Winton Eliott
Does the thought of being alone send chills down your spine? If so, you might have a condition called “autophobia.”
This is when someone experiences intense fear surrounding solitude, isolation, or being ignored or abandoned.
If you would rather be around people than by yourself, you’re probably an extrovert. There’s nothing wrong with this personality type unless it starts to negatively impact your mental health and happiness.
While loneliness is not the same as autophobia, it can nevertheless contribute to symptoms linked to chronic stress, which is why both are crucial to handle and cure.
What is autophobia?
Autophobia, also known as monophobia, isolophobia, or eremophobia, is an extreme fear of being alone.
It is different from feelings of loneliness or social anxiety in that it arises from a deep-seeded fear.
When you have autophobia, you might feel like you’re constantly in danger when left to your own devices.
This can make it hard to enjoy time by yourself and make it difficult to be alone in any capacity, whether it’s being in an empty room or taking a solo trip.
If you suffer from autophobia, there are treatment options available that can help you to manage your fear and live a more fulfilling life.
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What causes a fear of being alone?
There’s no one answer to this question since autophobia can develop for different reasons.
Learned behavior
Autophobia, or the fear of being alone, is a learned behavior. In most cases, it develops in early childhood, when children are first starting to spend time away from their parents or caregivers.
If a child is constantly surrounded by people and never given the chance to be alone, they may come to fear it as they get older.
Additionally, if a child is constantly scolded or made to feel ashamed when they’re alone, they may also develop autophobia.
Traumatic event
In some cases, autophobia can develop after a traumatic event.
If you experienced a traumatic event while you were alone, such as being attacked or stranded in a dangerous place, you may start to associate being alone with the trauma.
This can cause you to feel fear and anxiety whenever you’re by yourself.
Genetic disposition
There is also some evidence to suggest that autophobia can be passed down from generation to generation. If your parents or grandparents suffer from autophobia, you may be more likely to develop it as well.
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What are the symptoms of autophobia?
Autophobia can manifest in a variety of ways. Some people may only experience mild symptoms while others may find that their fear is so severe that it interferes with their daily lives.
The most common symptoms of autophobia include:
- Fear of being alone in public places
- Fear of being alone at home
- Fear of being separated from loved ones
- Avoidance of social situations
- Intrusive thoughts about being alone
- Anxiety or panic attacks when alone
- Agitation or restlessness when alone
- Physical symptoms such as sweating, racing heart, and dizziness when alone
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek help from a mental health professional.
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Is autophobia a mental illness?
Autophobia is not currently recognized as a mental illness by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
However, it is considered a type of specific phobia, which is an intense fear or anxiety about a particular thing or situation.
Specific phobias are relatively common, affecting up to 7% of the population. Women are more likely to be affected than men.
While autophobia is not a mental illness, it can still have a significant impact on your life.
If left untreated, autophobia can lead to social isolation, depression, and anxiety. It can also make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships.
How do I know if I have autophobia?
If you’re concerned that you may have autophobia, it’s important to seek professional help. A mental health professional can assess your symptoms and provide a diagnosis.
To be diagnosed with a specific phobia, you must:
- Experience intense fear or anxiety in response to the object or situation
- Avoidance of the object or situation
- Interference in your daily life
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek help from a mental health professional.
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How is autophobia treated?
There are a number of effective treatments for autophobia, including:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
CBT is a type of therapy that helps you to identify and change negative thought patterns. CBT can be an effective treatment for autophobia as it can help you to challenge your fear and learn new ways of coping.
Exposure therapy
Exposure therapy is a type of CBT that involves gradually exposing yourself to the thing you’re afraid of. This can help you to gradually overcome your fear.
Medication
In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help manage symptoms of anxiety or panic. Medication is not a cure for autophobia but it can help to reduce symptoms.
If you’re concerned that you may have autophobia, it’s important to seek professional help. A mental health professional can assess your symptoms and provide a diagnosis.
Read also: What is Empathic Listening
The bottom line
Autophobia, or the fear of being alone, is a specific phobia that can have a significant impact on your life if left untreated.
There are a number of effective treatments for autophobia, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, and medication.
If you’re concerned that you may have autophobia, it’s important to seek professional help.
Autophobia can manifest in a variety of ways, including feelings of anxiety, isolation, and loneliness. Individuals with autophobia may avoid social situations, decline invitations from friends or family, and miss work or school.
In severe cases, autophobia can lead to panic attacks and agoraphobia. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to reach out for help.
With treatment, you can learn to manage your fear and live a full and satisfying life.
