Hi, I am a 34 year old guy. For as long as I can remember I have been terrified of birds. Any kind of bird from a sparrow to an Ostrich! Alive or dead (in fact, dead is even more terrifying). I have tried to hide this all of my life, but recently have been involved in situations where the fear is so much I have fainted. I hate going outside at anytime and even being indoors is a trial as I panic there may be a bird trapped indoors (it has happened once).

I know it's stupid and pathetic and that they can't harm me.

I'm not even sure why I am writing this, as the thought of seeking help fills me with dread. I know I will be asked to look at pictures of birds, or try and touch a toy one or even just talk about it and quite frankly it's too much to contemplate.