31 Phobias: #18 the Fear of Information

It's not hard to believe that there's a phobia that will enable you from gaining wisdom. In fact, I almost expected it. I mean, from the air we breath, the food we eat and the ground we stand on...why wouldn't there be phobia that defines what we know -- or don't know.

What you don't know can't hurt you.

~An American Idiom

Not surprisingly, there's a small portion of individuals who are dedicated to live by this standard. It's not a newly discovered phobia, but one of many that have been brought to light in hopes to find a cure or to at least have the individual keep it under control.

The origin of the word epistem is Greek and it means knowledge. Just as the word phobia means fear in Greek as well.

As many other phobias, epistemophobia is usually accompanied by other phobias. These phobias may include (but not limited to): doronophobia, germophobia & hypnophobia.

As to many other phobias, the cause of epistemophobia could have triggered from a variety of scenerios. From personal experiences, things and/or situations that have been seen or even heard that were traumatizing to the individual at the time -- usually, but not always, when they were at a very young age.

Sufferers of epistemophobia will go to extremes to avoid gathering information or knowledge. Staying away from televisions, radios, newspapers & magazines, social media, etc. Not even wanting to risk the chance of taking a glance at a headline or hear the latest gossip while out in public. Many will seclude themselves from the rest of the world. Reaching out to a handful of trusted persons who are sure not to even whisper of what's going on beyond their four walls.

Unfortunately, like many other phobias, there is no known cure. However, therapy and sometimes medication can allow a person with epistemophobia to function within their community. As usual, time and continuous therapy can help maintain a productive and fruitful life and contribute to society.

A healthy diet and plenty of exercise couldn't hurt either.

The Relation between Trump Derangement Syndrome and Epistemophobia

From my understanding and experience with those who are anti-Trump have a few key characteristics that are similar to those who suffer from epistemophobia. In that I would like to point out out that both groups refuse to "learn anything new". Whether that's anything and everything or just on one particular subject in general. Learning anything new and gaining wisdom could be devastating, maybe even life threatening.

To avoid gaining knowledge, epistemophobiacs will go to extreme lengths. One such method is to act inappropriately, preferably in public. This includes:

• shouting & yelling
• pointing, arms flailing, uncontrollable head jerking and movements
• unnecessary use of excessive profanity

This abnormal and childish act can last for an hour or so. Much like a child calming down from a tantrum. Unlike an epistemophobiac, those who suffer from Trump Derangement Syndrome have a better chance at finding a cure or at least keep their illness under control.

Unless you're a practicing medical doctor who specializes in phobias, it's best to respect the wishes of epistemophobiacs.

However, when it comes to dealing with those who suffer from Trump Derangement Syndrome is to keep feeding them with the truth.