* Do You Suffer from Recyclaphobia?

Recyclaphobia is an acute specific phobia that is presenting all over the country.  The National Institute of Mental Health is scrambling to understand this new acquisition of fear. Recyclaphobia is a specific phobia that stems from an anxiety disorder. In simple terms, Recyclaphobia is an inability to recycle due to mental barriers. Anxiety disorders are rooted deep within our brains in the amygdala.  The amygdala processes events associated with fear. Any type of recyclable materials can be perceived as potential stimulus. The onset of Recyclaphobia is rapid and sufferers seem to exhibit symptoms almost immediately.  Symptoms start small and include blurred vision, sweating, trembling, dry mouth, and unsteady gait as the subject approaches the recycling bin. The larger the recycling bin, the greater the response in the subject. The phobia progresses, as does the anxiety level and perceived threat, thus increased symptoms are exhibited. Moderate symptoms include hot flashes or chills, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, a sensation of butterflies in the stomach, nausea, headache and/or dizziness, and ringing in the ears. Severe symptoms include, but are not limited to, the sensation of choking, rapid heartbeat or tachycardia, pain or tightness in the chest, feeling faint, numbness or the feeling of pins and needles, and confusion or disorientation.  If you or someone you know experiences severe symptoms, call emergency medical services right away. For mild or moderate symptoms, see your doctor. There are very successful treatment options. Psychologists can offer one on one therapy to develop coping strategies and psychiatrists can offer medication to help combat anxiety associated with Recyclaphobia. There has been a breakthrough in treatment with virtual reality (VR) systematic desensitization. With VR technology, subjects can practice recycling small materials in smaller sized recycling bins and work towards multiple materials in a larger size bin. Once patients feel comfortable recycling in virtual reality, they can practice in one of our state of the art home models. After successfully recycling in our home model, patients are able to start recycling in small amounts, in a small bin, in the comfort of their own home. While there is no cure for Recyclaphobia, there is treatment.  If you or someone you love is suffering, there is help.

*Satirical Saturday brought to you by Betty