Monophobia
What is Monophobia?
Monophobia, (also known as autophobia) is a specific type of anxiety disorder characterised by an excessive or irrational fear of being alone. For someone living with monophobia, being by themselves even if it is in a safe enviroment such as their own home, can be stressful and even frightening. For some, even just the thought of being alone can be enough to cause extreme anxiety.
How does Monophobia start?
Monophobia usually begins with a stressful/traumatic event(s). Quite often from childhood. This or these event(s) trigger The Fight or Flight Response as the brain tries to protect from a similar event recurring. It can also be a learned behaviour from someone with the condition such as a parent.
Overcoming Monophobia
The great news is that monophobia, like any other phobia, can be completely overcome. To start with, it is vital to address and alter your perception of the event or events that created your phobia in the first place. Understanding what actually happened to trigger your fear is the key. No one is born with monophobia, so tracing when and what started your fear of being alone will help when it comes to changing your perception and recognise that the behaviour you have created to keep you safe from perceived danger is in fact stopping you from living a happy and fulfilling life.
You might like to use our timeline to help you find the origin of your agoraphobia so you can start to challenge, positively condition and alter the negative schemas (beliefs) you have created.
Living with monophobia can be extremely challenging, however, you are not alone. Here at Trauma Research UK, our belief is, ‘it’s not what’s wrong with you, it’s what happened to you’. With this philosophy, we believe that everyone can successfully overcome their mental health issues if given the right help and support. Read more…
Frequently Asked Questions
The most effective way to overcome a phobia is by gradually and repeatedly exposing yourself to what you fear in a safe and controlled way. This is not always easy alone, but one hundred percent possible. FIND OUT MORE
Panic attacks can seem to emerge from nowhere and be extremely frightening, but they can be overcome. FIND OUT MORE
Absolutely. Social anxiety is usually a learned behaviour, often formed in childhood. Locating the origin of your belief is key. FIND OUT MORE
