Christmas with Pyrophobia: The Fear of Fire

Once again it's that bittersweet time of the year for me. I love Christmas and all the decorations including the lights. This is an issue for the Pyrophobe in me. I'm nervous all year long about leaving appliances on, gas leaks and all that, but Christmas brings a new fear...all those lights on the Christmas tree and house. Every year you hear about tons of house fires that all started because of the Christmas lights. I'm not ashamed to admit that this totally freaks me out but I won't stop putting up my tree and all the lights, because that would be giving in to the phobia and well that's just not me.


I've come a long way since I began suffering from Pyrophobia when I was 16 years old. It doesn't control me the way it used to and there's only certain times that it makes me stress out I guess you could say. I'm able to control it by making sure that I stay in control. I don't leave lamps on, Christmas lights or any appliance on when I leave the house and I periodically check everything around the house to make sure it's all working correctly. I'm cautious and I try to stay alert about everything. This is how I deal and some may still not understand, but I stopped caring a long time ago.



Do certain holidays trigger your phobias?

Touloungeaphobia: The Fear of Tongues

Touloungeaphobia is the abnormal and persistent fear of tongues.  Some with this phobia have a fear of swallowing their own tongue.  Those who suffer from Touloungeaphobia can’t stand to be licked and French kissing is most likely out of the question.  This phobia can be very debilitating.  How would you feel if you were deathly afraid of something that was an important part of your body?

A phobia is a strong, persistent fear of situations, objects, activities or persons.  The main symptom is an excessive and unreasonable desire to avoid the feared subject. Other phobia symptoms include shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and an overall feeling of dread.  Phobias are the most common form of anxiety disorders.

Do you suffer from Touloungeaphobia?  Please share your story.  How was it triggered and how does it affect your life?

Pneumatiphobia: The Fear of Spirits

Pneumatiphobia is the abnormal and persistent fear of spirits.  The paranormal world is intriguing, mysterious and a bit scary to everyone who believes in it, but for some the thought of ghosts and spirits can cause a paralyzing fear…a phobia.  Some develop this phobia by all the stories and movies about the paranormal, while others develop the phobia after witnessing paranormal activity first hand.  Once you see an actual spirit, it stays with you forever and it can be overwhelming.

A phobia is a strong, persistent fear of situations, objects, activities or persons.  The main symptom is an excessive and unreasonable desire to avoid the feared subject. Other phobia symptoms include shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and an overall feeling of dread.  Phobias are the most common form of anxiety disorders.

Do you suffer from Pneumatiphobia?  Please share your story.  How was it triggered and how does it affect your life?

Rational Fear and Phobias

Fear is a normal part of life.  Sometimes fear makes us aware of dangerous situations and this allows us to be cautious in order to protect ourselves.  If you’ve heard of a string of burglaries in your neighborhood then you will make sure all the doors and windows are locked before leaving your house because you fear your house may be next.  This is a healthy, rational fear.  You don’t let the fear stop you from going about your normal routine.  You’re just more cautious and aware.  If you react to the burglaries by locking yourself in your house, peeking out the window and jumping every time you hear a noise then the fear has become irrational and is controlling your life.  That’s the difference between a rational fear and a phobia.

You will never know what you’re capable of if you let fear control your life.  Here are a few quotes to inspire you to put fear in its place.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”    ~Marianne Williamson, Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of "A Course in Miracles"

“There are two basic motivating forces: fear and love. When we are afraid, we pull back from life. When we are in love, we open to all that life has to offer with passion, excitement, and acceptance. We need to learn to love ourselves first, in all our glory and our imperfections. If we cannot love ourselves, we cannot fully open to our ability to love others or our potential to create. Evolution and all hopes for a better world rest in the fearlessness and open-hearted vision of people who embrace life.”    ~John Lennon                

“There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.”  ~Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

“I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.”   ~Frank Herbert, Dune                                                                      

“The moment we begin to fear the opinions of others and hesitate to tell the truth that is in us, and from motives of policy are silent when we should speak, the divine floods of light and life no longer flow into our souls.”   ~Elizabeth Cady Stanton                                                                    

 “Is it useful to feel fear, because it prepares you for nasty events, or is it useless, because nasty events will occur whether you are frightened or not?”  ~Lemony Snicket                           

 “The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.”   ~Joseph Campbell                                           

                                       

What Are You Afraid Of?

What are you afraid of? What is something that has made you so scared that you started shaking and screaming? Was it a nightmare? A car accident? Was it a fire or some other traumatic event?  Since this event happened has it made you fearful that it will happen again?

This is how a phobia begins.  All it takes is one bad thing to change your entire world. One bad thing is all it takes to cause The fear to consume you. 

