31 Phobias: #17 the Fear of Being Touched

Hypnophobia, which it is most commonly to be known as, is a serious phobia that can literally take away some of life's greatest pleasures. Professional therapists take this phobia very seriously (as they do with treating other phobias as well). Most mistaken hypnophobia as the fear of being hypnotized, although this is not entirely incorrect hypnophobia is technically the irrational fear of falling asleep. Being afraid of being hypnotized would not necessarily fall in this category. Since there are people who are afraid or don't like the idea of being hypnotized but have no problem falling asleep at any other time.

What most people feel who suffer from hypnophobia say that when they are touched they get a very awkward, "creepy crawly" sensation that makes them pull away almost instantly. When this happens it can make an uncomfortable situation practically unbearable.

A person suffering from hypnophobia can often seem to be rude, snobbish and very arrogant to those unfamiliar with somebody suffering with this mental disorder, especially after being touched even if done by accident or totally unintentional.

When it comes to the sufferer this disorder can lead to a very lonely, unsociable life. It can cause behavioral problems and sometimes even possibly create other phobias.

Podophobia: Fear of Feet

Many believe that Podophobia and Hypnophobia are similar. This is not true. In fact, Podophobia is a little more common than Hypnophobia. With Podophobia, only 1 in 1000 people have it. Whereas those suffering from Hypnophobia could be one to a few thousand people.

With proper medication and intense therapy is, of course, highly recommended. However, some people do conquer their fears and phobias and having to suffer from Hypnophobia is no different.