Many people have a fear of bridges, something that won't be helped by Tuesday's news of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.
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There is actually a name for it — "gephyrophobia,: more commonly known as "bridge phobia."
Spectrum News talked to a Clearwater psychologist who said it's usually linked to other phobias, such as a fear of heights or flying, even just someone who worries a lot.
“It is unfortunate that the more a person is avoidant of their fear, it strengthens it, and it kinda gives them the message, 'Oh, I’m safe because I avoided it,'" Dr. Steve O'Brien said. "Which increases the chance they’ll continue to avoid it.”
O'Brien said people who have a bridge phobia will often go to great lengths to avoid going across a bridge.