An adult reader describes fear of pregnancy, a past termination, and the effect on relationships and decisions about having children. This is a reader’s personal account, edited for readability. Ages and circumstances refer to the time of submission. It is not a clinical assessment. A reader’s account I have always had this fear. When I got very drunk I went off … [Read more...]
Reader Stories
Read personal accounts of living with fears and phobias, shared by FEAROF readers. Each story reflects one person’s experience and may use informal or self-described labels.
These accounts are not diagnoses or treatment advice. For explanations of symptoms and care options, explore our phobia directory and treatment guide.
Scared of dogs and generally anxious and angry
A reader describes past dog attacks, fear around a newly adopted dog, and worsening breathing symptoms. The events and planned surgery refer to the original submission. This is a reader’s personal account, edited for readability. Ages and circumstances refer to the time of submission. It is not a clinical assessment. A reader’s account I know I have been attacked … [Read more...]
My fear/shyness of crowds
A teenager describes anxiety around crowds and social gatherings, and uncertainty about the difference between shyness and an anxiety problem. This is a reader’s personal account, edited for readability. Ages and circumstances refer to the time of submission. It is not a clinical assessment. A reader’s account Hi. My name is Meke, I'm 17 years old and I'm from … [Read more...]
Hi, this is my fear.
A reader describes distress about being watched and worries about needles and possible future diabetes care. This is a reader’s personal account, edited for readability. Ages and circumstances refer to the time of submission. It is not a clinical assessment. A reader’s account Hello, my name is Ivy. I suffer from Scopophobia which is the fear of being watched or … [Read more...]
Terrified of dark houses
A reader describes a specific fear of sleeping alone in a dark home, while feeling differently in other settings. This is a reader’s personal account, edited for readability. Ages and circumstances refer to the time of submission. It is not a clinical assessment. A reader’s account While the fear of the dark generally speaks of being terrified of the dark in … [Read more...]
Fear of letters
A reader describes fear of opening post after receiving an intrusive and upsetting communication. This is a reader’s personal account, edited for readability. Ages and circumstances refer to the time of submission. It is not a clinical assessment. A reader’s account I have a phobia which doesn't appear on the list, and I have no idea what the medical term would be … [Read more...]
Afraid of seeing holes
A medical student describes distress around clustered-hole patterns and how it affects study and everyday life. This is a reader’s personal account, edited for readability. Ages and circumstances refer to the time of submission. It is not a clinical assessment. A reader’s account When I was in the tenth grade, I discovered I had trypophobia. I was in anatomy and … [Read more...]
A phobia probably nobody has – PSAs
A reader describes distress around some public service announcements and unexpected advertising imagery. Graphic descriptions have been condensed in this edited account. This is a reader’s personal account, edited for readability. Ages and circumstances refer to the time of submission. It is not a clinical assessment. A reader’s account I am frightened by some … [Read more...]
Afraid of the moon
An adult reader describes long-standing anxiety around the moon, especially uncertainty about where it is in the night sky. This is a reader’s personal account, edited for readability. Ages and circumstances refer to the time of submission. It is not a clinical assessment. A reader’s account I have had the weirdest phobia for as long as I can remember. I think it … [Read more...]
Unspecified/Unknown Phobia
A teenager describes distress around peacock-feather and moth-wing patterns, as well as anxiety in some social situations. This is a reader’s personal account, edited for readability. Ages and circumstances refer to the time of submission. It is not a clinical assessment. A reader’s account Uh, okay.. To begin, I'm turning 17 in two months. I'm a female, senior in … [Read more...]
Entomophobia is getting progressively worse
A reader describes increasing fear of insects, lost sleep, and memories they associate with the fear. This is a reader’s personal account, edited for readability. Ages and circumstances refer to the time of submission. It is not a clinical assessment. A reader’s account For as long as I can remember, I’ve been petrified by any kind of bug. Anything - ants, … [Read more...]
The Fear of the Cover of Jaws
A reader describes a specific fear of the Jaws cover image and the impact of being deliberately shown it by classmates. This is a reader’s personal account, edited for readability. Ages and circumstances refer to the time of submission. It is not a clinical assessment. A reader’s account Okay, so get ready for a post that sounds 100% made up, but in fact is very … [Read more...]
A phobia of nothing?
A reader reflects on a pet’s death, uncertainty about “nothingness,” and distressing thoughts about the loss of sensation and existence. This is a reader’s personal account, edited for readability. Ages and circumstances refer to the time of submission. It is not a clinical assessment. A reader’s account When I was little, I had a gerbil. He was cute as a button, … [Read more...]
My Fear of Something Really Weird or Random
A reader describes distress around surreal imagery, unsettling videos, and recurring dreams, and asks how to explain the experience. This is a reader’s personal account, edited for readability. Ages and circumstances refer to the time of submission. It is not a clinical assessment. A reader’s account I am really afraid of the strangest and weirdest things. I'm … [Read more...]
Scared of choking
A young reader describes fear of choking after a hospital procedure and recovery with specialist support. Exact weights have been omitted from this edited account. This is a reader’s personal account, edited for readability. Ages and circumstances refer to the time of submission. It is not a clinical assessment. A reader’s account My fear of choking began when I … [Read more...]