Fear of symbolism (symbolophobia)

Symbolophobia is a fear of symbolism, or of symbols carrying hidden meaning. Someone with this fear may worry that a sign, number or object is a message or warning, or feel unsettled by imagery they cannot make sense of. It can make art, films, dreams or even everyday coincidences feel loaded.

About this phobia

The name simply joins the word symbol with the ending for fear. It is rarely reported and appears mostly on phobia lists, with little clinical writing behind it. It may overlap with superstition, with fears of particular signs such as numbers, and with general anxiety about the unknown.

How it shows up

Someone with this fear may see a number, sign or object and feel it is a message meant just for them. They may worry over what a dream meant, or feel uneasy when coincidences seem to line up too neatly, as if something is trying to warn them. Art, films or books full of symbols can feel threatening rather than interesting. It differs from ordinary curiosity because the person feels anxious and cannot let the thought go, sometimes for days.

Common triggers

• Repeated numbers or patterns
• Signs and symbols in art
• Dreams that feel meaningful
• Striking coincidences
• Religious or occult symbols
• Logos or graffiti
• Tarot cards or horoscopes

Where it shows up

• Galleries and museums
• Films and books
• Social media
• Places of worship
• Streets full of signs
• Waking from vivid dreams

Symptoms

In your body

• Racing heart
• Tension
• Poor sleep
• Restlessness
• Tight stomach

In your mind

• Worry about hidden meanings
• Fear of bad omens
• Doubt and overthinking
• Feeling that something bad is coming

What you might do

• Avoiding certain films or art
• Looking up meanings online
• Asking others for reassurance
• Changing plans after a sign

What may cause it

There is little research on this fear by name. It can link to superstition, anxiety about the unknown, or obsessive worry where the mind keeps hunting for patterns and finds them everywhere. Stressful times, such as a loss or a big change, can make people more likely to read meaning into ordinary events. Searching for answers brings brief relief but keeps the worry going, because there is always another sign to check.

How it can affect your life

It can make art, films and everyday events feel tense. Decisions may end up shaped by signs rather than facts. Some people feel tired from constant watching and second-guessing, and may hide the worry from others.

Related fears

• Fear of numbers (arithmophobia)
• Superstition
• Fear of the unknown
• Obsessive worry

Things that can help day to day

• Notice when you are hunting for meaning
• Write the thought down and let it pass
• Limit online searches about signs and omens
• Spend time on grounding activities like walking or cooking

When to get help

If the fear is taking up a lot of time or causing distress, talk to a GP. Talking therapy can help with obsessive worry and anxiety about the unknown.

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

About me

Common questions

When is seeing meaning in things a cause for concern?

Most people notice coincidences and symbols now and then. If the sense that ordinary things carry special messages becomes strong, constant or frightening, it is worth speaking to a GP, as this can sometimes be part of a wider mental health issue. For many, though, it is a milder pattern of anxiety that can be worked on.

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.

Further reading: Cleveland Clinic: Octophobia (fear of the number 8) · NHS: Obsessive compulsive disorder · NHS: Phobias

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