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Are you repulsed by clusters or patterns of small holes?
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Trypophobia is a type of phobia that can be described as an intense, irrational fear or dislike of clusters or patterns of small holes.
People who suffer from trypophobia may feel discomfort or panic when they see objects with small holes grouped together, such as honeycombs, lotus seeds, foam, or certain types of coral.
It is not an officially recognized phobia in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), but can still cause suffering. Help is available.
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The causes of trypophobia are not fully understood and research on this phenomenon is still limited. However, some theories try to explain why some people develop trypophobia. There may be evolutionary reasons where the holes are reminiscent of infection or disease and therefore there is a strong reaction to it. Other theories are that certain natural patterns over-stimulate our visual system and thus create discomfort. Some explanatory models describe that life experiences, learning and difficult events such as trauma linked to the patterns could be the cause. It is also unclear whether trypophobia is a phobia, as it is discussed that it is a feeling of disgust and not fear.
According to the Canadian Psychological Association, around one in 10 Canadians experience phobias. These can range from common phobias such as claustrophobia, fear of heights, social phobia, and snake phobia, to lesser known ones such as trypophobia. It is unclear how common trypophobia is but some research shows that up to 15% of the population suffers from the phobia.
If you suffer from trypophobia, there are certain symptoms that most people tend to have. They can vary in severity with some having milder symptoms while others have more severe ones. Some of the symptoms include:
Phobias can also lead to avoidance behaviours where you may start to limit your life in different ways. It is therefore important to seek help and treatment if you have problems that affect your quality of life.
Trypophobia is treatable. The treatment is adapted to each person and the severity of the problem. Treatment may include:
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): This is one of the most effective treatment methods for phobias. CBT focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns, managing emotions linked to triggering objects, and changing behaviours that contribute to anxiety. The therapy helps individuals to gradually expose themselves to triggers in a controlled and systematic process, reducing anxiety over time.
Medication: Some people with trypophobia may find medication, such as antidepressants (especially SSRIs) or anti-anxiety medication helpful. These medications can help control anxiety symptoms, making it easier to participate in therapy and daily activities.
It is important to remember that treatment is individualized. It is also important to seek help from a qualified health professional to get effective treatment for your phobia.
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Seeking professional help can significantly improve your quality of life. It gives you effective tools to manage phobias and can change the pattern you have developed that causes anxiety. Seeking help for psychological problems can feel intimidating, but talking to a psychologist can be extremely liberating and helpful if you are living with a phobia that is hindering your daily life.
Life is too short to let phobias limit you. Therefore, therapy is a step in the right direction to help you live a full and rich life. If you or someone you know is living with phobias, professional therapy can make a real difference. Our therapists and psychologists offer a confidential and safe environment to explore and treat your phobias.
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A phobia is an irrational and intense fear or anxiety about a particular object, situation or activity. This fear is usually long-lasting and can be very limiting in daily life.
Ordinary fear is a natural reaction to an actual danger, while a phobia is an exaggerated fear that has no rational explanation. Phobias can be triggered even when there is no actual risk.
Yes, phobias are one of the most common forms of mental health problems. It is estimated that a significant proportion of the population suffers from at least one form of phobia.
Trypophobia is an intense, irrational fear or dislike of clusters of small holes. People suffering from trypophobia may feel discomfort or anxiety when they see objects with small holes grouped together, such as honeycombs, lotus seeds, foam, or certain types of coral.
If you have trypophobia, you may experience feelings of discomfort or anxiety at the sight of clusters of small holes. You may have emotional reactions, such as nausea, skin crawling, or a feeling of ‘creeping’. You may also have physical symptoms, such as sweating, shaking, or heart palpitations.
Treatment involves cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and, if necessary, medication.
Exposure is a tool used in CBT to gradually approach a fear in a systematic and safe way.
Yes, untreated phobias can lead to other problems such as depression or other anxiety disorders. You may start to avoid things, which can make you feel depressed.
It is unclear what the cause is, but there are a few theories, including evolutionary causes, where the holes are reminiscent of infection or disease, and that certain patterns in nature over-stimulate our visual system and therefore cause discomfort. Life experiences, learning and difficult events can also be the cause. It is also theorized that it is mainly a feeling of disgust and not fear, and therefore would not be classified as a phobia.
Yes, with the right treatment and support, phobic symptoms can be treated. However, it usually requires the help of a licensed psychologist or qualified therapist.
It is not fully understood but some research suggests that up to 15% of the population may suffer from the phobia.
If you suffer from a phobia, we recommend that you contact a licensed psychologist or qualified therapist. You can book a first appointment with one of our therapists here at Lavendla. We make the difficult easier.
Seeking treatment for mysophobia can feel overwhelming, but remember that you are not alone in your journey to overcome your fear. There is help available and here is an idea of what it might look like:
The first step is to understand that you have a phobia and that it is okay to seek help for it. A professional will help you evaluate your situation and understand what is causing your fear.
You will learn about your phobia and how it affects you both physically and mentally. It is important to understand what happens in your body, thoughts and feelings when the fear occurs. You will also set goals for your treatment.
This works on identifying and changing patterns of thinking that are linked to the fear. This will help you develop a more nuanced understanding and increase your ability to manage the phobia. Exposure therapy can be scary, but it is an effective way to gradually face your fears. Together with your therapist, you will explore situations that trigger your phobia and learn how to deal with them. You will also have homework to practice between sessions.
In some cases, doctors may suggest medication to help with anxiety symptoms. This is something you and your doctor can discuss if appropriate.
You will have support from your psychologist throughout the process. At the end of the treatment, you will also receive a plan to continue practicing to maintain your progress over time.
Feel free to book a first session with one of our licensed psychologists or therapists to see how we can help you. Together, we can make the difficult easier.