Fear of Fear Phobia – Phobophobia

Franklin D. Roosevelt’s 1933 inaugural address included the words “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself”. In anxiety, a related experience can occur when someone becomes frightened of becoming frightened. Phobophobia is a descriptive term for this fear of fear, rather than proof of a separate disorder in every case.

The concern may be another panic attack, an uncomfortable bodily sensation, losing control or being embarrassed. It can overlap with panic disorder, agoraphobia or another anxiety problem. The specific pattern matters more than collecting several phobia names.

For example, after a frightening episode on a train, someone may worry about a racing heart before the next journey. Monitoring the body and avoiding the journey may bring brief relief but keep the fear of another episode active. This does not mean that more phobias are inevitable.

Causes of Phobophobia

There is no single cause. Previous panic, stress, learned expectations and the way bodily sensations are interpreted may be relevant. A panic attack can occur in different conditions, and having one does not automatically establish panic disorder.

Both internal sensations and external situations can become triggers. A person does not need to find one hidden “sensitising event” before treatment can begin. Assessment should also consider new physical symptoms, medicines and other relevant health factors.

Symptoms of the fear of fear phobia

Possible anxiety symptoms include the following. You may understand what frightens you and still struggle to manage it. Having a phobia does not mean the fear is entirely unconscious.

• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Uncontrollable Sweating, trembling or shaking
• Trying to flee
• Crying or feeling overwhelmed
• Increased heart rate and shortness of breath

A frightening prediction about a symptom can increase alarm, leading to more monitoring, checking or escape. Panic can feel like a medical emergency, but symptoms cannot safely be diagnosed from their intensity alone. New, severe or unexplained chest pain, breathlessness or fainting needs appropriate medical assessment.

Treating Phobophobia

Seek help when fear of another episode restricts travel, work, sleep or daily tasks. It is not accurate to say that suicide or substance misuse is a usual outcome of this particular fear. If distress is severe or you cannot stay safe, obtain urgent professional help.

CBT is an established treatment for panic and anxiety disorders. A therapist can help with predictions about sensations, avoidance and safety behaviours. When work with bodily sensations is appropriate, it should be planned with relevant health needs in mind, rather than attempted through risky home challenges.

Medication may help some diagnosed conditions, with benefits, risks and follow-up discussed individually. Herbal and homeopathic products are not proven substitutes for treatment, and some interact with medicines. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before changing treatment or adding a product.

Online as well as face-to-face support groups have also been quite beneficial for helping Phobophobics. These may not have the same effect as professional therapies but they can help one take comfort in the fact that s/he is not alone in the fight against Phobophobia.

Recognise the cycle and choose a useful response

• Notice the prediction. “My heart is faster, so I will lose control” is an interpretation to discuss, not proof of what will happen.
• Reduce repeated monitoring. Constantly checking a pulse or asking for guarantees may give short relief while keeping attention on danger. Work with a clinician on an appropriate plan.
• Keep actions safe. Move to a stable place if needed. Do not use breath-holding, over-breathing, stimulants or deliberate sleep loss as a test.
• Return to a small valued task. After assessment and with appropriate support, choose manageable practice instead of waiting for every anxious sensation to disappear.

During a familiar anxiety episode, comfortable breathing and attention to the immediate surroundings may help you remain engaged. These strategies should support your treatment plan and should not delay care for new or concerning physical symptoms.

Recovery is often measured by doing more of what matters with less checking and avoidance, rather than guaranteeing that fear will never occur again.