6 PHOBIAS YOU DIDN'T KNOW EXISTED

We're all afraid of something, right? Phobias are the fear, mostly the irrational fear, of something. Some of the most common phobias include acrophobia, the fear of heights, and arachnophobia.

But, odds are, there are a ton of phobias that you actually know nothing about. So, in today's blog, we will discuss six little-known phobias. Who knows, maybe you will leave this blog page with a new fear.

1. NOMOPHOBIA

In the age of technology, we all know how unsettling it can be to live a day without our mobile phones by our sides. But, for some, living a day without a phone can feel like a nightmare.

Nomophobia is the irrational fear of being without your mobile phone or unable to see or use it. Triggers for this phobia include

low battery power or no signal. Many people who have this fear may experience it because they were once in a situation where they needed help, but couldn't use their phones to call someone. But, odds are, if you can survive several hours without needing your phone, you don't suffer from this particular phobia.

2. ABLUTOPHOBIA

For some, a bath at home following a long day of work can prove to be relaxing, but others avoid water at all costs when they have this fear. Abultophobia is the irrational fear of bathing, washing, or cleaning yourself. 

This phobia is said to be most common in children and women. Someone who has had a bad experience in water may have this fear. One thing is for certain: many animals suffer from this phobia. 

3. ANUPTAPHOBIA

Do you have that one friend that seems to have a new boyfriend or girlfriend every time you turn around? If you do, it is likely that they suffer from a phobia called anuptaphobia. This is the fear of being single.

I don't think anyone likes to be alone, but anuptaphobiacs take it to the next level, rebounding quickly from lose relationships to assure they will not be left alone for any amount of time following a break up.

4. POGONOPHOBIA

whatever is hiding under those luscious face locks. ​It seems that beards and beard care have risen in popularity in the last five or so years. But, if you have pogonophobia, you've probably been cringing at bearded models and hairy coworkers.

Pogonophobia is the extreme and irrational fear of beards. Some people are said to have this fear due to their inability to grow or maintain a beard themselves. Regardless, it is a rather strange thing to be afraid of...unless, that is, you're afraid of 

5. SAMHAINOPHOBIA

If you're typically afraid of things that go bump in the night, you'll likely have this phobia, which is the fear of Halloween. 

With all of the creepy things that have happened in the U.S. over the past few years, who wouldn't be? Does anyone else remember the "killer clown" trend? Playing
off of another popular phobia, coulrophobia 

(fear of clowns), people dressed up as killer clowns and stalked parks, playgrounds, schools, and other locations in hopes of scaring the bejesus out of unsuspecting bystanders. Here's a video of some of the stunts:

Some suggested that the clown trend may have been a way to promote the newest "It" movie, but the trend has since died down. But on Halloween, when creepy clowns and other scary costumes are put on display, you may have a rational reason to have Samhainophobia.

6. ARACHIBUTYROPHOBIA

If it scares you that Elvis Presley's favorite food was a peanut butter and banana sandwich, you may have this little-known fear, which is the fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of your mouth.

I guess I could see how this could be a fear,

especially for smaller children who may not understand the consistency of peanut butter. But, I myself am a huge lover of peanut butter, so I can say with certainty that I don't suffer from this one.

CONCLUSION

So, I hope you learned something new about some of the phobias people suffer from. While they may seem silly or light-hearted to most of us, some people have a true and paralyzing fear of these things.

Phobias are a type of mental illness, which is why I wanted to cover them in today's Wellness Wednesday blog. I hope you enjoyed, and I hope I didn't scare you too much.

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LEGAL: All photos are my own or taken from Pixabay, a creative commons website that requires no attribution for photo use.