My name is Alicia Daly and I live in county Cork, in Ireland. I am eleven years old and I suffer from foniasophobia, which is the constant fear of being murdered. I usually avoid websites such as Facebook or Twitter as I am scared that a murderer will track me. It sounds ridiculous but I can’t help feeling that way. My fear has led to my avoidance of as many people as possible, which is then the cause of my lack of being able to socialize. I used to sleep with a night-light until I was about ten years old but after that I got rid of it as I found it embarrassing. My phobia has lead to a fear of the dark, too, because I always have these cynical thoughts in my head like: “what if somebody is hiding there in the dark? They might be holding a gun and staring right at me!” I am too scared to tell my parents because they’ll probably just say it’s normal to get a little bit scared every now and then. I’ve told my two best friends, Katie and Eva, about how frightened I am and they reply by saying that they get scared too when they hear a murderer is on the loose. They just don’t understand! Everybody gets scared when they hear a murderer is on the loose but does everybody barricade themselves into the bathroom for about five hours until they calm down again? I have been to quite a few sites to help me with my problem but they just ask stupid questions like “have you ever met anyone that this has happened to?” and I think: “no, I have not met anyone who has been murdered, as they are too busy being dead!” I am in my last year of primary school and I am going to meet hundreds of people I’ve never met before when I go into secondary. Both Katie and Eva are going to a different secondary school. How will I survive?
I have foniasophobia: fear of being murdered
What Now?
Read comments from others dealing with this phobia or share your own experiences below. Also check out the reader stories section.
Brian says
People are pointing their fingers at me like they have a pistol. But only when my back is to them. So I barely see their hands go down when I turn around. There’s a guy I’m living with who said under his breath that he was going to kill me dozens of times. But he pretends to be the nicest person ever. Yesterday, A woman told me, “What if I kill you” in response to my inability to finish work for her. It’s only the 2nd time she has referenced me dying. I honestly think most people are obsessed with death, especially human death because it’s overvalued compared to other life forms. So the psychology behind killers is nerd obsessive. Imo. Anyways, I check the closets, shower, and toilet room and ensure they are empty before I relax, sit down, or sleep. But these are tangible responses. Actual events are spurring my concerns and paranoia. It still sucks, and people are still dangerous. Keep checking your surroundings. Don’t get complacent and become a target. Good luck!
Gigi says
You are not alone. But if I were you, I would try to seek help now. An uncomfortable conversation, or a few, with your parents, might actually lead to you getting help and is a lot better than the alternative. I’m 24 and have the same fears because I never realized this was a feeling that other people didn’t feel – well, the majority of the population. It has also gotten worse as I have gotten older. I am unsure if it is the same with everyone, but I have these terrible visions when I am scared. My mind runs wild with the possibilities of my death. They keep me up at night, which is why I am writing this post. A ping from my watch in the living room to my phone made me sit in bed for hours, wondering who had access to my watch. I was too paralyzed with fear to get out of bed and check the house. Please try to seek help so you are not like me, missing work because you were having visions all night and could not just go check to make yourself feel better.
Prevailer says
I am eleven years old and have foniasophobia, the fear of murder. But in my own case, I am scared of seeing someone murdered and not of myself being murdered. Please, what can I do?
Diyana says
I have the same fear, and I can’t get a chance to tell my parents. I’m afraid that they might think I’m just acting or I just want their attention. I’m losing my interest in everything since my phobia is getting worse. I want to feel safe again. I want to feel that I am not alone. I want to sleep comfortably. But at this time I only sleep in the daytime because I’m more comfortable that way. I’m hoping that all of us are going to be okay and overcome this fear.
Ian says
I cant sleep for hours when I hear noises. I always think it’s some murderer.
let says
I feel safe after reading this. This is exactly what I go through every single day. It’s good having people who understand you.
Yes! says
I feel the same :)
Name says
I can sort of relate to that after hearing about Jeff the killer, but also, I just get nervous in cities. So I kinda get it.
Aidan Holden says
Hey, I have a very similar fear, Scelerophobia. Scelerophobia is the fear of criminals or crime. However, I’m mainly afraid of rapists. Which might sound weird considering I’m a guy. As for why I have it, I’ve heard a story of a guy in a mascot suit raping someone in a public restroom. I was scared that I might be next. But remember, fear is beatable. You can overcome it. But don’t feel embarrassed if you have extreme reactions to your fears. I have extreme reactions too. Besides, you’ve already slightly overcome your fears. You came here, to a social media site. So, in closing, stay strong. And if you need help, get some. Getting help does not make you weak.
Morgan says
I want to go to a therapist because I’m pretty sure I have the same thing. When I go to my car, even in daylight at a gas station, I check my trunk and all of my seats. I have my bed on the floor so no one can hide under it, I have pitch black curtains because I’m scared of being watched and even at school I never like to go to the bathroom by myself or go near a window, I’m so scared. It’s gotten worse since I’ve gotten older and my dad tells me that it’s all the horror movies I watch but horror movies help me think for even just a minute that it’s just all in my head.
Brian says
100% the horror movies that got you into doing that. But good for you. Better to be safe than sorry. Just a few safety checks before bed is no price to pay for finding an intruder lurking, waiting to pounce.
Connor berry says
I dont know if I have the same thing, I’m on insta follow @Officialwolf_27 lol and im fine with that, I believe I get scared because of horror games and every night when I hear a noise I die of heat and I just get my dogs to protect me, I feel your pain.