I am deathly afraid of heights. I get vertigo, and feel like I might jump. I have broken down my life into categories: Necessary (elevators, flying) and Un-necessary (going to the top of a tourist site, riding roller coasters).
Things in the necessary category get done despite my phobia. For example: Taking an elevator 17 stories up to visit my ex’s grandfather, I had to turn around backwards, hold on to the railing and my ex, and close my eyes to make it through the ride up. Once in his condo, I had to stay in the center of the room, not looking out any of the windows. When my ex went out on the balcony, I nearly had a panic attack. I fly, but am a nervous wreck doing so, to the point of crying (silently, thank goodness).
The only thing is has ruined for me is riding roller coasters and the like. When I was young and visited amusement parks and fairs every summer I could do it after being terrified on the first ride of the summer, but exhilerated by the end of it. After missing several years, I expected to be able to do the same. Alas, even after several attempts, I never again reached the exhilerated stage, and had to give it up for good. I miss that, and wish I could do it. However, as it is unnecessary, I don’t feel it’s worth the time, effort and money to overcome it.