This phobia may be more common than you realize. The line at the elevator and the number of individuals walking down the stairs may be an indicator or the prevalence of this fear.

The Underlying Fear of Escalators

The major source of fear among Escalaphobes may have to do with a more common fear of heights. Many individuals who have a fear of escalators will also say they have very few problems going up an escalator, but they freeze up when it comes to going down. It may well be the height and fear of falling that converge to make this a difficult fear to overcome.

The second primary fear inducer may have its roots in a traumatic childhood experience involving an escalator, or stories that may have been told about an escalator. Many who fear this object of convenience will recall stories of how children got their shoelaces caught in the escalator and were either injured or pulled into the escalator. While there is little in the way of support for this idea (in most cases) it seems to be a common story that provided the initial and growing fear experienced by Escalaphobes.

Fear Symptoms Associated with the Escalator

More severe symptoms may include…

• Nausea
• Increased heart rate
• Panic attacks
• Visible trembling
• Crying or screaming if forced to try

Overcoming Your Fear of Escalators

It may interest you to know that sometimes the fear you experience may be caused by a lack of depth perception. Sometimes individuals who experience this fear can find the courage to try if they can hold the hand of a trusted friend while riding the escalator. Others have experienced success by having a friend directly in front and other directly behind them while riding the escalator. This allows the individual to feel secure while blocking a view that may enhance the fear. A visit with your eye care professional can also assist in improving your depth perception.

It can also be a help to those who fear escalators to hold onto the railing and look straightforward while ascending or descending.

Additionally many experts recommend that consumers not wear Croc type footwear while using the escalator as they can occasionally become entangled.

We have included a video that deals with some of the typical scenarios associated with this type of phobia. This could potentially be a bit frightening for some, but we promise it does end happily and with one individual who found reason enough to ride the escalator.

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It doesn’t take long to view a medication advertisement on television and hear a list of potential side effects that seem to take up half of the commercial. While this listing has become mandatory it can also serve to instill a fear of all medicine while seeking to provide full disclosure on a singular drug.

What Causes Pharmacophobia

Many adults think back to a time in childhood when they tried to take a medication. They may be able to remember an offensive taste or a pill that didn’t go down causing a gag reflex. While adults may dismiss the severity of this type of episode it can provide the basis for a strong emotional response in adulthood.

An individual may observe someone who has taken medication and suffered through some of the side effects leaving the observer to conclude that medication does more harm than good. This can be the conclusion even if logic can pinpoint the help medication can provide in so many instances.

This fear can even come from entertaining the idea that medical companies are trying to keep people unhealthy so they will require more medications. The thought of a conspiracy seems unbelievable to many, but to one who has this fear it can not only seem possible, but probable.

Symptoms of Pharmacophobia

An individual who has this fear may refuse to visit a doctor because they ultimately fear being prescribed medication. In the worst scenarios the individual will refuse all medical treatment.

Other symptoms include…

• Nausea
• Sweating
• Loose bowels
• Air Hunger
• Trembling
• Crying
• Fainting
• Panic
• Profound anxiety
• Dry mouth

Even when the individual rationally understands that the medication can help them with a medical issue they can’t seem to escape the belief that something far  more terrible awaits if they take the medication.

How to Overcome Pharmacophobia

This fear will require an intervention of logic. In other words the individual may need help understanding how the medication can benefit their medical condition and how the benefits may be more substantial than the side effects.

Certain therapists may be able to address gag reflex issues that may be present.

The human brain is an incredible device that stores and retrieves memories and experiences with as little as a taste, touch or smell. Those experiences (both positive and negative) can affect life decisions as long as we allow them to. Obviously if the experience was good we want to repeat it, but if it was bad our minds may work overtime to convince us it should be avoided at all costs.  This is actually a positive reactionary purpose for the brain. The trouble starts when that brain begins to assign strong danger to things that may not be dangerous.

