by Danelle Karth

Created on: September 10, 2010

There are many phobias out there. Some are much more common such arachnophobia (fear of spiders), while others are becoming better known such as agoraphobia (fear of crowds). Some remain a little more shrouded in mystery such as isolophobia.

It should first be noted that phobias go beyond just a basic fear or discomfort. Those that experience them are often overwhelmed by the phobia and can feel debilitated by it. In the very real sense, the phobia becomes so overwhelming that it controls the person who experiences it rather than that person controlling their own fears. In the examples above arachnophobia is used, but this isn't just a general fear of spiders or dislike of the eight legged creatures, but rather a debilitating fear of them which can often make it hard to live an ordinary and regular life.

Isolophobia is the same, however it is a fear of being alone and by oneself. While those that don't experience this phobia may think that it is funny or at least that it isn't something to worry about, those that do experience it aren't left laughing.

Going out.

For those that experience isolophobia it is common to feel worried, anxious, and even ill most of the time. There is the fear that at any moment you may find yourself alone and without someone there. That leads to being afraid even when there are people with you. This can often put a lot of pressure on your social interactions because your fear, anxiety, and nervousness can lead you to feel physically ill, to find yourself depressed, and can causes your relationships to suffer.

Staying in bad situations.

Isolophobia also makes it easy for the person who suffers to stay in a bad situation. He or she may be abused, used, and hurt in other ways, but find it too difficult to leave because they would then be alone. This often leads to more mental anguish and ill feelings.

Getting help.

Isolophobia is an irrational fear of being alone and it causes a great number of issues for those who are dealing with it. Often times the social life suffers, friends and family members struggle to understand, and the person finds that they feel alone all the time even when they are with someone. Many times it can lead to horrible relationships. Getting help isn't easy because it requires reaching out and establishing a connection with yet another person who could leave you alone. However, it is important for the person who suffers from the anxiety that becomes debilitating to reach out and seek help with a councilor, psychologist, or psychiatrist that has experience dealing with phobias.

It can also be helpful to find others who struggle with phobias for support. The internet makes that easier than ever before. Books can also help you learn from others, over come your phobia, and realize that you aren't alone in the world. You are also not alone in how you feel about yourself and the very real anxiety that you face.

Isolophobia is not easy to overcome, however it can be done. It will take some time and it will take some work. In the end, it is well worth it. It will provide the person who suffers from isolophobia better relationships and a more meaningful life.

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