Animals are an important part of the environment, and they can benefit humans. However, some people may develop a serious fear of animals. Being afraid of something is not a good feeling as it can give stress and reduce the quality of life. Mostly, people who have this type of fear experience bad feelings every time they see, think, or hear animals near them. Zoophobia goes beyond fear by thinking of an unrealistic situation.
1. Common Signs of the Fear
- Some feel an uncontrollable fear of seeing, hearing, or just thinking about animals being around. Hence, it can happen even if there are no actual animals. A person can imagine and become very afraid of the situation they have inside their mind.
- One also avoid situations with animals at all costs.
- Being aware that the fear is not real but unable to control the fear of animals.
Fear of something can cause someone to panic and become very stressed. These signs can also lead to:
- Faster heartbeat
- Heavy sweating
- Chills
- Fast breathing
- Shaking
- Drying of mouth
- Nausea
- Being confuse
2. Signs in Children
As you look for zoophobia meaning, you will find out that kids normally experience it. Hence, children who have it will show signs like:
- Screaming
- Crying
- Being too clingy
- Hiding
- Being silent
- Unable to move in one place
3. Common Causes of Fear of Animals
Predator
Some animals are popular as predators. These are those large and wild animals that you can usually see inside the zoo. Also, it includes animals that can harm people like snakes and others that are poisonous.
Scary Animals
Moreover, some animals look scary for many, like spiders, snakes, frogs, and more. However, tigers and lions belong to this group, although they are also predators. Zoophobia can start because a person does not want to look at the animals.
Beliefs
Furthermore, some animals are popular to bring bad luck, like snakes and cats. Some people become very afraid of these animals because it might bring misfortune to them.
4. Other Causes
Not all fear starts from not liking an animal, as some can start during childhood. Hence, it can happen when a child had a bad experience with an animal like spiders, dogs, cats, snakes, and others. Likewise, fears can also start even without any experience. Therefore, it can happen by just watching a scary movie about animals.
5. Animal Phobia in Children
Fear is part of growing up, especially in children. However, parents should know when fear is not normal to children. Fear is not a phobia when it just happens once, and they recover from it. For instance, a child who sees a dog for the first time may feel fear. However, if they see it the second time and enjoy having a dog around them, it is simple fear. If the fear continues after the second and third meeting, then a child may have the phobia.
Moreover, it is not good to force a child to face their fear. Therefore, it is good to ask the help of a professional doctor for children. Doctors know how to handle fear in children. They will introduce animals in a fun and exciting way so children will enjoy the activity. Parents can choose a one on one or group activity session for their child.
6. Coping with Animal Fear
As you look for zoophobia meaning, you will find out that there are available treatments. Hence, some people might not know that they have it, but doctors might see it. The following are ways on how you can easily overcome your fear.
Find out the possible reason for your fear by remembering bad things that happen in the past. However, anyone can find the right treatment for them even knowing the root cause of their fear.
- Accept your fear
- Self-help
- Visualize your fear
- Do some breathing exercises or meditation
- Try to do fun activities that involved animals
- Ask for professional help
Fear is a normal feeling, and each one can experience it from childhood to adulthood. If your fear is bothering your daily life, it is good to look for help and support from your family, friends, and professionals.
