You're struggling with your phobia . But what exactly is it? Where does this almost uncontrollable fear come from, a fear that can so effectively ruin our lives in some cases? Other phobias are more like apprehensions.

We offer a non-exhaustive list of the most "popular" phobias, along with their definitions. Of course, many of these terms will likely never be heard! Then, we give you some tips for overcoming your fears.

First of all, there are different types of phobias:

There are excessive, irrational fears that the person is able to control.

Ablutophobia – Fear of bathing. This phobia is more a fear of drowning than a fear of water.
Aerophobia – Fear of flying, of airplane travel
Amaxophobia – Fear of driving, fear of vehicles or being in a vehicle, fear of automobiles
Ascensumophobia – Fear of elevators
Claustrophobia – Fear of confined spaces
Maskaphobia – Fear of masks
Necrophobia – Fear of corpses
Paraskevidekatriaphobia – Fear of Friday the 13th, and of Friday
Telephonophobia – Fear of answering the phone
Zoophobia: fear of animals

Phobias in the literal sense of the term .

Facing the object of our fear triggers major anxiety , even a panic attack . The patient therefore begins to avoid situations that would force them to confront their phobia. Indeed, if there is no confrontation, there are no symptoms, and no distress.

Achmophobia / Aichmophobia – Fear of needles and sharp objects (scissors, knives, syringes for example)
Acrophobia – Fear of heights; often accompanied by vertigo
Agoraphobia – Fear of public spaces and, by extension, of crowds; more generally, of spaces where escape is difficult (crowds, but also deserted places)
Ecclesiophobia – Fear of churches
Philophobia – Fear of falling in love or committing to a romantic relationship.

Obsessive fears.

Fears reside in the mind, and the brain endlessly ruminates on negative thoughts. This becomes burdensome and painful because nothing can reassure them or stop these thoughts. For example, a person suffering from cancer phobia will never be reassured by a medical examination proving their good health. They will continue to worry every day.

And then there are the "strange" phobias! No one can imagine that someone could be afraid of that!

Abibliophobia: Fear of running out of books to read
Aerophobia – Fear of air and wind
Anthophobia – Fear of flowers
Apopathophobia – Fear of going to the toilet
Arachibutyrophobia – Fear of having peanut butter stuck to the roof of the mouth.
Arithmophobia – Fear of numbers
Bananaphobia – Fear of bananas
Butyrophobia – Fear of butter.
Calamophobia – Fear of feathers.
Carpophobia – Fear of fruit
Mythophobia – Fear of fairy tales and legends
Nanopabulophobia – Fear of garden gnomes with wheelbarrows
Selenophobia – Fear of the moon
Siderophobia – Fear of stars.

And the least funny one…

Pantophobia – Fear of everything

There are plenty more! For a complete and categorized list of other types of phobias, click here !

Why do we develop phobias ?

Clearly, the family environment and upbringing play a significant role. A parent with a phobia can pass on an emotional vulnerability to their child, predisposing them to phobias. They may even pass on the same phobias, such as ailurophobia, the fear of cats!

Simple phobias are often linked to traumatic childhood events, whether real or imagined. A phobia of dogs can develop in a child who has actually been bitten, but also in a child who has imagined being attacked by a dog.

Social phobia usually originates from a personal experience. However, it can also develop as a result of observing the behavior of others. For example, if someone witnesses an individual being humiliated or bullied by a group, this can trigger social phobia. Furthermore, it is often preceded by marked shyness during childhood.

Overcoming phobias

Someone who suffers daily from their phobia will eventually need help to regain a quality of life.

The most effective treatment for simple phobias appears to be cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). With the help of a trained professional —general practitioner, psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist—you will gradually learn to confront the situations that trigger your phobia.

For a more in-depth treatment, hypnotherapy can even be considered if one is receptive to it.

Some situations will require a prescription to help cope with the frightening situation. For example, a doctor might prescribe an anxiolytic medication to help you board a plane! This type of medication quickly calms anxiety symptoms for the duration of the flight.

Other situations might require antidepressants. This type of medication is widely used to treat social phobia. This phobia affects not only an individual's personal life but also their professional life, and it can become a serious problem.

In addition to this therapy, relaxation, breathing and meditation techniques are recommended.

In conclusion, don't be afraid to seek help. On the contrary, it's time to stop being afraid and live your life!

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