Hundreds of phobias affect millions of people every day.  Some are understandable fears while others are only understood by the people who are plagued by them. Phobias are not easy to understand especially for the people who suffer from them, but the fear is very real for these people. 

So what are you afraid of? Is it just a slight fear or has it become a phobia?

Scoptophobia: The Fear of Being Seen or Stared At

Scoptophobia is the abnormal and persistent fear of being seen or stared at.  Those who are insecure are greatly affected by this phobia.  They’re afraid that if someone looks at them long enough they will see all of their flaws. Some people just get nervous if they are stared at for too long. Scoptophobia is also known as Scopophobia and Ophthalmophobia. 

A phobia is a strong, persistent fear of situations, objects, activities or persons.  The main symptom is an excessive and unreasonable desire to avoid the feared subject. Other phobia symptoms include shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and an overall feeling of dread.  Phobias are the most common form of anxiety disorders.

Do you suffer from Scoptophobia?  Please share your story.  How was it triggered and how does it affect your life?

Scopophobia: The Fear of Being Seen or Stared At

Scopophobia is the abnormal and persistent fear of being seen or stared at. Those who are insecure are greatly affected by this phobia.  They’re afraid that if someone looks at them long enough they will see all of their flaws. Some people just get nervous if they are stared at for too long. Scopophobia is also known as Scoptophobia and Ophthalmophobia.

A phobia is a strong, persistent fear of situations, objects, activities or persons.  The main symptom is an excessive and unreasonable desire to avoid the feared subject. Other phobia symptoms include shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and an overall feeling of dread.  Phobias are the most common form of anxiety disorders.

Do you suffer from Scopophobia?  Please share your story.  How was it triggered and how does it affect your life?

Polyphobia: The Fear of Many Things

Polyphobia is the abnormal and persistent fear of many things.  Those with this phobia experience many phobias.  They may have three phobias or they may have ten or more.  Polyphobia is usually caused by a domino effect.  They may start out with a fear of needles, which leads to a fear of doctors, then hospitals and so on.

A phobia is a strong, persistent fear of situations, objects, activities or persons.  The main symptom is an excessive and unreasonable desire to avoid the feared subject. Other phobia symptoms include shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and an overall feeling of dread.  Phobias are the most common form of anxiety disorders.

Do you suffer from Polyphobia?  Please share your story.  How was it triggered and how does it affect your life?

Pnigerophobia: The Fear of Choking or Being Smothered

Pnigerophobia is the abnormal and persistent fear of choking or being smothered.  Those with this phobia will eat slowly and won’t eat certain foods because they’re afraid they may choke on them. They don’t like wrapping up in heavy blankets or doing anything that may cause labored breathing.  Pnigerophobia is also known as Pnigophobia. 

A phobia is a strong, persistent fear of situations, objects, activities or persons.  The main symptom is an excessive and unreasonable desire to avoid the feared subject. Other phobia symptoms include shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and an overall feeling of dread.  Phobias are the most common form of anxiety disorders.

Do you suffer from Pnigerophobia?  Please share your story.  How was it triggered and how does it affect your life?

Pocrescophobia: The Fear of Gaining Weight

Pocrescophobia is the abnormal and persistent fear of gaining weight. This phobia begins with a simple desire to lose weight and then it turns into a compulsive desire to avoid all things that will cause weight gain. The more these things are avoided, the more they are feared. Gaining weight is seen as a failure to those with Pocrescophobia and therefore they experience an abnormal fear toward anything that will cause them to fail.  Pocrescophobia is also known as Obesophobia.

A phobia is a strong, persistent fear of situations, objects, activities or persons.  The main symptom is an excessive and unreasonable desire to avoid the feared subject. Other phobia symptoms include shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and an overall feeling of dread.  Phobias are the most common form of anxiety disorders.

Do you suffer from Pocrescophobia?  Please share your story.  How was it triggered and how does it affect your life?

Pnigophobia: The Fear of Choking or Being Smothered

Pnigophobia is the abnormal and persistent fear of choking or being smothered. Those with this phobia will eat slowly and won’t eat certain foods because they’re afraid they may choke on them. They don’t like wrapping up in heavy blankets or doing anything that may cause labored breathing. Pnigophobia is also known as Pnigerphobia .

A phobia is a strong, persistent fear of situations, objects, activities or persons.  The main symptom is an excessive and unreasonable desire to avoid the feared subject. Other phobia symptoms include shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and an overall feeling of dread.  Phobias are the most common form of anxiety disorders.

Do you suffer from Pnigophobia?  Please share your story.  How was it triggered and how does it affect your life?

