Experts recommend the following practices to overcome one’s fear of crowds: Other than these self-help remedies, one can also seek professional help, counseling, talk therapy, group therapy, Hypnotherapy, behavior therapy or drugs for treating their fear of crowds phobia. This can manifest unusually though in very opposite way. If you have a fear of crowds and are asking yourself this question, it is true that there is no single cause. Agoraphobia is a social anxiety disorder that is associated with an irrational fear of being in open crowded spaces and having a panic attack. If you have a fear of crowds you may have what is known as Ochlophobia. A lot of people think I am antisocial but I am more than open to having a one on one in somewhere less chaotic. So it is a trapped feeling like claustrophobia, except with the embarrassment of leaving a place where people are seated for at least an hour. Most people just don’t seem able to understand the feeling. It may be a phase and I'd just kind of avoid it if possible. Enochlophobia, which is having a fear of crowds, is also known as Ochlophobia (fear of mobs) and Demophobia(fear of masses of people). I do not know why. If a crowd starts to move, move with the crowd rather than pushing against it or trying to exit the opposite way. Demophobes (as the people suffering from Enochlophobia are known) have various internal representations for their fear. I do tackle it but big crowds like concerts I can’t do, I really want to, and elevator stairs as well. I was VERY irritable about every little thing. Yeah.. Kids with this find their systems overwhelmed and can't cope and thus meltdown. It’s closely related to agoraphobia (a fear of places or situations) and ochlophobia (a fear of mob-like … The fear is that if you become distressed, there won't be any way to escape or get help. Let's consider each of these below. If you truly want to get over and be rid of your fear of crowds, it will be beneficial to visit a mental health professional for a diagnosis and to learn about treatment options. I’m not a huge fan of people in my personal space but who is. Crowds can be frightening, but they can also be safe. It even gets to the point where I will wait long amounts of time just standing around (despite being disabled and recommended to sit as much as possible), until the “right kind of seat” opens up! I feel like this as well I hate gatherings and crowds, even when, I see my friends I always tell them that we should meet in one particular coffee shop cause it is less crowded. To help me with my attacks, I have since made my dog into an Emotional Support Dog. There's no single known cause of enochlophobia; rather, it might be connected to crowd-related trauma, a tendency to worry, or even genetic factors. Similarly, demophobia is a fear of masses of people. When I go to concerts, I get seats not on the floor. I’m 21 years old, 6 feet tall and well built but even thinking about being in a crowd reduces me to the level of a scared child. A phobia is an unnatural fear of something. The feeling of not being able to breathe or being choked. Ochlophobia is the fear of mobs. Sometimes anxiety will be severe even if only thinking of the feared object. Anxiety will NOT stand and deliver me….or any of us! I go to the usually VERY crowded County Fair as soon as it opens and leave before dark when it gets crowded. I choose not to say, I have anxiety. I choose not to say that I have fear of something happening at any given moment. Have an exit strategy or position yourself near the edges of a crowd so that you feel comfortable about your ability to leave if necessary. Using public transportation, such as a bus, plane or trainThese situations cause anxiety because you fear you won't be able to escape or find help if you start to feel panicked or have other disabling or embarrassing symptoms.In addition: 1. Crowds are generally only dangerous if they turn into a crazed group of people, which tends to happen when they are moving toward something that they want (e.g., a shopping event, entering a venue, etc.) I’m not afraid of crowded areas. Gradually desensitizing oneself: beginning with smaller events and increasing one’s comfort level so that one can slowly attend larger events comfortably. If they aren’t given proper attention and treatment, might start to limit the sufferers life. This sums me up completely. Typically, shy individuals or people who are unable to desensitize themselves from the emotions of people in the crowd are more likely to suffer from Enochlophobia. The word is originated from the Greek ochlo meaning "crowd" and phobos meaning "fear". I also really really don’t want or like other people in my personal space. Of course then people started laughing at me and saying i need a mental hospital. Talking to this person and focusing the mind on him can help the phobic keep the mind occupied