A phobia is an unreasonable, compulsive, persistent fear of any specific type of situation (such as flying) or thing (such as spiders). Having to face something that you fear can produce a phobic anxiety attack. Such an attack may include a number of physical reactions, such as heart palpitations, breathlessness, weakness, an uncontrollable feeling of terror, and hysterical screaming. Anxiety and phobias are closely related. Stress and unresolved conflicts can lead to a chronic state of anxiety. Individuals suffering from chronic anxiety may develop a phobia as a safety net. As long as these individuals avoid the phobia-producing situation or thing, they can repress their ever-present anxiety and lead a fairly stable life. However, when the person encounters the fear-inducing object, the repressed anxiety may erupt into a phobic anxiety attack. If you have a phobia, therapy and meditation can help you face and conquer your phobias and lead you to greater peace of mind and a calmer brain.