Are Irrational Fears — Irrational?
We are all afraid of something — but sometimes our fears can be irrational.
Fear
Fear is what stops us in our tracks. It is what makes us turn back and go a different way. Fear of the unknown or fear of what we expect to be around the corner. Fear of what others might say. Fear we might be judged or teased.
I remember a great story I once heard, I have no idea where, but it went something like this.
Bill wanted to borrow his neighbour’s lawnmower, he had seen him using it a few times and wondered if he would loan it to him. He also thought that maybe they could even strike up a friendship from it. Maybe his neighbour could borrow something from him one day — like neighbours used to do.
So he set off to his neighbour’s house.
Along the way he started to have doubts. “What if he doesn’t want to lend it to me? What if he is still angry with me because of that incident three years ago with the football? We paid for the window — everything was sorted! Why is he still angry?”.
He filled his head with all the possible scenarios and when he finally reached the neighbour gate and the neighbour called out to him and waved
“Stuff you!” was Bill’s response, “ You can keep your bloody lawnmower!”
Bill had created a problem in his head. He made a problem that wasn’t there.
Fear of failure or rejection is one thing — but what about irrational fears. The ones that seem to have no logic. Like fear of cotton balls or tall buildings?
What is an irrational fear?
An irrational fear, or phobia, is an extreme, unwarranted fear linked to a specific object or event.
What is a ‘normal’ fear?
Fear is an important bodily response to danger. The difference between “normal” fear and phobia lies in the source — someone with a phobia will exhibit a fearful, exaggerated response to something that poses no apparent threat.
I have a fear of heights. But I believe it is justified. Falling of a bridge or a cliff is a real thing. I prefer not to go too close to the edge just in case. Some people have a fear of spiders — if they see one in the shower, no matter how big or small, they will scream or run. Is that irrational?
Being afraid and having a phobia can be a world apart though. A phobia can be very debilitating to a persons’s life. They might even know that their fear is ridiculous but they can’t help it.
A person with hemophobia, for example can faint at the sight of blood. I know two men with this condition. They feel very embarrased about it but they can’t help it.
Let’s take a look at just a few
- Triskaidekaphobia
Triskaidekaphobia is the fear of the number 13. Those with this fear structure events so that the number 13 is not involved. They are not likely to arrange anything on the 13th of any month (good job there are 12 months in the year).
2. Paraskevidekatriaphobia
Even more specific than triskaidekaphobia is paraskevidekatriaphobia, or the fear of Friday the 13th.
3. Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia
This one could be classed as fear of the two words above. Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia — fear of long words. Such cruel irony!
4. Globophobia
This is fear of balloons — not just hearing them pop, even the sight of the them can cause panic? I must admit, I do find that sound when you hold all together — them a little grating.
5. Sidonglobalphobia
You may have that this one is fear of hamsters — it is in fact fear of cotton wool balls. Yes, to some people these little fluffy balls can cause great trauma. Could be the texture, could be fear of choking on one, especially if you make the mistake of thinking they are marshmallows. (damn! Now I might be scared of them too!)
Do you have any phobias or irrational fears?
