10 Phobias You’ve Never Heard Of But Are More Common Than You Think

Phobias are more than just a fear of spiders or heights. While many people are familiar with common phobias like arachnophobia (fear of spiders) or claustrophobia (fear of confined spaces), there are countless others that are less well-known but just as prevalent. Phobias can develop about nearly anything — from fear of long words to the fear of certain sounds or numbers. These phobias, although uncommon in mainstream conversation, can significantly impact people’s lives, often leaving them feeling misunderstood or isolated.

In this article, we’ll explore 10 phobias you've never heard of that are surprisingly more common than you might think. By shining a light on these lesser-known fears, we hope to reduce the stigma surrounding them and bring more awareness to the mental health conditions that affect many individuals.

1. Nomophobia: Fear of Being Without Your Phone

In the modern world, where smartphones have become an essential part of everyday life, nomophobia (short for "no mobile phone phobia") has emerged as a surprisingly common phobia. Individuals with nomophobia experience anxiety when they are unable to access their mobile phones, whether it’s due to a dead battery, no signal, or simply forgetting their phone at home.

Symptoms:

• Panicking when the phone runs out of battery or when there's no signal.

• Constant checking of phone for messages or notifications.

• Anxiety about being unreachable or disconnected from social media.

Treatment:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help individuals reframe their anxiety toward technology and foster healthier habits surrounding mobile phone usage. Mindfulness techniques can also be helpful for staying present and reducing dependency on the device.

2. Hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia: Fear of Long Words

Ironically, one of the longest words in the English language, hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia, refers to the fear of long words. While the name itself might be intimidating, this phobia is not as rare as one might think. People with this phobia feel intense anxiety when they encounter long words, especially in a public setting where they may be asked to read or pronounce them aloud.

Symptoms:

• A sense of panic or dread when encountering complex or lengthy words.

• Avoidance of reading, writing, or situations where long words may appear.

• Physical symptoms such as sweating, shaking, or heart palpitations.

Treatment:

CBT and exposure therapy can be effective in desensitizing individuals to the fear of long words. Gradual exposure to reading and pronunciation, starting with easier words, can help build confidence.

3. Atychiphobia: Fear of Failure

The fear of failure, or atychiphobia, is more common than many people realize. This phobia involves a deep fear of not succeeding, whether in professional endeavors, personal goals, or social situations. It can prevent individuals from pursuing their dreams or trying new things, as the fear of making mistakes can be overwhelming.

Symptoms:

• An overwhelming fear of making mistakes or failing at tasks.

• Chronic procrastination or avoiding challenges altogether.

• Feelings of inadequacy or worthlessness in the face of failure.

Treatment:

CBT can help individuals confront and reframe negative thoughts about failure. Exposure to manageable tasks and setting small, achievable goals can reduce the overwhelming fear and build resilience.

4. Triskaidekaphobia: Fear of the Number 13

Superstition surrounding the number 13 is centuries old, but for some, this fear has developed into a full-blown phobia known as triskaidekaphobia. People with this fear may avoid anything associated with the number 13, such as buildings with a 13th floor or scheduled events on the 13th of the month.

Symptoms:

• Intense anxiety or panic attacks when confronted with the number 13.

• Avoiding situations or activities that are connected to the number.

• Physical symptoms like sweating, rapid heartbeat, or nausea when the number appears.

Treatment:

Exposure therapy can be used to help desensitize individuals to the number 13. Gradually confronting situations involving the number can help reduce anxiety over time.

5. Chorophobia: Fear of Dancing

Chorophobia, or the fear of dancing, is often rooted in feelings of self-consciousness or fear of judgment from others. People with this phobia might avoid social gatherings like parties or weddings because they are afraid to dance. This fear can be particularly isolating, as dancing is often seen as a key part of social interaction and celebration.

Symptoms:

• Anxiety or panic attacks when asked to dance or when in a social setting where dancing occurs.

• Avoidance of parties, weddings, or other events that involve dancing.

• Feelings of embarrassment or self-consciousness about one's dancing abilities.

