Originally Posted by
bpcyclist
Well, I want to really thank each and every one of you who responded. This really helped me.
I wasn't sure if I was the only one. These phobias are, like many things in mental health, not always outwardly revealed by the people suffering. Sometimes we are ashamed. I'm a grown man. Why should I be afraid of a little height? So on. After reading that nice article referred to by @
chainwhip, I definitely do have many of the criteria, no doubt. Anyhow, I will take all these suggestions into account. They are all good. I am going back up that big hill in a couple days. And we'll see what happens. Maybe I need a therapist, though I must say, this fear is so profound, I cannot imagine it ever going away.
This summer I attempted a peak in the North Cascades. Hiked 6 miles and 4,000 feet of vertical, only to turn back 100 feet below the summit. There was a very short and flat section with good footing, but a drop off that would have been the end if I rolled an ankle there. I just wasn't able to do it. I stood there for a while trying to will myself, but couldn't. Felt like a damn fool and a wuss. Point is you're not alone.