Simple methods for a simple phobia
One normal approach is de-sensitisation - putting yourself into a controlled situation
where you experience balloon popping in a way you can handle easily and then as you get used
to it, moving on to harder tasks.
Balloons that are only slightly inflated only produce a quiet pop - it is the amount of
pressure which is released suddenly which causes the bang. You can work out for yourself
how you can go about it in a way that is comfortable for you but here are some suggestions.
Buy a big bag of balloons - probably the best size balloons to try will be those that will
blow up to about nine inches - they will be about two inches / five centimeters across before
inflation. there are some reasons for choosing this size - smaller balloons can be quite tough
and can make a loud bang, and because you will have more control when you only slightly
inflate them.
If you can't bring yourself to blow them up then get a friend to help you - it will need to
be a friend who genuinely wants to help, and can do so without regarding the whole thing as
silly, or being embarrassed about blowing up balloons - they need to be supportive - not
dismissive.
There are a number of different things you can do now - the next pages are all linked so
you won't miss anything by starting at INCREASING SIZE
To read more about de-sensitisation and Joseph Wolpe who developed it
click here