Humans have a lot to be afraid of. Even though we are more capable at protecting ourselves than perhaps any other species on the planet, we are also aware of more dangers. Add to that our extremely complex and capable mind, and we are bound to get carried away by our fears sometimes. Many of the most common phobias are ones that occur in and around the home. Afraid? Give a name to your fear with these ten household phobias.
1. Arachnophobia: an irrational fear of spiders and other arachnids. This is by far the most common phobia among humans, as it is estimated that it affects over half of American women and a quarter of American men. This can be especially problematic if you find a spider in your home, because you may feel uncomfortable being or sleeping in that room.
2. Agoraphobia: a fear of open spaces, leaving your home, and or embarrassing situations. This fear can really trap someone in their home, as it is the only place they may feel comfortable and safe. Agoraphobia is a crippling condition because it can prevent people from engaging in normal social interactions and meeting people out of fear of rejection. Some remain housebound for years at a time.
3. Acrophobia: the fear of heights. Another extremely common fear, some people can experience panic or even vertigo when on a high floor in a building or while climbing a ladder. Even if you do not live on a high floor, regular home maintenance may call for climbing ladders, creating some inconvenience for the acrophobe.
4. Claustrophobia: the fear of small, confined spaces. Claustrophobes may have a problem with airplanes, trains, and even elevators. They may not be able to enter certain parts of their home, particularly attics and basements.
5. Mysophobia: the irrational fear of germs. This can translate into extreme hygiene and cleaning habits, similar to obsessive-compulsive disorder. Mysophobic people may wash their hands hundreds of times a day or wear a breathing mask in public. They may obsessively clean their home as well.
6. Amathophobia: the fear of dust. The home must be a terrifying place for those who suffer from the fear of dust. Dust is an extremely common occurrence, and depending on how large your home is and how many dust-collecting surfaces it has, attempts to battle it may be completely time consuming.
7. Ecophobia: the fear of home. Ecophobes may be nomadic or homeless, depending on their degree of fear. They will find a lifestyle that will allow them to avoid having a home.
8. Domatophobia: the fear of houses. Domatophobes are not opposed to having a conceptual home, as long as it is not a house or near houses. The inner city is an ideal place for domatophobes to reside.
9. Topophobia: the fear of being in certain places. Perhaps a particular memory or event that happened in a place has made it scary or upsetting to be there. In varying degrees, this is a common fear or disturbance, though it can be particularly damaging if that location is your home.
10. Koinoniphobia: the fear of rooms. This phobia can be very damaging to a normal existence, as it makes being indoors in general uncomfortable in some instances and unbearable in others.
