The dictionary defines a phobia as “a persistent, abnormal, or irrational fear of a specific thing or situation that compels one to avoid the feared stimulus. Many of us are familiar with some common phobias like, fear of water, heights, closed room, spiders- -but there are uncommon and weird phobias worth knowing. From the fear of memories, to the fear of dinner parties, learn more about these really weird phobias. To add humor to the post, I used photos of animals that in a way best described each specific phobia.
Deipnophobia—Fear of Dinner Parties
“Yes we are going to a party, party“– a line from a Beatle song, and who wants to be left behind. Many of us get so eager when it come to attending dinner parties. Who will attend? Will there be lively conversations? But for those suffering from deipnophobia, attending dinner party and having dinner conversations is a chilling experience to partake. So next time you set a dinner party, you know who will make up your guests list.
Sesquipedalophobia—Fear of Long Words
Perhaps a good phobia to have, specially for those who are lazy to memorize long words or very poor in spelling! Why? Those suffering from this type of phobia will feel uneasy just by saying its name – Sesquipedalophobia. Those long words bring anxiety and fear in their hearts.
Arachibutyrophobia—Fear of Peanut Butter Sticking to the Roof of One’s Mouth
Our next type of weird phobia is defined as “An exaggerated or irrational fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of the mouth”. People suffering from this phobia try to avoid situation or circumstances where they will be obliged to eat peanut butter in public. Pulling out in public that sticky butter stuck or entangled in the upper o the mouth is really annoying. As a resort, that sticky butter goes to the roof of the mouth where the condition is much drier.
Allodoxaphobia—Fear of Opinions
Many say that these three topics should not be discuss in a social gathering – money, religion and politics. But for those suffering from Allodoxaphobia, anything controversial is a big no-no. Experts say the cause has something to do with the victim’s personal opinions being turned down or ignored. People having this unusual phobia show sign of restlessness, fear of confrontation and arguments.
Mnemophobia—Fear of Memories
For the sentimentalists, reminiscing the good and bad times, add colors to their lives. At times, these past experiences are good teachers in a class we call “daily life”. But for those suffering from mnemophobia, all memories, be it good or bad, are feared! Isn’t that situation weird?
Optophobia—Fear of Opening One’s Eyes
The world is so beautiful, and each morning proves it really is. As we open our eyes, we could not help it but marvel at the beauty of Nature. So sad that this wonderful event would be extremely unbearable to witness for people suffering from opt phobia- the fear of opening one’s eyes.
Autophobia—Fear of Being Alone
Who wouldn’t remember Kevin McCallister, portrayed by Macaulay Culkin, in the 1990 hit film Home Alone. How an 8 year old boy getting separated from his family outwitted two robbers. But that is not the case for those having Autophobia.- a constant and morbid fear is a morbid fear of solitude. People suffering from this type of phobia are anxious about being despised and ignored. In some extreme cases, the person has resorted to fearing himself.
Nomophobia—Fear of Losing Cell Phone Contact
Okay, many can relate to our next type of phobia. A computer-age phobia we could say, nomophobia is the silly fear of losing cell phone contact. What a ridiculous behavior! But this is the case for nomophobes, they easily panic whenever they lost their cell phone, having difficulty finding a signal or the phone’s battery is low.
Panphobia—Fear of Everything
Next on our list on strange phobias is somewhat disturbing — Panphobia or irrational fear of everything! Perhaps, having one phobia in your pocket is bearable, but for those embracing panphobia, this could be a lifetime mental torture. Persons suffering from panphobia show signs of anxiety, feeling of panic, trembling, shortness of breath, nausea, rapid heartbeat and dry mouth. Treatment of pan phobia may include anti-anxiety medication and the more effective behavioral therapy.
Phobophobia—Fear of Phobias
All of the above-mentioned phobias sound awful and unbearable. These phobias bring fear, anxiety, and depression. If keep unchecked, the fear can worsen and goes out of proportion. Yes, nobody would want to experience any phobia – but sometimes the fear, if keep unchecked can worsen and goes out of proportion. That’s the case for people suffering from Phobophobia – they have a phobia of phobias!
These are funny and uncommon phobias Papaleng ;) My phobias are snake and heights :-(
ReplyDeleteWow, I have never heard of these phobias before. I love the photo you used for the third phobia though lol.
ReplyDeletethey are indeed weird for me..
ReplyDeletemore scrabble words! awesome! I am aware of how many phobias give people pause in the flow of their lives even more deeply now, thanks to your post. Cheers, Maria
ReplyDeletenew Scrabble words! Truly, I had no idea there were these types of phobias and thank you for exposing me to them! Cheers, Maria
ReplyDelete