The rise of phobias, from spiders to beards to zombies

A growing number of North Americans are suffering from phobias, experts say.

Ingrid Söchting, director of UBC’s psychology clinic, says stress can drive phobias. In costly cities such as Vancouver, the potential for phobias is high due to huge financial pressures.

“All of us have the potential. Very few people are immune from developing an anxiety that could cross the phobic threshold.”