Metathesiophobia aka The Fear of Change

Aug 9, 2020

This is a pebble in the road about the fear of change. Specifically, the phobia about the fear of change.

It has a name. Metathesiophobia. It is much easier to say the fear of change. That is the topic of this episode. 

There is a lot of fear romping around these days. I think it is important to know what you are dealing with but that is just me. I can see that for a lot of people, getting back to "normal" overrides anything else. They want and need that structure.

 

They want it the way it was. Even if there is sufficient information to warrant a change, even temporary. Or permanent. And that is ok, if it doesn't impact your or another persons life. 

 

Not being political here. Let me give an example.

 

Ralph goes to work, then goes home. Does not go anywhere on the weekends.

 

Does not like being alone so somebody has to be in the house with him.

 

Does not take vacations and doesn't like it if the family wants to go. So they don't go anywhere as a group. 

 

Ralph knows this isn't right but he can't tolerate being anywhere but work and home.

 

Ralph might have a phobia.

 

There are resources that might be of assistance to help understand and how to deal with phobias. I share a few of them in the podcast.

If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741.

Resources Mentioned: 

HelpGuide.org has an information posts on phobias and irrational fears 

 

Faith G. Harper 2018 book Unf*ck Your Brain: Using Science to Get over Anxiety, Depression, Anger, Freak-Outs, and Triggers. You can find the book in paper form or as an audio book at your preferred book vendor.

 

Verywell Mind has an page on a list of phobias and some of the things a person can do about them. 

 

The Anxiety Toolkit by Alice Boyes, PhD You can read a passage from the book at Oprah.com

Disclaimer: 

Links to other sites are provided for information purposes only and do not constitute endorsements. 

Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health disorder.

This blog and podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing in this program is intended to be a substitute for professional psychological, psychiatric or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.