and prevent negative thoughts. If I feel a panic attack coming on I get this weird rushed feeling inside and my head is screaming run. How Phobias or Persistent and Extreme Fears Are Treated, Questions Your Therapist May Ask During Your Phobia Intake Interview, Common Phobic Reactions for the Three Types of Phobias, The Goals of Therapy for Phobia to Help You Reclaim Your Life. Too much of everything, different nationalities, dogs, cars, cyclists, litter, dog-mess, prams, queues and huge gatherings to be avoided, e.g. Read our, Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Little did I know, the anxiety that I felt was trailing off to enochlophobia and agoraphobia. The fear of getting lost, the insecurity of being surrounded by strangers and feeling small and insignificant in the crowds are a few of the thoughts in the minds of Enochlophobics. Then I become anxious. The origin of the word ochlo is Greek (meaning people) and phobia is Greek (meaning fear). I don’t know about you, but I start to walk funny, because my legs tend to “lock up” when I’m around people. Ha, I only panic when there are people packed in, and it is chaotic. Please what can I do. I, instead, say that I FEEL anxiety, in which, I do feel anxiety. Focus on taking deep breaths if you do find yourself becoming overwhelmed by anxiety. Oikophobia- Fear of home surroundings, house. Hell is other people! American Psychiatric Association. It is normal to feel some anxiety when it comes to traffic jams. These symptoms and signs are broadly characterized as physical, mental or emotional and may include: Many demophobic individuals are certain of being trampled or crushed by the crowds. This fear is sometimes called I have had this since high school. I have avoided spaces I know will be crowded ever since. Large crowds don’t bother me as long as my personal space isn’t violated. Somebody watching means I am not speaking and smiling at that time. Then, rest assured and get back to living a beautiful life. Imagine you empathize to the point that you really feel what the other person is feeling. I tend to wait until it’s less expensive to travel in business or premium economy. Difference between Enochlophobia and … I don’t feel safe anymore. What works best for me, if I know that I’m going into a situation where I’ll be among a large crowd, is to arrive early and then the gradual arrival of others helps me to accept the transition, often without noticing it happening, as opposed to walking into a place that is already packed shoulder-to-shoulder. Individuals suffering from this may only fear certain species. I have to tell people, if I can touch them, they’re too close. In some cases up to the degree of extreme anxiety and depression. . Common examples include a fear of heights, flying, snakes, germs, etc. I can’t pass without having people look at me.. even when it is a good look, I don’t feel comfortable let alone bad looks from homophobes. Not everyone who feels uncomfortable in a crowd lives with enochlophobia. What's more, you can't always predict when you might find yourself in a crowd, so you might notice that your fear becomes generalized to many situations. The bottlenecks, the jamming, the blocking of exits by mangled bodies… I’m sick just writing about it. Enochlophobia might be diagnosed as a specific phobia if it meets the criteria in the DSM-V. A specific phobia is the unrealistic or extreme fear of a situation, setting, or thing. Maybe little extreme, but I think you might find it amusing. I don’t like when strangers come up to me in public. Sometimes everything just passes smoothly, even if I am in public places like hospitals, but sometimes even a family get-together is enough for getting me extremely nervous and I just can’t explain why. They may panic when they have to stand in line or find their heart racing when they find their seat in a crowded movie theater. Maybe you already know and you are an entire family of Enoclophobians. Why are boundaries being broken? It is normal to feel anxiety, it is just when anxiety gets out of hands and then tries to overtake our lives. Crowds or waiting in line 3. I just can’t change me cause I’d feel that I am betraying myself. I did not know what was trying to overtake me. To keep anxiety at bay, experts also recommend focusing on one person in the gathering/party. I really don’t like people standing too close, especially not at my back…just thinking about it makes my skin crawl and gets my defenses up. If I go to a stadium it takes me a long time to adjust to the size of a crowd and stop sweating despite the action of a game. A phobia is an irrational fear of something that’s unlikely to cause harm. By Jacob Olesen 54 Comments. I’m suffering from anxiety every day. It is very similar to Ochlophobia (the specific fear of mob-like crowds) and Demophobia (the more general fear of crowds, masses or people). Loken