Fear of accidents (dystychiphobia)

Dystychiphobia is a fear of accidents. It might show up as checking things repeatedly, avoiding driving or travel, or holding back from activities that carry any small risk of harm.

About this phobia

The word is linked to the Greek dystychia, meaning misfortune. It is an uncommon term found mostly on lists. It can follow a real accident, and it overlaps with fears of driving, injury and loss of control.

What it feels like

• Constantly scanning for hazards at home or on the road
• Avoiding driving, sport or busy places in case something goes wrong
• Playing out accidents in your mind long before they could happen

Explore more unusual fears in the rare phobias A to Z, or browse the common phobias.

Common questions

Is it normal to be scared after an accident?

Yes, feeling shaken and wary after an accident is very common. If the fear stays strong for weeks, or brings flashbacks and nightmares, it is worth speaking to a GP. They can point you towards the right support.

How can you help?

I use hypnotherapy and NLP to change how your mind responds to the thing you fear, so the old alarm stops going off. Sessions are one to one over Zoom, and you get a recording of the hypnosis to listen to afterwards.

How many sessions will I need?

Many clients notice a real difference after one 90 minute session. If the fear goes back a long way, three sessions gives us room to make the change stick.

Ready to start?

Book a £49 consultation call and we’ll talk through your fear, or take the free suitability test first.

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