The fear of taking medicine is also referred to as:

• Medication fear
• Medication related anxiety
• Pharmacophobia

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In some individuals the use of symbolism is an important key to emotionally connecting with tradition. Some use symbolism to honor their heritage or to find a connection with something they view as sacred. However, for others the connection to symbolism is not viewed favorably. In fact this fear rushes to err on the side of suspicion and betrayal.

What Causes Symbolophobia?

This fear dangles on the key chain of a lack of knowledge or appreciation for symbols that either link us to our past or portend an alteration to our future.

If a parent demonstrates an unease about certain symbols the result can be a child or children that find it difficult if not impossible to embrace change that is linked to symbolism.

Symbolophobia is also a contributor to theories about apocalyptic events that have not happened. If a symbol is give the attribute of something that is a precursor to a catastrophe then that symbol is fear for what it may ultimately mean.

Symptoms of Symbolophobia

It will become obviously apparent who may suffer from this fear when confronted with symbols. It can make the individual uncomfortable, but it can also be severe enough that the individual will flee the presence of the symbol.

Other symptoms may include…

• Air hunger
• Elevated heart rate
• Trembling
• Nausea
• Control loss
• Irrational actions followed by embarrassment
• Weeping
• Screaming

It can be troublesome to these phobics to exist in a place where the past can haunt them with the visual cue of symbolism and their future can seem a place of horror at the sight of a separate symbol.

How to Overcome Symbolophobia

The intellect must win the war against this fear. If the emotional part of your mind gives all power to how the object makes you feel then you will always succumb to fear. If, however, your mind can consider the symbols as little more than an object that can have no power we don’t give it then restoration can begin to take place.

For instance a wedding ring symbolizes a marriage, but is not the marriage itself. The ring is essentially a visible statement that a marriage has taken place and that the individual is in a committed relationship with their partner. That symbolism may or may not actually be true. Some will wear the ring long after a marriage has ended or they may elect not to wear the ring even when they are committed to their partner. Symbolism does not always provide an accurate picture of truth. This will be an important concept for those who live with Symbolophobia.

The fear of symbolism is also referred to as:

• Symbol fear
• Fear of symbols
• Symbolophobia

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The Cause of Technophobia

For the Luddite the fear of technology was not in the capability of the technology nor was it a fear of using the technology. This fear was built around the idea that the automation of industry using technology would effectively eliminate the need for human workers. They resisted technology as a means of assuring their own employment.

Today the fear of technology often means a fear of losing strongly held values and ideology. Movies like Terminator and even Frankenstein can cause individuals to fear that technology will one day overtake the human race and rule by force or tyranny.

There can also be the fear of simply learning the skills of technology. Many who are mechanically inclined have little love for a machine that has no cogs, wheels or other identifiable means of operation. Whatever the core fear, technophobes are found in abundance in colleges and universities around the world. Some countries have even seen evidence of technophobia as high as 80% in incoming students.

The Signs of Technophobia

The fear of technology most often manifests itself in a refusal to use technology. The individual may or may not actually run from the sight of a computer, but they will steadfastly resist the potential use of technology. They will provide ample reasons for why they should not or will not use the technology. The following list relates to more severe cases.

• Anxiety when encountering new technology
• The strong belief that technology will rule your life
• Increased heart rate
• A strong urge to flee
• Panic attack

Overcoming the Fear of Technology

For many individuals Technophobia may be lodged in misunderstanding. If a technophobe has someone who can help show the benefits of technology gently with an empathy to their phobia the individual may be more willing to at least consider that technology.

The fear of technology can also be seen in those who once used technology and then found themselves in a position where they no longer used it. There can be strong intimidation trying to catch up on all the advances that have been made since you last used technology.

In all cases individuals need to understand that technology is a tool that can be used to accomplish extremely complex goals as well as very simple ones.

• Cell phones can be useful not only for getting in touch with family and friends, but also in case of emergency.

• Computers can help you keep track of a budget, but they can also allow you to purchase items from around the world.

