31 Phobias: #16 the Fear of Mirrors

The Fear of Mirrors

An irrational fear of mirrors is known as Eisoptrophobia or Catoptrophobia. Although it seems almost understandable this phobia can still become quite irrational to a most unsociable degree. Not only can mirrors drive a Eisoptrophobiac into a complete hysteria but anything that could possibly reflect an image could trigger them into a nervous frenzy.

Doctors consider Eisoptrophobia a specific phobia, however some cases have proven that the Eisoptrophobiac has a deep social disorder or implication that may be the cause.

Being that Eisoptrophobia is considered a specific phobia (or "isolated" phobia) it is believed that this phobia is centered on non-social factors. This type of phobia could most likely be caused by trauma, quite possibly during childhood. This trauma could stem from what a parent/guardian or some other authoritative figure has said or done in front of the child. Or it could be from what a child has seen on the television or in the movies.

The actual fear could be a number of things. Fear that if the mirror breaks beings would be able to escape. However, what type of beings and where they are escaping from is usually a lot harder to answer. Fear what the mirror might actually reflect is another cause to develop this phobia and as with many phobias it can also be traced back to an unresolved emotional conflict.

In some cases, Eisoptrophobiacs are believed to think very low of themselves and that personal appearance may be one of the major causes. Although more than likely it's not the only cause, it's a good start in the right direction. It's widely known that when you feel good about yourself you feel like you can take on anything. When it comes to help finding a cure, everything and anything positive is a good thing.

Although most would think that females would be more likely to develop Eisoptrophobia than males, they would be incorrect. However, those people who avoid mirrors because of how they portray their body image does not mean they suffer from the disease but rather (more than likely) are battling some form of depression and low self-esteem.

There are cults out there who believe that mirrors contain a supernatural power and can be used as a gateway/portal to another dimension/astral-plane. A mirror and a "talking board" such as a Ouija Board is used to conjure beings. For what purpose could be a variety of reasons from granting wishes to simply speaking to the dead.

Of course this would make any normal person a little uneasy but there are those who fear mirrors so particularly they find this more than just uneasy but rather very disturbing. So much so, that they will avoid mirrors at all costs.