Every phobia is out of proportion to the real danger. That is what makes it a phobia. Some sound so unusual that people do not believe they exist, but for the people living with them they are very real.
1. Fear of bathing
Some people dread washing or bathing and get by with wipes or a damp cloth. It can start with a bad experience or be picked up from others.
2. Fear of chins
Seeing chins, your own or other people’s, can bring on a racing heart and dizziness. Some people avoid mirrors as a result.
3. Fear of buttons
This one is more common than you might think. Some people cannot touch or even look at buttons, and similar shapes such as coins can bother them too. See our fear of buttons page.
4. Fear of belly buttons
Some people find belly buttons unsettling, whether it is the look, the depth or the idea of touching one.
5. Fear of falling asleep
A fear of sleep often leads to poor sleep. It can come from vivid nightmares, a sense of losing control, or worry about something happening during the night.
6. Fear of phobias
This is a fear of the symptoms that come with a phobia, such as panic. It is common in people who have had a phobia before, or who have seen what one did to someone close.
7. Fear of chewing gum
For some it is the texture, for others the sound of bubble gum popping. It often goes back to an unpleasant experience in childhood.
8. Fear of hair
This can be a fear of loose hair, hair in certain places, or someone else’s hair. Some people avoid brushing their own hair in case it comes out.
9. Fear of the Pope
This is usually less about the person and more about what he stands for, and can be linked to fears around religion.
10. Fear of houses
A fear of being inside a house is linked to the fear of enclosed spaces. The feeling of being shut in can bring on panic, sweating and nausea. See our fear of small spaces page.
Unusual does not mean unimportant
If a fear is affecting your life, it matters, however unusual it sounds. It can be helped.
Want help with a phobia?
Take the free phobia test to see how strong your fear is, or book a £49 consultation call and we can talk it through.
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