love Shoes]

Tony, maybe you should start a group, for all of the people with snake phobia´s, with links and tips on how to overcome our fears ... because you really are so knowledgeable on the slithery buggers :yes:

I can´t even watch the Harry Potter film Deathly Hallows without hiding my eyes from the giant snake, it is awful in 3D :wacko:

[Guest AKA63029]

Give me an angry Taipan rather than an Aussie Centipede.:yes:

 

Tony, can I just ask a really serious ? what would we do if we saw a snake in the yard and it was coming towards us ... run or try to kill it, they are deaf aren´t they and don´t like vibration ? so if we run will they slither off ....... do they tend to chase or do they leave us alone unless they are threatened .... and what is the best implement to use ..... apart from the phone (I have the snake man on speed dial) thankfully I have never needed him YET .... hope it stays this way :yes:

 

Firstly Shoes if a snake is coming toward you either back off, or the best course of action is to remain still and calm, and let it slip by. If it doesn't feel threatened it will go about it's merry way.

 

The 'vibration' thing can be a bit confusing, snakes don't like vibration, well too much anyway, and if walking through a paddock or the like it is best to stomp a little more heavily than usual, the snake will pick up on this and move away or just 'hide'.

 

However if you get a snake in your yard/garden it 'could' take this excess vibration as a threat particularly if it has NO place to go or hide, so though normally vibration is a good thing each situation is different.

 

The ONLY snake in OZ that I have had a major problem with is the Taipan (coastal). If disturbed to any degree they 'can' get a bit iffy and are at times determined to 'see you off'. But this is a very rare case Shoes and nine times out of ten they will too bugger off.

 

As far as implements go, I do 'understand' why some panic and kill a snake, but would prefer it if they were let go. As I said, if you are calm and allow it to go away of it's own accord there will be no problem, but 90% of snake bites are caused when someone either tries to catch it or kill it.

 

You 'may' get it first time with your shovel, but if you miss the snake 'may' retaliate.

 

There are many specialised tools out there Shoes that will enable ANYONE to remove a snake without damage to it or you, but they are fairly specialised and not cheap, tongs, hooks, bagging, etc, and you do need some fairly specialised training in how to use them otherwise you may find yourself on the end of one very angry snake.

 

All in all Shoes, snakes will at whatever cost try and get away from human contact if at all possible, and believe it or not most snakes will give fair warning of their intentions, shape, sounds, movements are all give away signs that a snake is rattled and 'may' have a nip.

 

If you know the signs all good and as I said earlier education is the best thing matey.

 

Cheers Tony.

[Guest AKA63029]

This is a typical example of a snake can react if you remain calm and controlled.

 

 

 

I'm NOT advocating anyone do this, and Mr Irwin could at times take liberties with snakes, (as many a so called 'expert' does,:mad:) but it's a good example nonetheless.

 

The snake concerned has the most 'potent' venom of any terrestrial snake, though funnily enough no record of ever killing anyone as they are found is such remote areas.

 

As I said Shoes, NOT a recommend course of action, and as always ALL snakes 'may' react differently, but just goes to show that sometimes our fears are nothing but ones based on myth and legend.

 

But I do agree, the fear of snakes is something not to be taken lightly, and I appreciate why some have this fear that feels all consuming.

[kellyjamie]

Thanks everyone your all spot on! I think my anticiparion of the whole situ is making me worse at the moment because i know how scared i am i know how i would react if i see one so i think its that which is making it worse?? Tony as always thankyou so much ur a star!!!! I will go online tonight and look at the course. i had kind of put it to the back of my head until the episode with our friends encounter at the lake. i am aware the carpet python and eastern brown are the two most probable sightingsi may have so im tryin to get myself to even just look at them. I also know how i have the fear.... as a child i grew yp knowin my dad was petrified of them amd always heard the story of him n mum in tbe everglades crossing a bridge and a water mocassin snake came along and my dad ran the other way leavin my mum it was like the family folk story and plus i vividly remember when i was about 3-4 at playgroup a boy chased me and threw a handful of worms in my hair and ever since i have had this irrational fear. i cnat watch or read very to well anythin to do with them tho i do try because i am also sort of intrigued. in sydney wildlife world in 2008 i had a bad envounter with a olive python by accident the member of staff had it and caught me off guard i totally freaked like a nutter! I drew my breath and couldnt let it go i went dizzy startun going into a cold swear crying and shaking and generally lookin like a total asshole lol!! Awful experince. but i know i have to confront this or il be on the first plane home and i also know il never ever be ok with them or hold one but i jusy need to be able to not totally freak everytime and let my mind run away i want to be sensible about it coz as i say i defo dont want my daughter gtowing up with it. xx

 

sent frm my android

[Guest The Pom Queen]

Kelly you will be find. We live in a rainforest, our back garden is full of wildlife we know there are 5m pythons around yet we have never seen any.

