You don’t like 1+ things on this list: bugs, spiders, wildlife, dirt, pooping outside, etc.
What to do about it?
You can slowly introduce yourself to them at home if you want to work on it before you leave.
Don’t think you can handle pooping outdoors?
Practice squats to strengthen your legs. Read articles about the art of pooping outdoors.Then (and this is a big step), poop in a litter box at home. Yeah. I really did just say that. Dig a 6 inch deep a hole in the litter with a stick, poop in the hole, mix litter into it, then cover it up with more litter. (When pooping outdoors stir dirt into it so the microbes can break it down faster. Makes a HUGE difference!)
Afraid of bugs and spiders?
A little aversion therapy will go a long way. Start by just looking at pictures. Then, observe the pictures. Look at the shape, colors, textures. Give the bugs you’re looking at names. (Fred is a good go-to bug name.) Then, look for positive information about the bugs in the region you’re backpacking in. I’m sure you’ll always be able to find negative info about bugs. I want you to start with the good stuff though. How does the bug you’re looking at support the eco system? Does it eat anything that would be harmful to us? Does it help pollinate plants? What would the world be like in 20 years if all of that type of bug goes extinct? (If ants go extinct, humans only have a few years before we will too.)
In fact, Here is an article on how, without insects we might all be dead.
Of course, it’s good to also know the dangers in your outdoor adventure region. Don’t expend needless energy being afraid of anything and everything. Know what is and isn’t, and to what degree. Some spiders are dangerous in theory, but rarely in practice. What I mean is that some might have venom that could severely hurt us, except that the spider in question isn’t prone to aggression.
Ok, so, the wildlife.
Everyone’s fears won’t always be the same. You’ll need to pinpoint what yours are and creatively manage them enough so they don’t hold you back. Provide your brain with some balance. Make an effort to find the good stuff.
I’m terrified of the big stuff: Bears, cougars, wolves, rattle snakes, stuff like that here in Oregon. One thing I’ve done is researched information on behaviors, both theirs and mine. What can I do, when they do something, that will help increase their safety and mine?
Afraid of getting dirty?
Go practice!
I’m not an expert or a doctor, etc. So, for legal purposes, I’ll mention that any activity is at your own risk.
