Fears and phobias are real. In this article, we will talk about an exceptional type of fear i.e. Entamaphobia. It is the fear of doorways. Let’s explore how to overcome this.
What is Entamaphobia?
Entamaphobia, often known as the fear of doors, is a crippling phobia that is frequently linked to claustrophobia and agoraphobia. The Greek words “Eisodos and portos” for entrance or entryway and “phobos,” the Greek God of fear, are combined to form the word “entamaphobia.”
Entamaphobia and agoraphobia, or the fear of open doors, are somewhat comparable. However, in entamaphobia, most persons are afraid of all types of doors, whether they are open or closed.
On the other hand, those who are agoraphobic typically dread exiting open doors and entering the outer world. People who have a general phobia of doors may also have a general inclination to be afraid of the outer world or the unknown.
The fear of doors is associated with Claustrophobia, or the dread of confined places, in which the subject fears being confined or suffocated by closed doors. Matthew McConaughey, a well-known Hollywood actor, is rumored to be scared of revolving doors.
Entamaphobia Relates To Claustrophobia
Claustrophobia is a severe aversion to small or enclosed areas.
Many anxieties seem reasonable. Everybody makes an effort to stay away from uncomfortable situations. A phobia is an extreme and unreasonable fear toward one or more objects or circumstances, as opposed to fear. Additionally, when you have phobias, the degree of your fear isn’t consistent with the actual risk that the feared thing or situation causes.
However, the main phobia we’re talking about is entamaphobia, which also includes claustrophobia. In this regard, we can assume that entamaphobia is a claustrophobic component.
Let’s study this phobia in detail.
How common is claustrophobia?
Approximately 12.5% of people experience claustrophobia. A typical person with a particular phobia, such as claustrophobia, has three fears. Seventy-five percent of people who have a specific phobia dread many things or circumstances.
Who Suffers from Claustrophobia?
Women experience claustrophobia more frequently than men. Despite the fact that anyone, at any age, might develop a particular phobia, the majority do so throughout childhood and adolescence.
Why does claustrophobia occur?
It is unclear what causes claustrophobia. According to researchers, potential causes include:
- Some individuals with claustrophobia recall one or more instances in which they were imprisoned or confined as kids.
- You may have encountered a triggering incident after childhood, such as getting caught in an elevator or flying through extremely turbulent conditions.
- Childhood exposure to a parent’s claustrophobia. If you experienced your parent’s anxiety when in confined settings, you may go on to acquire claustrophobia.
Technically speaking, scientists think that when fear is present, neurochemicals overstimulate the amygdala in your brain. It’s also believed that if you have that gene malfunction. A single genetic mutation can raise your risk of claustrophobia.
Signs That You Have A Fear Of Doorways
Like the majority of phobias, entamaphobia is known to cause a variety of emotional and physical symptoms. These consist of:
- Crying, shaking, or going crazy at the mere sight of doors, or at the thought of going through one.
- Some phobics will first take a quick look outside to see whether there are any threats there. This develops into a habit that frequently invites jeers from friends and family.
- Even considerable lengths may be taken by the phobic to secure the door. On all doors, s/he might install a number of locks.
- Other signs of this phobia include trembling, profuse sweating, shivering, running from doors, or having scary or pessimistic thoughts about death.
- The physical symptoms of the fear, such as lightheadedness, nausea, headaches, racing hearts, and shallow breathing, are also rather common.
- Entamaphobics frequently report feeling overwhelmed or as though “they might die of heart failure.”
The panic episodes frequently get so intense that the phobic’s daily life may become challenging. He or she frequently forgoes jobs, goes on errands, or goes shopping. Relationships become tense as a result of the phobic’s frequent mockery of their actions.
Causes Of Entamaphobia
Entamaphobia, like the majority of phobias, has historical roots. A door may have caused a person pain when they were young. In one instance, the patient expresses his fear of being watched by “someone” as he was alone at home watching a spooky TV program. The door had been slightly ajar, and as it slowly creaked open, the patient felt uncomfortable.
Treatment And Cure From Fear of Doorways
Some of the well-known therapies for entamaphobia include cognitive behavior therapy and neurolinguistic programming (NLP). Both of these therapies target the underlying fear and identify the precise patterns that set off the sufferer’s manic episodes. Then, the therapists can assist the phobic in changing his or her unfavorable associations with doors to favorable ones.
Another popular kind of treatment for this phobia is hypnotherapy, which can help the patient manage the anxiety that leads to the phobia of doors by altering the way the patient thinks. In many situations, gradual desensitization therapy may also be beneficial in this approach. The phobics are taught to gradually expose themselves to doors, both open and closed until they can manage their entamaphobia on a daily basis.
Tips To Overcome Fear of Doorways
Please think about talking with a therapist if you are dealing with intense anxiety or dread, particularly a phobia. Additionally, the following advice has assisted a lot of my patients in overcoming the dread that holds them captive:
- Permit yourself to experience your fear for two to three minutes at a time. Say, “It’s okay,” and take a deep breath. Although it feels awful, emotions are like the ocean’s waves—they ebb and flow. Plan to do something nourishing as soon as your 2-3 minute sitting session is over. Make a call to a close friend who is anxious to hear from you; get involved in something you know will be entertaining and absorbing.
- List the things for which you are grateful. When you believe you are in a poor situation, look at the list. Increase the list.
- Remind yourself that your fear contains a wealth of knowledge. “Dear Anxiety, I am no longer intimidated by you,” write in a letter. Can you teach me anything?
- You can refocus by exercising (your mind can only focus on one thing at a time). Exercise is excellent for you and will center you and make you feel more capable, whether you take a quick stroll, go to a boxing club for an intense sweat session, or watch a 15-minute yoga video at home.
Final Words
Phobias become a health issue when fear interferes with your ability to carry out daily activities. Phobias can limit your ability to work efficiently, put a strain on your relationships and reduce your self-esteem.
Entamaphobia is real. The person who has been going through this phobia can treat this in simple steps.
FAQs
Why am I afraid of open doors?
The fear of doors can also be brought on by a traumatic or terrible experience. From childhood, such as assault, abuse, or even the loss of a loved one. The humiliation or worry that one might trip, fall, or otherwise injure or embarrass oneself could both contribute to the anxiety of stepping through moving doors.
Why do open spaces give me anxiety?
Fear that there is no quick method to get out or help if the anxiety worsens is what makes people anxious. Most sufferers of agoraphobia get it after having one or more panic episodes, which makes them fear having more attacks and steer clear of the places where they might happen.