We have this weird person staying with us, I say weird because he is always out searching for snakes and he hasn't had any luck and that's someone physically searching for them.

[BritChickx]

I think if you're going to be walking in long grass wear wellies aka gum boots! Then if you see one near you it'd be even more unlikely that you'd get bitten.

 

Always try to tread heavily when you're walking around areas where there might be snaked. Then they can feel the vibration on the ground and will normally slither away!

[Love Shoes]

Firstly Shoes if a snake is coming toward you either back off, or the best course of action is to remain still and calm, and let it slip by. If it doesn't feel threatened it will go about it's merry way.

 

The 'vibration' thing can be a bit confusing, snakes don't like vibration, well too much anyway, and if walking through a paddock or the like it is best to stomp a little more heavily than usual, the snake will pick up on this and move away or just 'hide'.

 

However if you get a snake in your yard/garden it 'could' take this excess vibration as a threat particularly if it has NO place to go or hide, so though normally vibration is a good thing each situation is different.

 

The ONLY snake in OZ that I have had a major problem with is the Taipan (coastal). If disturbed to any degree they 'can' get a bit iffy and are at times determined to 'see you off'. But this is a very rare case Shoes and nine times out of ten they will too bugger off.

 

As far as implements go, I do 'understand' why some panic and kill a snake, but would prefer it if they were let go. As I said, if you are calm and allow it to go away of it's own accord there will be no problem, but 90% of snake bites are caused when someone either tries to catch it or kill it.

 

You 'may' get it first time with your shovel, but if you miss the snake 'may' retaliate.

 

There are many specialised tools out there Shoes that will enable ANYONE to remove a snake without damage to it or you, but they are fairly specialised and not cheap, tongs, hooks, bagging, etc, and you do need some fairly specialised training in how to use them otherwise you may find yourself on the end of one very angry snake.

 

All in all Shoes, snakes will at whatever cost try and get away from human contact if at all possible, and believe it or not most snakes will give fair warning of their intentions, shape, sounds, movements are all give away signs that a snake is rattled and 'may' have a nip.

 

If you know the signs all good and as I said earlier education is the best thing matey.

 

Cheers Tony.

 

Thank´s for the reply Tony, it has been a great help, I feel a little more reassured now ..... saying that though my OH has been on a H & S course and someone told him that snakes like electricity metre cupboards, apparently they like the warmth and the noise, so I am NEVER EVER going out to switch the electricity back on (even if I am alone for a week) :wink: I did it a few weeks ago, the person who told my OH about this said not to go rushing in the electricity box at night (if the electricity goes off) because a snake might pop out :arghh:

[Love Shoes]

This is a typical example of a snake can react if you remain calm and controlled.

 

 

 

I'm NOT advocating anyone do this, and Mr Irwin could at times take liberties with snakes, (as many a so called 'expert' does,:mad:) but it's a good example nonetheless.

 

The snake concerned has the most 'potent' venom of any terrestrial snake, though funnily enough no record of ever killing anyone as they are found is such remote areas.

 

As I said Shoes, NOT a recommend course of action, and as always ALL snakes 'may' react differently, but just goes to show that sometimes our fears are nothing but ones based on myth and legend.

 

But I do agree, the fear of snakes is something not to be taken lightly, and I appreciate why some have this fear that feels all consuming.