Phonophobia: The Fear of Noises and Voices

Phonophobia is the abnormal and persistent fear of noises, voices and even one’s own voice.  It is also the fear of telephones.  Those with Phonophobia fear sounds like traffic, doors closing, kitchen sounds, and loud speech.  In severe cases they may even fear the sound of their own voice.  The sound of a balloon popping can cause them to go into a severe state of panic.

A phobia is a strong, persistent fear of situations, objects, activities or persons.  The main symptom is an excessive and unreasonable desire to avoid the feared subject. Other phobia symptoms include shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and an overall feeling of dread.  Phobias are the most common form of anxiety disorders.

Do you suffer from Phonophobia?  Please share your story.  How was it triggered and how does it affect your life?

Photophobia: The Fear of Light

Photophobia is the abnormal and persistent fear of light.  This isn’t an exaggerated fear like other phobias.  Bright lights physically hurt the Photophobe.  Photophobia ranges from mild to severe and may or may not be caused by disease.  It is also known as light sensitivity.  It is closely related to Photoaugliaphobia, the fear of glaring lights.

A phobia is a strong, persistent fear of situations, objects, activities or persons.  The main symptom is an excessive and unreasonable desire to avoid the feared subject. Other phobia symptoms include shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and an overall feeling of dread.  Phobias are the most common form of anxiety disorders.

Do you suffer from Photoaugliaphobia?  Please share your story.  How was it triggered and how does it affect your life?

Photoaugliaphobia: The Fear of Glaring Lights

Photoaugliaphobia is the abnormal and persistent fear of glaring lights.  Those who have this phobia have a fear of all glaring lights, like headlights, which will probably prevent them from driving at night.  Flash photography may trigger this phobia.  Photoaugliaphobia is related to Photophobia, the fear of light and also to Selaphobia, the fear of flashing lights.

A phobia is a strong, persistent fear of situations, objects, activities or persons.  The main symptom is an excessive and unreasonable desire to avoid the feared subject. Other phobia symptoms include shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and an overall feeling of dread.  Phobias are the most common form of anxiety disorders.

Do you suffer from Photoaugliaphobia?  Please share your story.  How was it triggered and how does it affect your life?

Phthisiophobia: The Fear of Tuberculosis

Phthisiophobia is the abnormal and persistent fear of Tuberculosis.  Tuberculosis is a contagious bacterial infection that usually affects the lungs, but may also affect the kidneys, spine and brain.  It can be a fatal infection without proper treatment.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC, Tuberculosis was once the leading cause of death in the United States.  Phthisiophobia is also known as Tuberculophobia.

A phobia is a strong, persistent fear of situations, objects, activities or persons.  The main symptom is an excessive and unreasonable desire to avoid the feared subject. Other phobia symptoms include shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and an overall feeling of dread.  Phobias are the most common form of anxiety disorders.

Do you suffer from Phthisiophobia?  Please share your story.  How was it triggered and how does it affect your life?

Phthiriophobia: The Fear of Lice

Phthiriophobia is the abnormal and persistent fear of lice.  Lice are tiny insect-like parasites that live on humans and animals.  They survive by feeding on blood.

Phthiriophobia, also known as Peliculophobia, can be caused by seeing someone with lice, having lice yourself or just by the thought of getting lice.  No one likes the thought of tiny bugs crawling around on your head.

A phobia is a strong, persistent fear of situations, objects, activities or persons.  The main symptom is an excessive and unreasonable desire to avoid the feared subject. Other phobia symptoms include shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and an overall feeling of dread.  Phobias are the most common form of anxiety disorders.

Do you suffer from Phthiriophobia?  Please share your story.  How was it triggered and how does it affect your life?

Sinophobia: The Fear of China

Sinophobia is the abnormal and persistent fear of China, Chinese people or Chinese culture.  This phobia may result because of a strong dislike of China, the people or the culture.  This could be the result of racism.  Only those who have Sinophobia know what may have caused it.

A phobia is a strong, persistent fear of situations, objects, activities or persons.  The main symptom is an excessive and unreasonable desire to avoid the feared subject. Other phobia symptoms include shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and an overall feeling of dread.  Phobias are the most common form of anxiety disorders.

Do you suffer from Sinophobia?  Please share your story.  How was it triggered and how does it affect your life?

Seplophobia: The Fear of Decaying Matter

Seplophobia is the abnormal and persistent fear of decaying matter.  Those with this phobia will throw out entire containers that hold decaying food when they clean out their refrigerators and probably won’t be able to complete the task without help or without someone doing it for them.  Seplophobes will most likely have a fear of death and will avoid movies or situations that may result in them witnessing decaying matter.