• Advanced television systems can allow you to watch your favorite show in high definition, but they can also allow you to pause live television when you need to.

Many fear based concepts surrounding technology are the stuff of science fiction. When seeking to overcome technophobia you should start small, but be ready to reach out to a new technological concept without decreasing fear.

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It may be a subconscious phenomenon, but spiders and mice are small, yet they are often feared. Bats and bees are small, yet the same fear of these small things exist.

What Causes Microphobia?

This fear is often the result of modeled behavior. In other words the fear can be a direct result of watching someone else who struggles with the fear. The potential for phobic development is often tied to how trusted the individual is in whom you observe the fear. The more you trust their judgment the greater the likelihood that you will adopt their perspective on the fear of small things.

The idea that something can so completely catch you off guard can be another contributing factor to the development of fear. While there are differences this can be as true of a running mouse as it is of a new cell phone. In each case there is a profound sense of the unknown that causes many to fear small objects – even those objects that may be beneficial in most situations.

Symptoms of Microphobia

As with most phobias the fear of small things will find an individual avoiding those things that are reduced in size. Appliance may be older and larger than what are presently available. Phones will be larger with minimal functions. Houses and cars may be larger. This phobic personality will not like surprises so having items that are large enough to easily see will provide them with a sense of comfort and reassurance.

• Air hunger
• Trembling
• Panic attacks
• Loss of control
• Nausea
• Elevated heart rate
• Sweating
• Dizziness
• Crying
• Screaming
• Irrational response

Most who experience this fear are embarrassed by their response, but they are often ill equipped to stop their response.

How to Overcome Microphobia

It may be reasonable to come to terms with the understanding that fearing smaller objects may not make sense in light of the fact that you can either control smaller objects or influence their direction. Knowing this is a great start, but rarely is enough to stop the fear.

A therapist can help you redirect the reaction by teaching you to send data to to logic part of your brain without always allowing the emotional part of your brain to dictate a response. This is important because every individual does have the ability to manage a response. This is enhanced when the individual understands why they fear. A therapist can also be instrumental in learning the reasons for the existence of the fear.

The fear of small things is also referred to as:

• Small things fear
• Small things phobia
• Microphobia

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Many people who are deaf love to “feel” music, children love to hear music to lull them to sleep and radio dials are being used to find music that connects the listener with a certain mood or thought.

What Causes Melophobia?

Smells, objects, tastes and even sounds are portals to the memories we have stored in our minds. For most those memory inducers are welcome. They provide an ability to powerfully return to place we may have forgotten about for years. Those things that are positive to most of us serve to send the melophobe to a place of fear. For these individuals music can be the emotional trigger that sends them back to a place of fear and perhaps even torment.

In the movie, Sybil, played by Sally Fields it was music that triggered a fearful memory of her mother that was overwhelming to the character.

In most cases the actual music is less a reason to fear than what the music triggers within those individuals.

Personal ties to music as a fear trigger are the primary cause for this phobia development. However, in some cases it can be learned by observing another trusted person who lives with the fear.

Symptoms of Melophobia

If a melophobe listens to music at all it will likely be a very limited play list and certainly very controlled. In all other cases they will avoid music. Since music is played in malls, grocery stores and business offices the phobic personality may find social interaction or even employment difficult if their expectation is no music at all.

Other symptoms may also include…

• Elevated heart rate
• Panic attack
• Air hunger
• Nausea
• Trembling
• Weeping
• Screaming
• Dizziness
• An urge to flee
• Control loss

It may not be surprising to learn this fear exists. We live in one of the most anxiety laden times in history. We are stressed out, overworked and under nourished. We overeat and wonder what we are missing out in in life. Fear follows us ever step of the way. Some handle the pressure better than others.

How to Overcome Melophobia

You may find that you will need help learning to rediscover the beauty in music. Music is not inherently good or evil, it is simply a means of conveying emotion. Therapy sessions can help you deal with the fear as well as the underlying causes for the phobic reactions.

