People are naturally social and like to spend time with family and friends. Therefore, it is natural to rely on other humans. We do it to survive and live. Also, we learn new things with other people and enjoy their company. Yet, there are times when we are away from them. Staying alone may feel odd for some of us if we are comfortable with a group. This situation may seem strange, but to others, it brings fear.
Due to the new illness, Americans who feel alone increased. Fear and anxiety continue to affect people’s lives. The causes and effects of being alone vary from person to person. Here are interesting facts about this fear.
1. Severity
The severity of this fear can be mild or intense. Fear and phobia are not the same. Fear is an emotion. It results from the feeling of being in danger. Phobia is a serious fear of a specific object or situation. We call this type of fear autophobia. It occurs even when there is no harm present.
2. Possible Fears
Though there are no threats around, people with a phobia of being alone fears:
- Bad people
- Strangers
- Not receiving love
- Being unwanted
- Having a serious illness
- Noises
3. Signs to Look for
How do we know if one fears being alone? You might be afraid of being alone if you are experiencing the following.
- Worrying too much about being alone
- People who are feeling detached from the body once they are alone.
- For instance, shaking, chest pain, nausea, and fainting are some. These symptoms result from anxiety.
- Also, sweating even when you’re not doing physical activity. You also sweat even if the temperature is not high.
- Suppose you are feeling a serious terror in situations that you are or are likely to become alone. Terror may also happen even with the thought of being alone.
- People who want to get away from being alone usually run away from where they are.
- Depending too much in relationships
- Always wants a company.
Children who have phobias might cry, throw tantrums, freeze in place, or cling to a caregiver.
4. Less Self-Knowledge
Having a phobia of being alone may suggest that you still don’t know yourself enough. Some feel they always need someone that can stop them from knowing themself better. It may be your feelings, ideas, and personality.
5. Fear of Growing Alone
Society tells us that growing old and aging alone is misery or boring. As a result, we end up not wanting to grow alone.
6. Parent of FOMO
Fear of being alone may result in FOMO or fear of missing out. It has an idea that others are having more fun than you. People with this condition have extreme envy. It affects their self-esteem. However, social media websites like Facebook or Instagram may worsen this feeling.
7. Different from Loneliness
Loneliness is a bad feeling from avoiding talking to others. It may also happen if there are no deep connections in the relationship. But fear of loneliness may entail severe anxiety. Spending time alone or the idea itself may trigger this condition.
8. Finding an Instant Partner
Due to the fear of loneliness, you may want to have an instant partner in your life. You may feel the need to have that long-term companion in your life. For others, they may fear growing old alone. Going for an instant relationship may lead you to a partner who doesn’t match your personality. For instance, one may get back to their old relationship just to avoid being alone.
9. Pressure in Relationships
The fear does not only affect the person having it. It also affects with whom the person has a relationship. The other person might stay only because of their mercy or empathy toward the person.
10. Links with a Person with Alzheimer’s
Someone with a mental illness may also have a fear of being alone. They do not want their caregiver to be out of their sight. As a result, they may follow that person wherever he/she goes. Those who are afraid will feel alone once they do not see people around. They panic if they don’t see or touch you. As a result, they will cry or ask where the guardian is.
There is nothing to worry about the feeling of being lonely. However, if you fear it and it harms your everyday life, seek help.