 

OMG I managed to watch 2 minutes and 49 seconds of this video clip Tony, the hairs on the back of my neck were standing upright, how could he let it get that close, phew it made me scared just looking at it ....... Think I will run if I see one I won´t be trying the Steve Irwin approach :no:

[PontePom]

Never seen a snake since we been here and not sure what I'd do if I did lol

 

But I do think I'd handle it very differently now to when I first arrived

 

I still can picture me screaming like a big girl roflmao

[fish.01]

Thanks everyone your all spot on! I think my anticiparion of the whole situ is making me worse at the moment because i know how scared i am i know how i would react if i see one so i think its that which is making it worse?? Tony as always thankyou so much ur a star!!!! I will go online tonight and look at the course. i had kind of put it to the back of my head until the episode with our friends encounter at the lake. i am aware the carpet python and eastern brown are the two most probable sightingsi may have so im tryin to get myself to even just look at them. I also know how i have the fear.... as a child i grew yp knowin my dad was petrified of them amd always heard the story of him n mum in tbe everglades crossing a bridge and a water mocassin snake came along and my dad ran the other way leavin my mum it was like the family folk story and plus i vividly remember when i was about 3-4 at playgroup a boy chased me and threw a handful of worms in my hair and ever since i have had this irrational fear. i cnat watch or read very to well anythin to do with them tho i do try because i am also sort of intrigued. in sydney wildlife world in 2008 i had a bad envounter with a olive python by accident the member of staff had it and caught me off guard i totally freaked like a nutter! I drew my breath and couldnt let it go i went dizzy startun going into a cold swear crying and shaking and generally lookin like a total asshole lol!! Awful experince. but i know i have to confront this or il be on the first plane home and i also know il never ever be ok with them or hold one but i jusy need to be able to not totally freak everytime and let my mind run away i want to be sensible about it coz as i say i defo dont want my daughter gtowing up with it. xx

 

sent frm my android

 

would be surprised if the eastern brown was one of the most probable. I'm still waiting after 40+ years in Brisbane anyway. Harmless tree snakes are far the most likely snake to spot in my experience, in normal Brisbane suburbs at least.

[Guest Trueblue22]

I think the key is probably try not to think or worry about it. I know this is easier said than done, I hate cockroaches and have decided not to worry until I have to otherwise I'm going to spend the next few weeks working myself up into a state over something I might not see. I hope everything goes well, don't let it stop you following your dreams. I keep telling myself I'm more scared of never going back to Australia than I am of seeing cockroaches lol!! X

[Guest Trueblue22]

P.s I lived in Oz for 11yrs and never once saw a snake.

[Truchazul]

Hi spent awhile in Adelaide as a kid my parents use to say I put alsorts of creatures in my pockets and brought them home and many a time the were snakes and yes poisonous ones, then later I returned to Oz lived in Brisbane see lots of snakes but believe me they were off in the other direction quicker than I could move, you have to learn the country code do things in a certain way and you will never have a problem, back again soon cant wait, and to stay this time

[Guest melanie79]

hi kelliejamie,

i would recommend finding a cbt therapist in your area. what your describing is def a phobia. when i was in oz i never seen a snake & i didnt see any scary spiders, what freaked me out was those huge flying cockroaches that buzzed past the ear. they frightened me to death! but if its frightening you so much i would opt for cbt rather than hypnosis ( im biased- coming from a professional stance!)

best of luck though

mel

 

Evening everyone,

 

So as the title says i have a serious snake phobia, confirmed. I head to brisbane in jan and i am absolutely crapping it because of that. Now ive been twice before and once there wasnt too bad, but in Jan this year we stayed in Narangba and the house had a massive garden with grass about ankle high and tress, some running water and scrub at the bottom. I was absolutely petrified the whole 3 weeks i wouldnt let my daughter out to play i was so worried! when we went out to sit i would check under chairs etc like a raving loony first and i always felt i was looking over my shoulder. heading to the beach i made everyone stick to the path and avoid the bushy bits. Ive researched the snakes in the area and checked where they seem to be prevalent, i wasnt sure if its better to be prepared and know or to just know nothing as its maybe worse knowing too much?? Now this was all made alot worse when our friend was out jogging past the lake at North lakes 2 days ago and came across in her worde "the biggest snake ive seen since moving here"!!!!!!!! It turned out to be a carpet python, but we have other friends who have encountered them. Now im aware what im meant to do if i see one and trust me im fully aware of first aid but jesus people i cant put into words how absolutely terrified i am , im beginning to think the anticipation is maybe worse?? I hoping to find someone to get either hypnosis or CBT from and hope it works. i know to some this will be a good joke and a usual stupid pommie but this is a fear ive always had i cant even visit the reptile house at the local zoo!