A phobia is a strong, persistent fear of situations, objects, activities or persons.  The main symptom is an excessive and unreasonable desire to avoid the feared subject. Other phobia symptoms include shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and an overall feeling of dread.  Phobias are the most common form of anxiety disorders.

Do you suffer from Seplophobia?  Please share your story.  How was it triggered and how does it affect your life?

Scotomaphobia: The Fear of Blindness in the Visual Field

Scotomaphobia is the abnormal and persistent fear of blindness in the visual field.  This phobia is actually the fear of Scotoma or having spots before the eyes. Scotomaphobia can be caused by injuries such as getting poked in the eye or having difficult experiences with eye drops or contacts.

A phobia is a strong, persistent fear of situations, objects, activities or persons.  The main symptom is an excessive and unreasonable desire to avoid the feared subject. Other phobia symptoms include shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and an overall feeling of dread.  Phobias are the most common form of anxiety disorders.

Do you suffer from Scotomaphobia?  Please share your story.  How was it triggered and how does it affect your life?

Ophidiophobia: The Fear of Snakes

Ophidiophobia is the abnormal and persistent fear of snakes.  This is a learned fear based on stories of deadly snakebites and movies that portray aggressive snakes, like Anaconda or Snakes on a Plane.  It may also be caused by experiencing or even witnessing a traumatic event involving a snake or snakes, whether it is a bite or a close encounter.  Those with Ophidiophobia may eventually begin to fear places that may have snakes, such as pet stores. This phobia is more commonly known as Snake Phobia.

A phobia is a strong, persistent fear of situations, objects, activities or persons.  The main symptom is an excessive and unreasonable desire to avoid the feared subject. Other phobia symptoms include shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and an overall feeling of dread.  Phobias are the most common form of anxiety disorders.

Do you suffer from Ophidiophobia?  Please share your story.  How was it triggered and how does it affect your life?

Vermiphobia: The Fear of Worms

Vermiphobia is the abnormal and persistent fear of worms. Those with this phobia may also fear caterpillars, maggots, grubs or even tapeworms.  Vermiphobes don’t like to go outside after it rains because the worms and other critters will be out and more visible.  They may also dislike being in or near a garden.  Severe cases of the phobia may cause the person to fear being infected by worms.  This phobia may be caused by an extreme dislike of worms that eventually becomes a phobia.  Vermiphobia is also known as Scoleciphobia.

A phobia is a strong, persistent fear of situations, objects, activities or persons.  The main symptom is an excessive and unreasonable desire to avoid the feared subject. Other phobia symptoms include shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and an overall feeling of dread.  Phobias are the most common form of anxiety disorders.

Do you suffer from Vermiphobia?  Please share your story.  How was it triggered and how does it affect your life?

Scoleciphobia: The Fear of Worms

Scoleciphobia is the abnormal and persistent fear of worms. Those with this phobia may also fear caterpillars, maggots, grubs or even tapeworms.  Scoleciphobes don’t like to go outside after it rains because the worms and other critters will be out and more visible.  They may also dislike being in or near a garden.  Severe cases of the phobia may cause the person to fear being infected by worms.  This phobia may be caused by an extreme dislike of worms that eventually becomes a phobia.  Scoleciphobia comes from the Greek word skolex, means worm, maggot and grub.  It is also known as Vermiphobia.

A phobia is a strong, persistent fear of situations, objects, activities or persons.  The main symptom is an excessive and unreasonable desire to avoid the feared subject. Other phobia symptoms include shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and an overall feeling of dread.  Phobias are the most common form of anxiety disorders.

Do you suffer from Scoleciphobia?  Please share your story.  How was it triggered and how does it affect your life?

Philosophobia: The Fear of Philosophy or Philosophers

Philosophobia is the abnormal and persistent fear of Philosophy or philosophers.  According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, Philosophy is the study of ideas about knowledge, the truth, the nature and the meaning of life.  So why do people fear Philosophy?  It is believed that most Philosophobes are atheist or agnostic.  They feel that speaking of Philosophy is like speaking of Christ and spirituality.  They don’t like having these beliefs pushed on them.  In fact they probably hate it.  Hate breeds fear and thus Philosophobia is born. 

That’s only one theory.  Another theory is based on a quote by Theoretical Physicist and Cosmologist Stephen Hawking, “Philosophy is dead”.  Most thought he was crazy for saying this, but is Philosophobia simply a battle between Philosophy and Science?  Most of this is based on speculation and assumptions.  The real cause of Philosophobia lies within the person who suffers from the phobia.

