Dee Darwell, 56, had a lifelong fear of primates due to the British woman being raised in a house with her father’s chimpanzee pet — which she described as “positively evil.” Darwell finally decided to overcome her phobia by going to Thailand to visit “Monkey Island” — where she was promptly attacked by monkeys and repeatedly bitten.
Darwell had just arrived on the island when she sat down on a rock and was immediately set upon by an angry Macacque monkey who was soon joined by other members of the pack. Darwell was bitten on the arm and had to be rescued by Thai boatmen in the area.
The first monkey would not let go of her arm until a man intervened, but then a larger monkey bit her on the same arm. Soon monkeys were grabbing her arms and legs — leaving her with bruises over her body.
I am not a psychiatrist but I would have to put this down as an unsuccessful therapeutic experience. Notably, Darwell did even try to make to the advance therapy stage of dealing with the flying monkeys:
This reminds me of the story of the man who spent his lifetime being treated for paranoia until he was cured when he learned everyone really was out to get him.
For the full story, click here.
silly woman….things are NEVER as they appear!
Just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean their not after you….
Sounds like she was doing her own “therapy.” Not some form of “aversion therapy” orchestrated by a professional. Reminds me of the woman in CT who had her face torn off by her friend’s chimpanzee.
I hate snakes and my therapy is to just stay away. When I saw the picture of the 2 British princelings in Africa with the 20 foot snake draped over their shoulders I shuddered. Turned out the snake didn’t like it very much either since it peed on one of them.
In this lady’s case, it’s not as though she has a phobia about leaving her house or some other thing she has to confront in order to lead a normal life.
at least they didn’t throw feces at her
Sometimes it is wise to simply be afraid.
This was undoubtedly a horrible experience for this woman, which makes me feel doubly bad for laughing at it.
And she’s right. Monkeys are evil and vicious.
“I heard a joke once: Man goes to doctor. Says he’s depressed. Says life is harsh and cruel. Says he feels all alone in a threatening world. Doctor says, ‘Treatment is simple. The great clown Pagliacci is in town tonight. Go see him. That should pick you up.’ Man bursts into tears. Says, ‘But doctor… I am Pagliacci.’ Good joke.” – Rorschach
“I don’t want to be your monkey man.” – Foo Fighters
Fending off bad primates, much like Fighting Foo, is a 24/7 job in this neck of the universe.
I wonder if this was just pure happenstance or if there’s something about the woman that just strikes primates the wrong way. Maybe smell or body language. I’m guessing the woman is not up for any more experiments to find out.
Seems like a scene out of the Wizard of Oz.
Now, if this story is true I have a fear of treasures. So maybe I should go to Treasure Island and see what happens……