Treatment:

CBT and exposure therapy are helpful for overcoming this phobia. Gradual exposure to dance in a safe, supportive environment can reduce the fear of judgment and improve self-esteem.

6. Taphophobia: Fear of Being Buried Alive

While taphophobia, or the fear of being buried alive, may sound like an ancient fear, it is still surprisingly common, particularly among individuals with a heightened sense of claustrophobia. Historically, there were cases of people being mistakenly declared dead and buried prematurely, which contributed to the widespread anxiety surrounding this fear.

Symptoms:

• Panic attacks or nightmares about being trapped in a coffin.

• Extreme anxiety about the possibility of being buried alive, even in situations that pose no real threat.

• Avoiding places or situations that may trigger claustrophobic feelings.

Treatment:

Exposure therapy and relaxation techniques are often used to help people manage taphophobia. CBT can also be useful in addressing irrational fears and reducing the tendency to catastrophize.

7. Ergophobia: Fear of Work or the Workplace

Ergophobia, the fear of work, can occur when an individual feels anxious or overwhelmed by the demands and expectations of their job. This phobia can manifest as extreme stress at the thought of going to work or being in a work environment, even if the person does not have a negative work history.

Symptoms:

• Intense anxiety or dread at the thought of going to work.

• Frequent absenteeism or avoidance of work-related events.

• Physical symptoms such as headaches, digestive problems, or fatigue due to work stress.

Treatment:

Therapies like CBT can help individuals address the negative thought patterns that contribute to work-related fear. Relaxation techniques and stress management strategies can help reduce the anxiety tied to work environments.

8. Panphobia: Fear of Everything

Panphobia is a generalized and often overwhelming fear of everything. People with this phobia experience persistent and pervasive anxiety about nearly every aspect of life, often leading them to feel fearful of situations or objects without a clear reason.

Symptoms:

• Constant, generalized anxiety about a wide range of scenarios or situations.

• Difficulty identifying specific fears or triggers, as the anxiety is all-encompassing.

• Chronic fatigue, irritability, and feelings of helplessness due to ongoing anxiety.

Treatment:

Therapeutic approaches like CBT can help individuals with panphobia identify and confront their fears. Relaxation techniques and mindfulness can also be effective in reducing overall anxiety levels.

9. Phobophobia: Fear of Having a Phobia

The fear of developing a phobia is known as phobophobia. It may seem paradoxical, but people with this fear often experience anxiety about becoming afraid of something or being trapped by an irrational fear. This fear can prevent individuals from seeking help for other phobias, as they worry they will develop even more fears.

Symptoms:

• Anxiety about the possibility of developing new phobias.

• Fear of losing control or being overwhelmed by irrational fears.

• Avoidance of situations where phobias might arise or trigger.

Treatment:

CBT and exposure therapy can help individuals confront their fear of phobias and reduce the underlying anxiety. Building self-awareness and coping skills is key to managing this fear.

10. Anthophobia: Fear of Flowers

Anthophobia, or the fear of flowers, is more common than you might think, despite the fact that flowers are typically seen as beautiful and harmless. People with this phobia may feel intense anxiety or even panic at the sight or smell of flowers. This can significantly impact social events, especially celebrations like weddings or birthdays, where flowers are often present.

Symptoms:

• Anxiety or panic attacks when encountering flowers.

• Avoidance of places where flowers are present, such as parks or flower shops.

• Physical symptoms such as shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, or dizziness.

Treatment:

CBT, particularly exposure therapy, is effective for overcoming anthophobia. Gradual exposure to flowers, starting with images or small flowers, can help reduce anxiety over time.

Conclusion: Phobias You’ve Never Heard Of

Phobias are complex, unique, and often irrational fears that can significantly impact a person’s life. While common phobias like arachnophobia and claustrophobia are widely known, the phobias discussed in this article are surprisingly more common than you might think. By increasing awareness and understanding of these lesser-known phobias, we can help reduce the stigma around them and encourage those who struggle with these fears to seek help.

If you or someone you know is dealing with a phobia, remember that effective treatments like CBT, exposure therapy, and mindfulness techniques can help individuals regain control over their anxiety and live a more fulfilling life.