10 Biggest Fear And Phobia In Humans
10 Biggest Fear And Phobia In Humans
Do you know about the 10 biggest fear and phobia in humans? Fears and phobias are very common among people regardless of age, gender or race. They are regarded as the most predominant types of mental anxiety disorders.
In this informative article, we will talk about what is fear and 10 common phobias in humans.
What Is Fear?
Fear is a strong human emotion that is started by a perceived or real threat of harm or danger. It quickly causes timely physiological and behavioural changes like freezing, hiding, fleeing as a response against the impending danger.
Science Behind Fear
It is conceived in the brain where a series of chemical reactions are triggered by a stressful stimulus leading to the production of chemicals that stimulate the body to respond appropriately. And how does the body respond? Through fast breathing, energized muscles and racing heart to combat the imminent threat. The parts of the brain involved in ensuring you respond appropriately include:
- Thalamus-directs the incoming sensory data from the skin, mouth, ears, and eyes to the appropriate section of the brain.
- Sensory cortex– Interprets the sensory data.
- Hippocampus-It not only stores but also ensures you easily remember past threats to establish the possible ways to respond to a stimulus.
- Amygdala-Interprets emotions and establishes the potential threats.
- Hypothalamus-Stimulates the fight-or-flight response depending on the threat at hand.
10 Biggest Fear & Phobia of Humans
They are very common among people regardless of age, gender or race. They are regarded as the most predominant types of mental anxiety disorders. Below are 10 of the biggest fears and phobias popular among human beings:
3 Biggest Fear in Humans:
- Fear of Death
- Fear of Loss of Autonomy
- Fear of Separation
- Fear of Death
To some extent, we are all scared of death, whether it be the fear of losing a loved one or the thought of our own cessation. Even the thought of death is not pleasant and many of us are afraid of it.
It is arguably one of the most common and complicated one.
Honestly, many people are afraid of dying. Perhaps, this is the fear of every one of us.
People behave carefully to save themselves from dying. However, this is obvious but good news is that this fear can be treated before the victim becomes full-blown. It has no treatment but acceptance. One can overcome it by thinking that until death come, one should live life to the fullest.
2. Fear of Loss of Autonomy
The fear of being restricted, imprisoned, overwhelmed, enveloped, and paralyzed. People who suffer from this fear feel like their freedom has been taken away. They cannot go around undertaking their daily activities as usual.
A significant number of people with the fear of loss of autonomy avoid falling in love. They do not want to get emotionally close due to fear of being heartbroken. Also, they do not want to lose their dignity.
3. Fear of Separation
This is when people are afraid of being rejected or abandoned. People suffering from this fear do not want to lose connection with a particular person or pet. It is prevalent among children, but also adults are not spared.
The best way to manage and treat this condition is through therapy. You can either visit a professional in this field or make use of group and family therapy. The therapist will establish what causes this anxiety disorder in your life and suggest necessary solutions to it.
7 Common Phobia in Humans
Here are 7 most common phobias of humans:
- Acrophobia
At least 6% of the world’s population experiences this fear, Acrophobia. This is when being scared of heights can not only make you avoid heights but also suffer from anxiety attacks. It is mostly because of living in an environment where falling from heights causes real danger. So, most people with Acrophobia will keep off from high places like skyscrapers, towers, and bridges.
2. Astraphobia
Astraphobia or unusual fear of thunder and lightning can affect any person. However, it is more prevalent in children than grownups. Those vulnerable to this phobia develop symptoms whenever this weather-related phenomenon takes place. They will experience increased respiration, shaking, and rapid heartbeat.
3. Agoraphobia
Agoraphobia is the fear of being on your own in situations or places that make you feel embarrassed and helpless. This phobia affects about one-third of the world’s population, with women being at a higher risk of suffering from it. Most people who experience Agoraphobia are those in their late adolescent years and mid- 30s. It starts as an impromptu panic attack that creates anxiety over the likelihood of a subsequent attack.
Open spaces, crowded areas and situations that easily trigger panic attacks enhance susceptibility to this phobia. So, people vulnerable to Agoraphobia will either avoid trigger situations/events or stay at home.
4. Arachnophobia
Arachnophobia is an unreasonable fear of spiders, scorpions, and other arachnids. Those who experience this phobia get terrified at the sight of an arachnid. Once they see a spider, their body quickly develops a fear response to evade the impending threat.
Being afraid of arachnids can be because of genetic predisposition. Remember, these creatures were a threat to our ancestors for the lack of technological prowess and medical knowledge to combat them. Therefore, the fear for spiders and other arachnids began, and it continues to affect people up to date.
5. Aerophobia
Aerophobia can be defined as an unusual fear of flying, even if there is no impending danger. Those who have this phobia will experience symptoms such as feeling disoriented, increased heartbeat and shaking while flying.
Out of fear of flying, some people may even resort to entirely not taking a flight. However, this is a phobia that can be dealt with through therapy.
6. Cynophobia
Cynophobia is the loathing or fear of dogs. This phobia is often caused by a frightening and traumatizing encounter with a dog while growing up. Considering one is likely to come across dogs daily, cynophobia can be disruptive and even continue into adulthood. You will respond through:
- Panic attacks when you see a dog
- Staying away from family members and friends with dogs
- Avoiding places that have dogs
- Freezing once you see a dog
7. Mysophobia
Mysophobia is the persistent fear of dirt and germ. People who have this phobia maintain high levels of hygiene. You will see them often engaging in excessive cleaning, washing hands, and avoiding people, areas, and activities that can cause contamination. Besides, those who have this phobia even avoid media reports on pandemics.
Bottom Line
People suffer from different types of fear. These phobias are so extreme that they prevent potential victims from carrying out their daily activities. In the wake of a perceived threat, their bodies will develop a timely response to deal with the matter at hand. But also, there are significant remedies such as therapy that help in overcoming some phobias like systematic desensitization. So do not allow fear of whatever thing or situation that frightens you to take the better part of you. Seek help!
Originally published at https://www.brainmemind.com/
