Questions about Fears & Phobias

A fear becomes a phobia when it is irrational, according to experts. Yet there is a degree or irrationality in even the most rational fear. And a a degree of rationality in many phobias.

So perhaps the line is a bit more blurry that scientists would like.

If someone is fearful of taking an exam or travelling on a long journey is this a fear or a phobia?

The imagination conjures up all sorts if irrational possibilities in both cases. And, also, there is the very real consequences of failing the examination or being ill, lost etc. on a long journey.

So rather than trying to carefully define whether you have a fear or a phobia treat them all as fears and phobias and use all of the tools to replace them with a more confident attitude.