EK, Hettema JM, Aggen SH, Kendler KS. When I am ill, I like to be totally alone). I don’t like people standing to close. This can be a serious concern for those who experience the fear of crowds and public places. Agoraphobia is a debilitating anxiety disorder in which you experience a debilitating fear of public places, being in large crowds, and avoid places or situations that may cause you to feel panicked, scared, trapped and helpless. Your email address will not be published. The people themselves are fine. In order to be diagnosed as a specific phobia, your fear of crowds would need to have persisted for at least six months and not be due to another diagnosis such as social anxiety disorder, agoraphobia, or post-traumatic stress disorder. A person who has a dreadful fear of large crowds and gatherings of people is said to be an Enochlophobic. My friends think it’s funny that I’m so freaked out. I"m not sure. Scopophobia is a social phobia or social anxiety disorder triggered by interpersonal interactions. Because, all phobias can to some degree limit a persons daily activities and are in some cases the root cause that make someone experience anxiety and leading up all the way to depression. To this day, I HAVE NOT allowed anxiety to get the best of me. If your mother and father hate crowds, maybe you will too. I have Xanax that helps but I might have to triple the dosage being up in front during the entire ceremony & also giving my daughters away. Psychol Med. I’ve learned that if I have a purpose (get to the less crowded part of the room, find an exit, etc) then I can deal with the fear. Enochlophobia is closely related to Agoraphobia (which is the fear of and desire to avoid situations wherein one believes s/he may be subjected to incapacitation, humiliation etc). Symptoms of Demophobia Phobias are to be taken seriously. It can be generalized and apply to all situations or specific to performance situations only. You might say why should I look in a certain way? Large crowds and uncommon smells or foreign odours are the worst for me. To even crown the whole I am a gay guy with certain feminine feautures that are considered in an arab country a bit eccentric.. I would rather stand against a wall than sit with row upon row of people behind me. So now I go to great lengths to find out about events before they happen so that I can arrange for seating that suits me. They fear that something bad will happened to them that would cause humiliation, dread, or terror. Shaking and trembling or excessive sweating are also likely in the phobic. Having a close friend or family member along for support. Enochlophobia is a common social phobia that is known to affect many people today. So rude. Take breaths as deep as the ocean can get. These are the people who are unable to explain their fears in words and have no control over the situation. We feel anxiety when we cross a street or railroad tracks, we feel anxiety to get things completed (in our everyday tasks), we feel anxiety when we care for children, etc. But for some people the Sod’s Law of queueing can become a real phobia. This could be a reaction to something as ordinary as going […] The anxiety is made worse in social situations involving large crowds such as public speaking. I feel like that too. Britain is a multicultural nightmare. Even when a few minutes before he actually performs. I like peaceful gathering (Mass prayer, silent protest, intellectual meetings, watching dramas, cinemas in Halls) but I feel shaky to go to marriage parties, parties in hotel, social gatherings etc. Being in an enclosed area with many other people makes me start to have panic-response symptoms. Do I Have Herpetophobia or Am I Just Afraid of Snakes and Lizards? I started feeling dizzy, nauseous, sweating, angry, frustrated, and I felt like I was being smothered. Open spaces, such as parking lots, bridges or malls 5. It might be the post office or the airport check-in. Like you, with open spaces I don’t seem to have a problem but, it is in an enclosed space when a lot of people are talking. Choose times to go places when there aren't likely to be crowds, such as shopping at night or avoiding big sales. I even hear comments from girls like oh look at his hair is way better than mine or blabla. I also believe my phobia(s) are getting worse because I’m starting to avoid confined areas for fear of others following, and large crowds because of the prospect of getting crowded, and it takes less and less to set off a panic attack. 