A phobia is a strong, persistent fear of situations, objects, activities or persons.  The main symptom is an excessive and unreasonable desire to avoid the feared subject. Other phobia symptoms include shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and an overall feeling of dread.  Phobias are the most common form of anxiety disorders.

Do you suffer from Philosophobia?  Please share your story.  How was it triggered and how does it affect your life?

"He who has overcome his fears will truly be free."  ~Aristotle

Philematophobia: The Fear of Kissing

Philematophbobia is the abnormal and persistent fear of kissing.  This phobia is common in young and inexperienced kissers and usually goes away after they get more experience.  In some cases it can become more severe, especially when the fear of kissing is caused by the fear of germs, touch or intimacy. Philematophobia is also known as Philemaphobia.

A phobia is a strong, persistent fear of situations, objects, activities or persons.  The main symptom is an excessive and unreasonable desire to avoid the feared subject. Other phobia symptoms include shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and an overall feeling of dread.  Phobias are the most common form of anxiety disorders.

Do you suffer from Philematophbobia?  Please share your story.  How was it triggered and how does it affect your life?

Philophobia: The Fear of Falling in Love or of Being in Love

Philophobia is the abnormal and persistent fear of falling in love or of being in love.  This phobia can be caused by a traumatic break up or by just the fear of a relationship not working out.

A phobia is a strong, persistent fear of situations, objects, activities or persons.  The main symptom is an excessive and unreasonable desire to avoid the feared subject. Other phobia symptoms include shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and an overall feeling of dread.  Phobias are the most common form of anxiety disorders.

Do you suffer from Philophobia?  Please share your story.  How was it triggered and how does it affect your life?

Philemaphobia: The Fear of Kissing

Philemaphobia is the abnormal and persistent fear of kissing.  This phobia is common in young and inexperienced kissers and usually goes away after they get more experience.  In some cases it can become more severe, especially when the fear of kissing is caused by the fear of germs, touch or intimacy. Philemaphobia phobia is also known as Philematophobia.

A phobia is a strong, persistent fear of situations, objects, activities or persons.  The main symptom is an excessive and unreasonable desire to avoid the feared subject. Other phobia symptoms include shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and an overall feeling of dread.  Phobias are the most common form of anxiety disorders.

Do you suffer from Philemaphobia?  Please share your story.  How was it triggered and how does it affect your life?

Phasmophobia: The Fear of Ghosts

Phasmophobia is the abnormal and persistent fear of ghosts.  Encountering ghosts and spirits can be traumatizing in some cases.  I encountered many where I used to work and for the most part I learned to ignore them, but there were a couple of devious ones that would make themselves known occasionally who really scared me and made it really hard to continue working there.  Close encounters with ghosts are the main cause of this phobia, but it can also be caused by stories and the fear of the unknown.  This phobia is also known as Spectrophobia.

A phobia is a strong, persistent fear of situations, objects, activities or persons.  The main symptom is an excessive and unreasonable desire to avoid the feared subject. Other phobia symptoms include shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and an overall feeling of dread.  Phobias are the most common form of anxiety disorders.

Do you suffer from Phasmophobia?  Please share your story.  How was it triggered and how does it affect your life?

Phengophobia: The Fear of Daylight or Sunshine

Phengophobia is the abnormal and persistent fear of daylight or sunshine.  Those who suffer from this phobia will only go out at night.  During the day they remain indoors with the windows covered and will only use artificial light. Those with this phobia may have an intolerance to light. Phengophobia is closely related to Eosophobia, the fear of dawn or daylight.  

A phobia is a strong, persistent fear of situations, objects, activities or persons.  The main symptom is an excessive and unreasonable desire to avoid the feared subject. Other phobia symptoms include shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and an overall feeling of dread.  Phobias are the most common form of anxiety disorders.

Do you suffer from Phengophobia?  Please share your story.  How was it triggered and how does it affect your life?

“We mustn’t fear daylight just because it almost always illuminates a miserable world.”  ~René Magritte

Pharmacophobia: The Fear of Taking Medicine

Pharmacophobia is the abnormal and persistent fear of taking medicine.  This phobia can have a significant impact on the quality of life and can even cause death because those who suffer from Pharmacophobia will not take any kind of medicine, prescribed or over-the-counter, no matter how sick they are.  Pharmacophobia may be caused by having a serious allergic reaction to a medication.

A phobia is a strong, persistent fear of situations, objects, activities or persons.  The main symptom is an excessive and unreasonable desire to avoid the feared subject. Other phobia symptoms include shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and an overall feeling of dread.  Phobias are the most common form of anxiety disorders.

Do you suffer from Pharmacophobia?  Please share your story.  How was it triggered and how does it affect your life?

