Fear of thinking (phronemophobia)

Dreading being alone with your thoughts, keeping the radio or phone on at all times, or avoiding quiet moments can all point to phronemophobia, a fear of thinking. For many, the fear is really about certain kinds of thoughts, such as unwanted or upsetting ones. Bedtime and long car or train rides are common times for it to show up.

About this phobia

This term appears almost only on lists of phobias and is not a recognised clinical diagnosis. There is little written about it as its own fear. What it describes can overlap with intrusive thoughts, rumination and anxiety, which are well understood.

What it feels like

• Filling every silence with music, screens or company
• Restlessness or panic during quiet moments, such as at bedtime
• Fear that a thought might mean something bad or come true

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

Common questions

Can you be afraid of your own thoughts?

Yes, and it is more common than the rare name suggests. Many people fear unwanted or intrusive thoughts, or worry that thinking about something makes it more likely to happen. These patterns are well understood, and a GP can point you towards support if they are affecting your life.

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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