The fear of music is also referred to as:

• Music phobia
• Music fear
• Melophobia

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What Causes Meteorophobia?

This fear may be the result of news stories or historical records describing the introduction of space rock into our atmosphere. Greensburg, Kansas is home to a meteorite weighing more than 1,000 pounds. In fact the plains of Kansas are known to receive many meteorite strikes each year. Small meteorites have struck homes and businesses. These are foreign rocks raining down from the sky. To obsess about the possibility of being hit can lead to Meteorophobia.

Seeing others who have this fear can enable a greater tendency to consider them as something unworthy of trust, admiration or acceptance. Many who have lived around someone who has this fear can possess a reluctant, but growing acceptance of the same fear.

Symptoms of Meteorophobia

This individual will not want to go out at night. They will avoid anything that takes place after dark. Some may elect to construct a safe room in their home they may use as a bedroom to avoid any potential of being struck by a meteorite. What may seem excessive to some is often considered prevention to the phobic personality.

Other symptoms may also include…

• Trembling
• Air hunger
• Nausea
• Loss of control
• Feeling as if you are losing your mind
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Sweating
• Elevated heart rate
• Temporary elevation in body temperature
• An obsession with the sky

The struggle with this fear is that meteorites can and do damage, but they usually fall in rural areas where little damage is noted. You can receive help for Meteorophobia. Seeking that help can allow you to respond to meteor showers in a new way.

How to Overcome Meteorophobia?

Consider for a few minutes the number of people you personally know who have been injured by a meteor or meteorite. Advance that thinking to the number of homes you personally are aware of in your city that have been damaged by a meteor or meteorite. Hopefully the answers help place the fear in perspective.

If not then you should consider whether therapy might be helpful in learning more about your fear and how to manage your phobic response. Like building block that link together fear is often stacked on top of another fear. Therapy helps remove the layers until you finally discover the block at the bottom of the pile. The reasons for that fear may help explain all current fears.

The fear of meteors is also referred to as:

• Meteor Phobia
• Meteor fear
• Meteorophobia

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Handcuffs, prison bars, the sharp edge of a sword, the heated rim of a pan, or the weight of a steel beam. Each metal object can elicit a sense of anxiety. However most of those fears are really signs of something deeper. The fear of being bound, sharp objects or being confined are all possibilities.

What Causes Metallophobia?

If you remember the events of September 11, 2001 then you recall two of the world’s largest structures collapsing in a macabre dance of twisted metal and flames. You will recall the metal covered planes slamming into the towers or the Pennsylvania countryside. These or similar events can very easily contribute to the fear of metal. This is true whether you were on site or not. The constant visual review of horrific events plays a role in the development of fear. In this case the fear can be assigned to metal.

You may have experienced a personal incident involving metal that extended fear to your thinking. It may be something as simple as stepping on a metal rake or shovel edge. Those sometimes small incidents can also become a point of personal obsession.

Modeled behavior in a parent or loved one can also contribute to this fear. When this individual expressed a fear of metal it became easy to believe that the fear is justified and reasonable. Fear is often the byproduct of either a misunderstanding or a lack of actual information.

Symptoms of Metallophobia

While an individual may not be able to live in a world without metal an individual with this fear may be inclined to be very careful about the metal they encounter. For instance they might be OK with metal components in a toaster, but will want a plastic exterior. They will avoid going to areas where metal will be present that they do fear.

Other symptoms may also include…

• Air hunger
• Trembling
• Sweating
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Control loss
• Panic attack
• Crying
• Social anxiety

How to Overcome Metallophobia

Certainly understanding the benefits of metal and the safety of metal when used correctly can help, but it may not be enough.

Visiting with a therapist can provide the help you need to understand why you fear metal. You may need to learn how to manage the fear response and a therapist can be a great resource in learning how to adjust your thinking to adapt to a more measured reaction. This is important because when the fear is left unchecked there can be an acceleration of emotional response allowing the fear to seem even larger.