Phronemophobia: The Fear of Thinking

Phronemophobia is the abnormal and persistent fear of thinking.  Those with this phobia feel that if they think about doing something then they will actually do it.  They tend to confuse fantasy with reality and don’t understand that they can think things without those thoughts becoming reality.  Phronemophobes may show symptoms of ADHD because they will do anything to distract themselves from their own thoughts.

A phobia is a strong, persistent fear of situations, objects, activities or persons.  The main symptom is an excessive and unreasonable desire to avoid the feared subject. Other phobia symptoms include shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and an overall feeling of dread.  Phobias are the most common form of anxiety disorders.

Do you suffer from Phronemophobia?  Please share your story.  How was it triggered and how does it affect your life?

Placophobia: The Fear of Tombstones

Placophobia is the abnormal and persistent fear of tombstones.  This phobia is closely related to Thantophobia, the fear of death.

A phobia is a strong, persistent fear of situations, objects, activities or persons.  The main symptom is an excessive and unreasonable desire to avoid the feared subject. Other phobia symptoms include shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and an overall feeling of dread.  Phobias are the most common form of anxiety disorders.

Do you suffer from Placophobia?  Please share your story.  How was it triggered and how does it affect your life?

Fear Quotes

Fear can be overwhelming, but that doesn't mean it can’t be overcome.  It’s been a while, but here are some more fear quotes to help gain perspective of fear and to provide motivation on your journey to overcoming your fears.

“We fear violence less than our own feelings.  Personal, private, solitary pain is more terrifying than what anyone else can inflict.”  ~Jim Morrison

“Pick the day.  Enjoy it-to the hilt.  The day as it comes, People as they come…The past, I think, has helped me appreciate the present-and I don’t want to spoil any of it by fretting about the future.”  ~Audrey Hepburn

“I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection.  ‘Tis the business of little minds to shrink, but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death.”  ~Thomas Paine

“I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear.”  ~Rosa Parks

“There are very few monsters who warrant the fear we have of them.”  ~Andre Gide

“It is the strange fate of man, that even in the greatest of evils the fear of the worst continues to haunt him.”  ~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

“Fear stifles our thinking and actions.  It creates indecisiveness that results in stagnation.  I have known talented people who procrastinate indefinitely rather than risk failure.  Lost opportunities cause erosion of confidence, and the downward spiral begins.”  ~Charles Stanley

Do something today that you are afraid to do. Don’t let your fear hold you back from succeeding in your life. Be brilliant…be fearless!

Phallophobia: The Fear of a Penis

Phallophobia is the abnormal and persistent fear of a penis, especially if it’s erect.   Those who suffer from this phobia are afraid to look at or touch a penis.  This even includes pictures of penises.  Many with Phallophobia have no idea why they suffer from it, but it could be caused by sexual harassment or rape.

Phallophobia is similar to Medorthophobia, the fear of an erect penis and Ithyphallophobia, the fear of seeing, thinking about or having an erect penis.

A phobia is a strong, persistent fear of situations, objects, activities or persons.  The main symptom is an excessive and unreasonable desire to avoid the feared subject. Other phobia symptoms include shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and an overall feeling of dread.  Phobias are the most common form of anxiety disorders.

Do you suffer from Phallophobia?  Please share your story.  How was it triggered and how does it affect your life?

Phagophobia: The Fear of Swallowing, Eating or of Being Eaten

Phagophobia is the abnormal and persistent fear of swallowing, eating or of being eaten.  Many things can trigger this phobia.  I remember being afraid to swallow pills as a child, but after I did it the first time I was okay with it.  Some never get over this fear and find it impossible to swallow the smallest things.  This includes even food for some. Witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event like a shark attack could be a possible trigger for those who fear being eaten.

A phobia is a strong, persistent fear of situations, objects, activities or persons.  The main symptom is an excessive and unreasonable desire to avoid the feared subject. Other phobia symptoms include shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and an overall feeling of dread.  Phobias are the most common form of anxiety disorders.

Do you suffer from Phagophobia?  Please share your story.  How was it triggered and how does it affect your life?

Phalacrophobia: The Fear of Becoming Bald

Phalacrophobia is the abnormal and persistent fear of becoming bald.  This phobia is closely related to Peladophobia, the fear of bald people.  A family history of becoming bald at an early age can trigger this phobia.  Also someone who has an obsession with having perfect hair can develop Phalcrophobia.

A phobia is a strong, persistent fear of situations, objects, activities or persons.  The main symptom is an excessive and unreasonable desire to avoid the feared subject. Other phobia symptoms include shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and an overall feeling of dread.  Phobias are the most common form of anxiety disorders.

