Phobias (and Mocking)

Everyone has some phobias. Some more rational, some less rational. But for me, I have four main ones:

Claustrophobia
Trypanophobia
Arachnophobia
Ornithophobia

As most people know, claustrophobia is the fear of enclosed spaces. In my case, I have very minor claustrophobia, as it is only set off after an extended period of time (specifically in unfamiliar spaces). Nobody has ever judged me for being claustrophobic, since it's a common fear.

Trypanophobia is the fear of needles. In my case, injection needles. In the doctor's office, I actually freak out when I need vaccines (and I had nightly injections for three years). People understand trypanophobia. Needles stab into your skin.

Arachnophobia is, of course, fear of spiders. Sometimes people will laugh, and point out how spiders are harmless. Sorry, but my brain says otherwise, thank you very much.

But then there's the last one. Ornithophobia, the fear of birds.

Yes, the fear of birds. I'm afraid of birds.

And people don't stop making fun of me. "Hey, look, a bird!" "Watch out, it might peck out your eyes!" "It's coming over to get you!"

It's not funny. When you see a bird, do you freeze on the spot? Does your heart rate increase? Do you clench your hands together and feel your breathing speed up? I don't know why I'm scared. There are no thoughts of it coming to peck my eyes out or anything, but it's just awful.

Sorry, I needed to vent. But when even your friends and family make fun of your fears, don't your feel worthless?

Comments

[Northguard]

I have a severe Pediophobia, the fear of dolls, and a slight Acrophobia, the fear of heights. I used to have Nyctophobia, the fear of the dark, but not anymore.