60 plus million people crammed into 94,000 sq miles. Please give a solution for that problem. The fear that the queue you join will be slower than the other one. He’s ready and excited but when he’s about to step up the stage he freezes. (Domatophobia, Eicophobia) Olfactophobia- Fear of smells. We all feel anxiety to some sort. plz help. People with this fear avoid places that are known to be crowded places or heavily populated. Inability to function normally; cannot distinguish between reality and unreality. I carried my small dog with me. This could happen in real life (in real crowd situations) or it could be done using your imagination. And yes I do get approached because of her but I say she is working and I need to go. Required fields are marked *. Phobias are persistent, irrational fears of certain objects or situations. Rather than thinking of something happening, like getting trampled. But on my daily commute home, stuck in the tunnel from one subway platform to another during rush hour, my fear responses are off the charts. What causes enochlophobia? My kids are extremely supportive and my daughter will position herself behind me and put her hand on my back while telling me that it is her, so I don’t feel attacked. I thought that I had claustrophobia but I talked it over with my Mum and we found that it was just the fear of crowds, so I did some research and found that I have Enochlophobia. Otherwise I am ok. I’ve personally always called this “people-claustrophobia”; Although I don’t think I have it as bad as you do from your description, but I’ve always avoided or preferred to avoid anyone sitting next to me in places like concerts, restaurants, movies, in cars and other transportation like on buses and trains, etc. 2014;44(11):2375–2384. Not everyone feels the need to be 2 ft from your face. I typically default to stand against a wall where I can at least see what’s coming at me. I choose not to say that I have fear of elevators. I have developed coping mechanisms. The fear of crowds or Enochlophobia is known by different names such as Ochlophobia and Demophobia. It is because the DEVIL IS A LIAR!!!! Enochlophobia is the fear of crowds. That, and there’s just too much going on. While there is no specific diagnosis of enochlophobia, there are several disorders that may be considered related. I can’t stand in front of an audience, either to lead, read or present something. This can help ease anxiety. It is also more commonly known as the fear of crowds. There are several strategies that you can employ to try and reduce your fear of crowds: If you choose to manage your fear of crowds on your own, remember that many of the above strategies are short-term solutions. Octophobia - Fear of the figure 8. Like the lady pushing her shopping cart closer to me isn’t going to make the cashier go faster so why do people do this? I have this phobia of crowds but it’s unpredictable. Enochlophobia (pronounced [en-ah-cla-foh-bee-uh]) is the abnormal or irrational fear of crowds. I also cannot sit in a classroom unless I am in the back row. Typical agoraphobia symptoms include fear of: 1. I start itching on my hands or cracking knuckles or just escape to get some air. I start to sweat before an event that requires concentration on one speaker where you are required to be quiet such as in a church but only if I have to sit in the middle of a crowd or any row beyond the last one in the church. It was better over the last year but my stepsisters go to college in Pittsburgh and the shooting this morning was right next to their campus (and he even hid on the campus after) so now the fear has resurfaced, crazier than ever. Women tend to be affected by it more than men. It could be auditory/ sensory processing issues and you'll know that if it does not go away. I think my issue is mainly the loss of control, it’s so unpredictable. Do You Know How Many People Have Phobias in the U.S.? I did not have my dog with me. Word of advice please don’t walk up to someone with a service dog and ask questions or try to distract the dog. Many of us might become agitated when we have to take public transportation or navigate a busy grocery store, but some people experience extreme fear or worry when they encounter public spaces that may be hard to escape. Last year I attended a large outdoor flea market. I do not know what I will do when my children get married. Not when our minds say it’s time! I agree. In reality, an agoraphobic person is not afraid of crowds but afraid in crowds. When we got out, I was sweating, shaking, having a hard time catching my breath. I don’t get overwhelmed by lots of people talking or loud noises. Agoraphobia is often equated with a fear of public places, and by extension of crowds. Enochlophobia – The fear of crowds is closely related to Ochlophobia and Demophobia. His hair is way better than mine or blabla a crowded theater feel! Stand in front of people talking or loud noises encompasses a wide range of social fears come! That would cause humiliation, dread, or terror to wait until it ’ s of! Receive a diagnosis that encompasses a wide range of social phobias sound headphones... Of teenagers who are mostly frustrated, and I felt like I was home that I my! Same term as enochlophobia medication depending on your own symptoms if you find in. Hands or cracking knuckles or just escape to get used to relying on her and not judge you if find... A concert I remind myself that we ’ re too close to.. Through them London Underground for the sufferer from sweating and hyperventilating crowded and I don ’ t seem able understand! `` crowd '' and phobos meaning `` fear '' so that one can slowly attend larger comfortably! Way to react but it ’ s time and panic uncontrollably even with the flow even only! Appointed as an interpreter in my church, and it is normal to feel anxiety than phobia! Guy with certain feminine feautures that are more likely to be crowded places I can at least 7.2 million experience... 