The fear of metal is also referred to as:

• Metal phobia
• Metal fear
• Metallophobia

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Certainly not all memories are bad, but the the mnemophobe it may feel safer to keep all memories suppressed than to come face to face with one that can seem truly frightening.

What Causes the Fear of Memories?

This fear may be the result of a personally traumatic event. The sheer severity of the initial incident leaves the individual feeling as if the only way to exist is to find a place where denial may be preferred to actually having to allow the mind to relive the details of the trauma. This may be true of war experiences, physical or emotional violence, or even a horrific accident.  It could even be witnessing something horrific happening to someone else. Initially this approach allows the brain to deal with the terror of the incident. In most cases memory of the event will return and this is when a phobia of memories can kick into high gear.

It is possible the fear can be modeled, but this fear can and does  develop because of personal experience that may seem too terrifying or heartbreaking to go through again.

Symptoms of Mnemophobia

This phobic personality will seek to avoid any conversation that encourages them to revisit their past. They may sever friendships because the former friend encouraged them to think about their mutual past. They will deny events took place if they feel it will somehow protect them from pain.

• Loss of control
• Feeling as if they are losing their mind
• Air hunger
• Trembling
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• An urge to flee
• Temporary elevation in body temperature
• Sweating
• Elevated heart rate
• Weeping
• Screaming
• In severe cases, a psychotic break

The fact that this fear exists makes a strong case for finding a way to confront the fear and deal with the memories in a healthy and appropriate way.

How to Overcome Mnemophobia

It is important to remember that the memory of an event cannot hurt you. It can and will bring up emotions that were experienced during negative memories, but the memory itself is just a reflection of what already took place.

A therapist can help you deal with the pain of the memory, the mental anguish you live with, and a better way to react to the fear that may erupt when the memory pops up uninvited.

While most people would never wish bad memories on others those memories can evoke a sense of fright and anguish. Seeking the help you need will be an important step towards recovery.

The fear of memories is also referred to as:

• Memories phobia
• Memories fear
• Mnemophobia

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This fear can extend to malls, sports arenas and even open spaces. The vastness of the size can cause the individual to feel small, insignificant and extremely vulnerable.

What Causes Megalophobia?

In modeled behavior an individual will observe patterns in a trusted adult and conclude that the response to any situation is normal and acceptable. In a positive way this can help a younger person learn social etiquette and how to manage social situations. This observation can help them learn skills and grow in their knowledge of how the world works. However, it is also possible to assume negative traits based entirely on observing someone react to a fear stimulus in a way that encourages you to assume the same perspective of fear. This has become very common among those who demonstrate phobic traits.

A sense of control loss can be personal fuel for fear. The way you respond to the overwhelming nature of something large can have a lot to do with the feeling that you may not be in control of your surroundings and situations. This can lead to panic attacks and fear.

Personal experience in being trapped in something large or hurt by something large can also contribute to Megalophobia.

Symptoms of Megalophobia

As you can probably imagine one of the key symptoms of this fear is avoidance. Individuals with Megalophobia will refrain from participating in activities where they are surrounded with objects or conditions that they consider too large. They may opt for compact cars instead of an SUV. They may prefer small towns to large, small inns to large hotels. Like most other phobias this can result in social anxiety causing the phobic personality to feel more comfortable staying home than engaging in social interaction with friends when the fear trigger may be present.

Other symptoms may also include…

• Air hunger
• Trembling
• Elevated heart rate
• Loss of control
• Weeping
• Temporary elevation in body temperature
• Sweating
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Panic attacks

How to Overcome Megalophobia

Therapy is often required to come to terms with your phobia and how to rethink the way you respond. In virtually all cases the response to fear is a knee jerk reaction. You respond emotionally to the presence of fear and it heightens your anxiety for all future experiences with the fear trigger. A therapist may be needed to help you understand your fear and its source. They can help you understand how to respond to the fear in a way that leaves you in greater control.

The fear of large things is also referred to as:

• Large things fear
• Large things phobia
• Megalophobia

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