Phobias

A phobia is a type of anxiety disorder defined by a persistent and excessive fear of an object or situation. Various Individuals as unique as they are may suffer from different sorts of fears. Some have a fear of closed spaces, some a fear of heights etc the list is very long and endless and very very fascinating. I never thought there would come a day when I would have to use google to look up this new phobia that is Anthropophobia also defined as the fear of people. “Anthro” means people and “phobia” means fear. Why I look it up is because I have been observing how we are fearful of fellow humans in the current scenario.

The problem right now is that most people including top scientists and medical researchers of the world are unable to comprehend how to stop this virus or how to prevent it’s spread. This is resulting in mass paranoia. People are afraid of each other, Meeting someone causes anxiety. Mostly Everyone tends to avoid.

Most people worry about death being a major consequence of this virus. But for me this fear of a fellow person is more worrisome. The biggest and most detrimental consequence of this virus is androphobia. Man since time immemorial has been a social creature. We are meant to be together, people in our lives are supposed to be a source of happiness and joy, we are meant to enjoy the company of each other, supposed to provide strength and comfort to each other. Today as kids sit huddled in homes, men and women dread going out, people are afraid to Come in contact with anyone.I think about how we do not fear what should be one of our biggest phobia and which will have consequences far more worse on a regular basis in our day to day life. What if we all become antisocial?What if man starts to slowly like this kind of life? What if by the end of this pandemic children and adults stop wanting to mix up with others?. What if we start liking this loneliness?? What if a child stops having the desire to make friends? Such consequences will be disastrous for mankind.

However, much the virus may desire this we can’t let it win. I think about how we have to be careful cautious and stay safe but not let this new phobia drive us insane or paranoid. Fellow human beings are all co-passengers in the same boat. Each one is equally scared and vulnerable. Have empathy for each other rather than bias or hatred.
Don’t fear people. Fear the fear of people.

Stay home stay safe stay put
#DontBeADumbPigeon
Dr. Riccha Sarin

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