Do you suffer from Phalacrophobia?  Please share your story.  How was it triggered and how does it affect your life?

Pentheraphobia: The Fear of a Mother-in-Law

Pentheraphobia is the abnormal and persistent fear of a mother-in law.  This is a fairly common phobia.  Some people are not lucky enough to be blessed with a nice mother-in-law.  Some are just downright evil and have no other goal in life than to make the lives of others a living hell.  This phobia can also be caused by movies and books that portray mothers-in-law in a very negative way.

A phobia is a strong, persistent fear of situations, objects, activities or persons.  The main symptom is an excessive and unreasonable desire to avoid the feared subject. Other phobia symptoms include shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and an overall feeling of dread.  Phobias are the most common form of anxiety disorders.

Do you suffer from Pentheraphobia?  Please share your story.  How was it triggered and how does it affect your life?

Peniaphobia: The Fear of Poverty

Peniaphobia is the abnormal and persistent fear of poverty.  This phobia will begin to affect more and more people with the way the world and economy are these days.  So many people are struggling to stay above poverty and if things don’t change it’s only going to get worse.  Some people may develop Peniaphobia if they have already seen poverty and are terrified of having to go back to that point.  Others may have never known poverty but fear that it could easily happen to them.

A phobia is a strong, persistent fear of situations, objects, activities or persons.  The main symptom is an excessive and unreasonable desire to avoid the feared subject. Other phobia symptoms include shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and an overall feeling of dread.  Phobias are the most common form of anxiety disorders.

Do you suffer from Peniaphobia?  Please share your story.  How was it triggered and how does it affect your life?

Pellagrophobia: The Fear of Pellagro

Pellagrophobia is the abnormal and persistent fear of Pellagra.  Pellagra is a dietary disease caused by a niacin or vitamin B3 deficiency.  It is characterized by diarrhea, dermatitis and dementia.  It can be fatal if left untreated. 

Primary Pellagra is caused by an inadequate amount of niacin in the diet.  This usually occurs in poverty stricken areas.  Secondary Pellagra is caused by something preventing the absorption and processing of niacin.  This can be caused by chronic alcoholism, prolonged diarrhea, gastrointestinal diseases such as ulcerative colitis, liver cirrhosis, carcinoid tumors, Hartnup disease and certain drugs.

A phobia is a strong, persistent fear of situations, objects, activities or persons.  The main symptom is an excessive and unreasonable desire to avoid the feared subject. Other phobia symptoms include shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and an overall feeling of dread.  Phobias are the most common form of anxiety disorders.

Do you suffer from Pellagrophobia?  Please share your story.  How was it triggered and how does it affect your life?

Source:

Vanessa Ngan, Pellagra, DermNet NZ

Peladophobia: The Fear of Bald People

Peladophobia is the abnormal and persistent fear of bald people.  Those who suffer from this phobia may avoid social activities because they fear that they may come in contact with bald people.  Peladophobics usually fear becoming bald themselves. This is known as Phalacrophobia.

A phobia is a strong, persistent fear of situations, objects, activities or persons.  The main symptom is an excessive and unreasonable desire to avoid the feared subject. Other phobia symptoms include shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and an overall feeling of dread.  Phobias are the most common form of anxiety disorders.

Do you suffer from Peladophobia?  Please share your story.  How was it triggered and how does it affect your life?

Pediophobia: The Fear of Dolls

Pediophobia is the abnormal and persistent fear of dolls.  Some fear all dolls and stuffed toys, while others only fear a specific kind.  Talking dolls are usually the most fared, along with really old dolls.  Movies like Child’s Play can certainly trigger and/or provoke this Pediophobia.

A phobia is a strong, persistent fear of situations, objects, activities or persons.  The main symptom is an excessive and unreasonable desire to avoid the feared subject. Other phobia symptoms include shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and an overall feeling of dread.  Phobias are the most common form of anxiety disorders.

Do you suffer from Pediophbobia?  Please share your story.  How was it triggered and how does it affect your life?

Pediculophobia: The Fear of Lice

Pediculophobia is the abnormal and persistent fear of lice.  Lice are tiny insect-like parasites that live on humans and animals.  They survive by feeding on blood. 

Pediculophobia, also known as Phthiriophobia, can be caused by seeing someone with lice, having lice yourself or just by the thought of getting lice.  No one likes the thought of tiny bugs crawling around on your head. 

A phobia is a strong, persistent fear of situations, objects, activities or persons.  The main symptom is an excessive and unreasonable desire to avoid the feared subject. Other phobia symptoms include shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and an overall feeling of dread.  Phobias are the most common form of anxiety disorders.

