Hello, dear readers of the site! Algophobia is the panic fear of being hurt. In principle, the fear of pain is present in almost every person, and this is quite normal.
But algophobes, even at the thought that it is necessary to go to the clinic and, for example, get a vaccine or fill a tooth, panic and are ready for anything to avoid this fate.
And today we will try to figure out why this phobia occurs, by what signs it is determined and how you can get rid of it.
What is
As already mentioned, agliophobia, or algynophobia, as it is also called algophobia, is an irrational fear of physical pain.
At first glance, it may seem that this condition is not so dangerous, you just have to overcome yourself with the help of willpower before some kind of medical procedure. How to pull myself together, calm down and show others that I’m not such a coward.
But in fact, it’s not so simple. Feelings about the likelihood of experiencing unpleasant sensations can lead to depression, the emergence of a personal conflict within.
This is when inside a person there seems to be a war of two opposite needs, in principle, equally important and necessary for satisfaction.
There is also a risk that the phobia will reach an extreme stage, when a person simply closes in an apartment and stops communicating with colleagues and loved ones. It is as if he will be in constant expectation that a terrible disease will overtake him, which will bring unbearable pain.
Some begin to lead an active and healthy lifestyle. The only problem is that they seem to «fixate» on a healthy diet, completely ignoring medical indications, for example, for treatment.
Believing that drugs are evil, and any intervention only worsens the condition and provokes the emergence of new diseases.
Or vice versa, they become dependent on drugs, trying to anticipate some kind of ailment. That is, the morning begins with a handful of pills so that the head does not hurt, the pressure does not rise, there is good digestion, and so on.
It is one thing when a doctor prescribes medicines, but another thing is when, having this phobia, a person, out of fear, prescribes painkillers for himself. At the same time, they limit their activities so as not to get hurt, not tired, and so on.
Symptoms
A panic attack does not last long, from a few minutes to half an hour. But during this time it can pretty scare its «master».
Since at the thought of a disease, as a result of which there will be discomfort, a person begins to prick in the chest area, cramps appear in the stomach and dizziness. Throws into sweat, because of frequent shallow breathing there is not enough air and it seems that death is about to come due to suffocation.
Thoughts are confused, as consciousness ceases to adequately perceive the environment and evaluate it.
Therefore, an algophobe may begin to scream hysterically and rush around the room in search of a safe place where it will become calm and no one will disturb. And the pain, if it exists, will subside.
From the intensity of emotions, in particular horror, he may well lose consciousness. Often at such moments, nausea, vomiting.
The organism regards the situation as life-threatening, and, accordingly, includes a rescue program. Which is the escape. Therefore, I want to go to the toilet to lighten the weight and increase the chances of survival.
The release of adrenaline into the blood increases the heartbeat, and, in principle, is the culprit of high blood pressure.
Causes
Fear of pain often arises from negative experiences in the past. For example, a person had to deal with such severe pain that he cannot even imagine that such a thing will happen to him again.
This happens after surgery or really difficult, protracted illnesses.
If a close relative was dying before our eyes, suffering heavily literally every second, then impressionable individuals, especially children, since their psyche has not yet “strengthened” enough, let’s say, are at risk of injury. Why this event will forever remain in the memory, periodically reminding of itself in the form of panic attacks.
Even if you do not take a close relative, the children could well hear someone’s story about a serious illness. Or, as often happens, parents do a disservice to the child by trying to influence his behavior.
For example, make him always wash his hands before eating. Then they talk about the worms and the sensations that arise when they appear.
It is extremely important to talk about the consequences, it’s just that often the baby is simply scared when it is necessary and not necessary, if only to achieve obedience from him.
Someone uses as a horror story the evil policemen who will be taken away and put in jail, and someone is using an unpleasant virus, because of which all the teeth will fall out and the skin will peel off.
With increased susceptibility, people quite independently «bring» themselves to a state of mental disorder. Since they react too sharply to the slightest household cut or a new pimple on the body.
They are so frightened and upset that they are then unable to sleep due to obsessive thoughts about imminent death, or the development of a terrible painful disease.
The reactions of others only increase the experience, as they seem to be devaluing. They then decide that close people either do not care about them, or they are simply trying to hide the fact of the danger that hangs over them.
All this naturally depletes the body’s resources, especially the nervous system. Why do failures occur in the form of the formation of a phobia.
Treatment
Psychotherapy
Be sure to visit a psychotherapist. There are many methods that he uses in the process of therapy. Cognitive psychotherapy, gestalt and hypnosis have proven themselves well in the treatment of phobias.
First of all, it is important to figure out what exactly provoked the appearance of algophobia in you. Then it will be possible to find a solution to the problem.
It is important that you have a safe space. In which you can express yourself and your feelings, be sincere and open. Since, unfortunately, most people do not understand those who have a phobia.
They do not understand how you can not pull yourself together and not force to overcome fear. Faced with ridicule, such personalities simply close in on themselves. And they stop even trying to share their experiences. If only because they themselves realize how irrational they are, and sometimes ridiculous.
Medication Therapy
In some cases, a psychologist may refer a client to a psychiatrist if he needs a comprehensive medical approach. For example, if a person is exhausted by insomnia.
Having gone to therapy, it is pointless to expect results, all the more significant, from the first meetings. It’s like magic that someone will wave their hand, say one word and the phobia will disappear into thin air. No, that doesn’t happen.
And in order for the algophobe to have the strength to cope with his disorder, he needs a strong and full sleep. Therefore, sleeping pills will come in handy.
To relieve anxiety, sedatives are prescribed. With their help, you can achieve relaxation of the nervous system. Then she will not react so sharply to any stimuli. Anxiolytics may also be added for this purpose.
To stabilize the emotional state, the psychiatrist prescribes antidepressants. Especially in cases where mood swings are too frequent. And the person periodically becomes overly irritable and breaks down on nothing to blame others.
Completion
If you are interested in knowing what dental phobia or trypanophobia is, we recommend that you subscribe to site updates. Then you will not lose sight of the material that will help develop your horizons. And perhaps, and become more conscious, internally free and happy.
And remember, your health is only in your hands! Practice meditation, be sure to relieve excess tension after experienced stress. Otherwise, the consequences will not keep you waiting.
Breathing techniques for calming, doing your favorite hobby are excellent for these purposes. And, of course, communication with those who are dear to you. Let it be loved ones or even pets. Make sure that every day you have at least one reason to smile and be glad that you are.
Take care of yourself and your loved ones!
The material was prepared by a psychologist, Gestalt therapist, Zhuravina Alina