You have probably heard about social phobia or agoraphobia, but there are some phobias that are so uncommon and weird that you probably didn’t even know existed.
Past experiences can have a profound influence on our reaction to the environment. But when traumatic events occur, phobias are usually a result, even if some researchers claim that not all types of phobias necessarily develop due to psychological trauma. You will be surprised to learn that there are also some less common weird phobias that are not known to the general public.
What is a phobia?
Phobia is a disproportionate fear of something that does not pose a real danger, but the person perceives it as such. Therefore, it is an intense, persistent, and lasting fear associated with a specific thing.
How can you recognize it?
It is a disproportionate emotional manifestation of something that is not a real threat. Those who suffer from phobias, in fact, are overwhelmed by the terror of getting in touch with what they fear.
The physiological symptoms experienced by those suffering from phobias include tachycardia, dizziness, gastric and urinary disorders, nausea, diarrhea, choking, redness, excessive sweating, trembling, and exhaustion. Obviously, such pathological events only take place in the sight of the feared object or the thought of seeing it.
Main types of phobias:
There are generalized phobias such as agoraphobia (fear of open spaces), social phobia (fear of exposure to the public), and specific phobias which can be:
- Situational type. These are phobias where the fear is caused by a specific situation, such as public transport, tunnels, bridges, elevators, flying, driving, or closed areas (claustrophobia or agoraphobia).
- Animal Type. Spider phobia (arachnophobia), bird phobia or pigeon phobia, insect phobia, dog phobia (cynophobia), cobra phobia, cat phobia (ailurophobia), phobia of mice, etc.
- Natural environment type. Phobia of heights (acrophobia), dark phobia (scotophobia), phobia of water (hydrophobia), etc. Blood phobia (hemophobia), needle phobia, etc. These may also include the phobias where the fear is caused by the sight of blood or wounds or is associated with receiving an injection and other medical procedures.
Nevertheless, psychologists have identified a wider range or phobias, which may sound uncommon. Yet, these weird phobias still have a significant influence on the individual’s quality of life.
Here are the top ten weird phobias you probably didn’t even know existed:
1. Euphobia
Hearing great news is perhaps what we all wish to experience every day. When it happens, we usually experience excitement and joy. On the other hand, individuals suffering from euphobia have opposite reactions and as such, joy is replaced with fear.
Although the causes remain unknown, it may be assumed that the fear of unmanageable events may be the root of this weird phobia.
2. Xanthophobia
Yellow is a color associated with summer and warmth, which subsequently, should evoke positive emotions. Nevertheless, there are individuals who experience fear and anxiety at the sight of this color. It is assumed that past traumatic events are linked to this type of fear, where the color was present.
3. Nomophobia or no-mobile-phobia
This is the fear of not using the mobile phone, considered a disorder experienced by the young generation. However, some researchers argue that the term “phobia” is misused here since this particular fear looks more like a form of anxiety disorder.
4. Koumpounophobia
Opposed to other types of phobias, the “fear” of buttons is usually felt as a sensation of disgust towards the texture or appearance of buttons. Surprisingly, individuals suffering from koumpounophobia only refuse to wear or touch plastic buttons, meaning that metal buttons do not trigger fearful emotions.
5. Eosophobia
While most of us enjoy the view of a bright sunny sky, eosophobe individuals prefer sleeping during the day and become more active throughout the night. Subsequently, such fear can highly affect an individual’s social life.
6. Turophobia
Does double cheese pizza sound great to you? If you suffer from turophobia, it is more likely that the thought of cheese causes you nausea. Only the idea of eating cheese will probably make you feel disgusted due to its texture and taste.
7. Phobophobia
Ironically, phobophobic individuals fear to develop a… phobia. Hearing or reading about the complexity of our brain and mind can make some individuals became afraid of developing mental disorders that will consequently alter the quality of their life.
8. Ablutophobia
Taking a warm shower at the end of the day is an activity that most of us find relaxing and beneficial, while ablutophobe individuals may avoid it. The thought of bathing, cleaning, or washing can cause distress, shortness of breath, or accelerated heartbeat.
The fear of bathing can be observed in children, but when it is experienced in adulthood as well, there can be severe physical and social effects. Similarly to other types of phobias, it is assumed that the cause of ablutophobia is a result of traumatic events that may have involved water.
9. Mysophobia
Cleanliness is important for our everyday health, so sanitization on a regular basis is essential. Yet, some people may take it to a different level. Mysophobes have a fear of getting in contact with objects that could contaminate them.
As such, they feel a constant need for cleaning their working area or any object they touch. Opposed to the other phobias, mysophobia is not caused by past experiences.
10. Scopophobia
Speaking in public is a challenge when we know that all eyes and ears are pointed at us, often making us feel inhibited and somehow uncomfortable. The same emotions are experienced by scopophobe individuals but at a more intense level.
The fear of being stared at, misunderstood, or judged can affect the speech, leaving the sufferer unable to communicate. Further negative symptoms include panic attacks, increased heart rate, and uncontrollable trembling.
Without a doubt, there are many common and rare, weird phobias which affect the emotional and social aspect of an individual’s life. If you experience symptoms such as a panic attack, shortness of breath, or fear, it is recommended to seek professional help. Counselling and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy have been demonstrated as effective in treating phobias.
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