Do you suffer from Pediculophbobia?  Please share your story.  How was it triggered and how does it affect your life?

Politicophobia: The Fear of Politicians

Politicophobia is the abnormal and persistent fear or abnormal dislike of politicians.  I’m sure many people are dealing with this phobia due to everything that has been going on in the political world.

A phobia is a strong, persistent fear of situations, objects, activities or persons.  The main symptom is an excessive and unreasonable desire to avoid the feared subject. Other phobia symptoms include shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and an overall feeling of dread.  Phobias are the most common form of anxiety disorders.

Do you suffer from Politicophobia?  Please share your story.  How was it triggered and how does it affect your life?

Poinephobia: The Fear of Punishment

Poinephobia is the abnormal and persistent fear of punishment.  This phobia is closely related to Mastigophobia, the fear of punishment, abuse or being beaten. 

A phobia is a strong, persistent fear of situations, objects, activities or persons.  The main symptom is an excessive and unreasonable desire to avoid the feared subject. Other phobia symptoms include shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and an overall feeling of dread.  Phobias are the most common form of anxiety disorders.

Do you suffer from Poinephobia?  Please share your story.  How was it triggered and how does it affect your life?

Peccatophobia: The Fear of Sinning or Imaginary Crimes

Peccatophobia is the abnormal and persistent fear of sinning or imaginary crimes.  This phobia is closely related to Hamartophobia, the fear of sinning.

A phobia is a strong, persistent fear of situations, objects, activities or persons.  The main symptom is an excessive and unreasonable desire to avoid the feared subject. Other phobia symptoms include shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and an overall feeling of dread.  Phobias are the most common form of anxiety disorders.

Do you suffer from Peccatophobia?  Please share your story.  How was it triggered and how does it affect your life?

Pedophobia: The Fear of Children

Pedophobia is the abnormal and persistent fear of children.  I have to say that I have met some children that literally scare the hell out of me and this is one of the biggest triggers for this phobia.  Others develop this phobia based on the fear of having children and the responsibility that comes with raising them.  Some have reasons for this phobia that no one will understand.

A phobia is a strong, persistent fear of situations, objects, activities or persons.  The main symptom is an excessive and unreasonable desire to avoid the feared subject. Other phobia symptoms include shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and an overall feeling of dread.  Phobias are the most common form of anxiety disorders.

Do you suffer from Pedophobia?  Please share your story.  How was it triggered and how does it affect your life?

Are You Feeding Your Fears?

It may feel easier to allow ourselves to feed our fears instead of facing them, but by doing this we only allow our fears to consume us. Stop feeding them, face them and start living. It's time!

DO YOU HAVE THIS PHOBIA?

How many of you have this phobia?  It's one I fight quite often.

Poliosophobia: The Fear of Poliomyelitis

Poliosophobia is the abnormal and persistent fear of Poliomyelitis or Polio. Poliomyelitis (Polio) is an infectious disease that is crippling and potentially fatal. It’s caused by a virus that spreads from person to person and invades the brain and spinal cord. It usually causes paralysis.

Polio affected 35,000 people a year in the 1940’s and 1950’s, but because of effective vaccinations there were only 650 reported cases in 2011. As of 2012 Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan are the only countries that are still polio-endemic.

Polio mainly affects children under 5 years old. The symptoms are fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, stiffness in the neck and pain in the limbs. 1 in 200 cases result in irreversible paralysis. There is still no cure for Polio, but there are safe and effective vaccines.

A phobia is a strong, persistent fear of situations, objects, activities or persons. The main symptom is an excessive and unreasonable desire to avoid the feared subject. Other phobia symptoms include shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and an overall feeling of dread. Phobias are the most common form of anxiety disorders.

Do you suffer from Poliosophobia? Please share your story. How was it triggered and how does it affect your life?

Pogonophobia: The Fear of Beards

Pogonophobia is the abnormal and persistent fear or dislike of beards.  I’m going to take a wild guess that those who suffer from this phobia don’t watch Duck Dynasty.  Beards have once again become popular among men and for those who have Pogonophobia the beard fad is a nightmare.  Obviously men with phobia won’t grow a beard and everyone with this phobia will try to avoid anyone with a beard.  This can have a major impact on their lives.

A phobia is a strong, persistent fear of situations, objects, activities or persons.  The main symptom is an excessive and unreasonable desire to avoid the feared subject. Other phobia symptoms include shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and an overall feeling of dread.  Phobias are the most common form of anxiety disorders.

Do you suffer from?  Please share your story.  How was it triggered and how does it affect your life?