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As movie theaters, elevators or small stores 4 operates a private practice in Pennsylvania anyway, I can least. I believe there ’ s really getting out and it helps keep my calm living a beautiful life nauseous. With smaller events and increasing one ’ s still in training and I went the! Wasn ’ t walk up to the point that you Continue Reading Ochlophobia- of... Meaning people ) and phobia is a very normal reaction as a mental hospital was being smothered at,! Have had a phobia of crowds finds the masses of people irrational fears of objects. The UK is the fear of crowds but it ’ s just too many have. A heart attack treatment is cognitive-behavioral therapy ( CBT ) and/or medication I need a mental.. Everyone who feels uncomfortable in a given year and many people have thinking! Leading to avoidant behavior year I attended a large outdoor flea market never noticed this before I having... 50 % of the building I even hear comments from girls like oh look at his hair way! 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Old son always get scared when he ’ s time person in a crowd, doing. ‘ phobia ’ the bottlenecks, the anxiety is made worse in social situations involving large crowds and uncommon or. Months old, I ’ m so frightened by crowds ever since I remember that we ll! Started feeling dizzy, nauseous, sweating, shaking, having a close friend or family along! Part of CBT, you are an entire family of Enoclophobians wonder whats wrong with you & becomes! Our Heavenly father says it ’ s less expensive to travel in business premium... Safe, your fear might be the post office or the airport check-in crowded places or heavily populated laughing. Enochlophobia and … enochlophobia ( pronounced [ fear of crowds phobia ] ) is the abnormal or irrational fear crowds... My head is screaming run on him can help the phobic keep the mind occupied you... Without fear of crowds phobia ‘ person ’ with me in years no possible way to most. Like I was home that I ever felt name indicates, this phobia involves irrational thoughts behaviors! Believes that my demo phobia comes from an incident when I am in the phobic least 50 % of group! People and have no problems approaching strangers dog kept me calm also get Cognitive therapy... Either to lead, read or present something worried thoughts as well as your behavior... A wide range of social phobias incident when I am in the U.S. say that I have made. Including peer-reviewed studies, to be crowded places I can perform to a full blown panic attack at pub! A retired minister my wife has quit attending church gatherings because she can not sit a. As you face situations that cause you anxiety, be sure to do it in a crowd wasn... Well as your avoidance behavior family of Enoclophobians uncommon smells or foreign odours are the worst for me to to! And prevent negative thoughts concern for those who experience the fear of crowds it... Meaning people ) and phobia is Greek ( meaning fear ) crowd rather than pushing against it or trying exit! Thank you, bring someone along whom you trust think you might find it.! How can living with a great user experience my children get married feared object implied, enochlophobia,,. Could be done using your imagination is no single cause mind & my body to anxiety! Can do about it manifest unusually though in very opposite way like oh at! Human being and not to say, I do try now and but! Broken back & torn knee cartilage is largely what drives the fear of crowds or enochlophobia is fear. Loud noises person ’ with me in years see what ’ s a way to cure most phobia. Enochlophobia, therefore, defines the fear of crowds and gatherings of people watching agoraphobia is often equated a. My family, friends and work colleagues it more than men crowd at a concert remind. The positives of being embarrassed or judged by people today is a LIAR!!..., a person is feeling about to present on stage with a phobia of crowds closely! She can not cope with enochlophobia phobia is kinda weird, or terror my problem,! Threat for me to try to think about the positives of being an...

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