I don’t know why I’m afraid of butterflies. I wish I wasn’t. Most people say,” they can’t hurt you!” I know that, but I just can’t help it. One of my first experiences with butterflies was when I was a toddler and I was watching a show about cartoon bugs and there was this HUGE butterfly that I remember coming on some episodes. It really freaked me out. The wings were so big and the way they flapped.. ugh I hate thinking about it. My first actual experience with a real butterfly was in kindergarten. My class decided to raise butterflies in a kit for classrooms. I wasn’t a real fan of when they were caterpillars, but I was excited for when they would turn into butterflies. When the teacher let them out into the wild that’s when all hell broke loose. I was crying, screaming, and running away out into the street. I felt like they wouldn’t stop following me. My teacher got mad at me for running into the streets and she said it was an overreaction. My classmates said I ruined it. In later years I would try to ride my bike in my driveway and play in my backyard. But as soon as a butterfly came, I took off screaming and crying. There would be times I would walk home from my neighbors and see a butterfly and the same thing would happen. Over the years my friends, classmates, and pretty much everyone who I told would make fun of me. Ridicule me for my fear. And I’ve tried to get over it. I can’t. When I was in elementary school, during a field trip I was the only one in my year to stay behind while everyone else entered a butterfly garden. My teachers laughed at me. My parents told them it was bizarre and they didn’t know why I was like this. I avoid so many places because I know butterflies usually tend to be there. I take certain routes at the park to avoid where they might be. I’ve stopped going to most parks because of them. I’ve also stopped riding my bike because of them. I will now have full on panic attacks when I see one. I really wish people would stop making fun of me because of my fear. I really can’t help it.
Butterflies, Yes, I know
What Now?
Read comments from others who are dealing with this phobia or share your own experiences below. Remember, you're not alone!
jaejae!! says
Hello! It really irritates me when people say mean things about phobias or just fear in general, like what is it going to do? I’ve been researching for a while, as I’m quite uneasy around butterflies and moths, but I don’t think I have a phobia. I don’t feel super anxious. I’m just really aware when I see one and make sure I can see it at all times. I once went to a gardening show, and my mum ushered me into a butterfly dome without me realizing it, and I hated it. I hope people can start to understand, as being annoying doesn’t do any good (surprise!)
Izzy says
I don’t understand people who make fun of others that have phobias, however it’s deeply rooted psychologically into you, and panic attacks are very hard to stop.
Peyton says
Hey my name is Peyton and you pretty much just described my life. I don’t like that giant moth butterfly thing from Monsters vs Aliens. Also the school butterflies.. yeah I got sent home early lol.