A Phobia presents itself in a number of categories and is a source of fear and anxiety for a person.

A phobia is an anxiety disorder involving fear of a situation or object. Image: Phobia Stock Photos

Phobia of the Day: What is Globophobia?

A phobia is an anxiety disorder involving fear of a situation or object. Exposure to the source of the fear triggers an irrational response.

by Arnold Charles

30-07-2023 08:47

in Offbeat

A phobia is an anxiety disorder involving fear of a situation or object. Image: Phobia Stock Photos

A phobia is an anxiety disorder involving excessive and persistent fear of a situation or object. Exposure to the source of the fear triggers an immediate anxiety response.

Most specific phobias fall into one of four major categories:

Fears of the natural environment
Fears related to animals
Fear related to medical treatments or issues
Fears related to specific situations

Phobia of the Day: Globophobia refers to the fear of thought, sight, touch, or even smell of balloons.

People suffering from this phobia feel morbid fear at the thought, sight, touch, or even smell of balloons. Most individuals, however, are only afraid of the sound made by the popping of balloons. As with any phobia, the symptoms of Globophobia vary depending on the roots of the fear. Some people might be able to withstand balloons while they are deflated. To an individual suffering from such a phobia, a continuous internal movie plays in the mind. This usually involves seeing a balloon exploding in the face. At the thought or sight or sound of balloons, the phobic displays the following anxiety symptoms:

Rapid or shallow breathing
Palpitations which can be perceived to be chest pains
Kids start to cry, run or hide; they come up with excuses to prevent an encounter with balloons. This means refusing to go to parties or fairs etc.
Shaking, trembling, and sweating are other physical symptoms.
Gastrointestinal distress like nausea might be present.