Though, we all know that change is constant and paramount people still dread slight changes from our comfort zone to another sphere. This type of fear is termed metathesiophobia, the persistent, abnormal and unwarranted fear of change. Some people resist striving forward due to fear and this prevents them from attaining greater success. Many at times, we ask questions as to why we are afraid of changes like moving into another environment, meeting new people, change in appearance due to ageing, quitting a job and starting a business just to mention a few.
Research has shown that the fear of change generally is caused by the combination of external events/trauma and internal predisposition such as hereditary and genetics. The cause of this fear could be linked to any of the following:
- Community violence: The prevalence of community violence like physical assault, rape, robbery and vandalism has been proven to be one the major causes of the fear of change.
- Natural disaster: Places prone to natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, or volcanic eruption is strongly linked to why people fear to change their current environment. This, however, can also be healthy, as it is a thoughtful way of showing caution.
- Domestic violence: This can be a reason why people are afraid of meeting new persons, taking on new jobs or moving to new homes.
- War and political violence: Though wars may have ended and the environment, changed over time, the influence of war on many nations still remain unspeakable and often lead to the fear in victims. Thus, those who have suffered war may not want to go back to environments that remind them of the experience.
- Genetics: Sometimes the environment might have nothing to do with why people are afraid. A person might simply be paranoid for no reason, other than what can best be described as genetic.
If you have an unhealthy feeling of fear, here are some things you can do:
- Counselling: Speak with a professional counsellor and get advice on what to do. Severe cases may require drugs administered by the doctor such as benzodiazepines, antidepressants and beta-blockers. The drugs are known to provide temporary relief as they cannot cure it permanently. Beware of drug abuse, they must be prescribed only by a physician.
- Self-help: Read books, listen to messages and watch videos and TV programs that can help relieve the condition.
- Hypnotherapy: This form of psychotherapeutic treatment that involves hypnotising the patient by putting them into a trance/dreamlike state. It has great potential in the treatment of metathesiophobia, and should it be considered an option for you, do not be sceptical about it, as it is safe and works fast.
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