Enochlophobia: The Fear of Crowds

June 17, 2006 by
Barbara Burgess  
Barbara Burgess
Barbara Burgess
  • Published Content: 43
  • Total Views: 93,064
  • Fans: 0
View Profile | Follow | Add to Favorites
Font Size
Read comments (11)
More topics
Overcoming Fear  |  Crowds  |  Fear Of  |  Fear of Death  |  Sinatra  |  Fear


The famous Albert Einstein once said, “I hate crowds and making speeches.” This is a common feeling for many of us and is called enochlophobia. Enochlophobia is the fear of crowds, those who suffer with this fear will go out of their way
 to avoid places like malls, theaters, or any event that crowds would regular attend. A few things they fear will happen when around large crowds are:


  • Being trampled to death

  • Contracting a deadly virus

  • Getting lost in a massive crowd of people

  • They themselves feel small and insignificant when surrounded by so many people




This fear is one that can possibly be genetic and affects women more often than it affects men. Some get so fearful while in crowded areas until they experience chest pains as if having a heart attack, but are actually having a panic attack due to being overly anxious.


Some reasons why you may be experiencing this type of fear are:


  • You may just be a shy person by nature

  • Unable to desensitize yourself from all of the emotions from others around you

  • You do not feel safe around so many people you do not know personally

  • Media coverage




Some ways to help you to overcome Enochlophobia are:


  • Start by going to small group functions and gradually increase the size

  • Visit a metro area, make a conscious effort not to judge those that live there

  • Use the affirmation I am safer in crowds

  • Breathe deeply and slowly in a controlled manner

  • Keep your focus by listening to calming music through headphones

  • Talk with and to others more often in different situations




Your fear is real and it is up to you to take control of it, educate yourself  by learning as much as you can about what you are feeling and what you can do to change it.

 Print   Save Read comments (11)   Next piece
Related Video
   
RelatedRecommendedFeaturedMore By This Source
Itsy Bitsy Spider - Fear of Phobia?
Top searched for phobias on the Web as well as some information on each phobia.
By mamalav  |  Published 3/5/2008  |  Read more »
10 Tips to Help Get Over Your Fear of Presentations
A guide to help enable you to do a great presentation without fear
By Shel  |  Published 8/11/2006  |  Read more »
Fear of Flying: Three Treatment Options for This Common Phobia
Fear of flying, or aviophobia, is a common but fairly complex phobia. Here are the fears, symptoms, and treatments for a fear of flying.
By sandra bell  |  Published 12/22/2005  |  Read more »
How King Kong Expresses the Fear of a White Nation
King Kong the original can be read as a treatise on the fear of the white man that black men would take away our women and our power.
By Timothy Sexton  |  Published 12/10/2005  |  Read more »
How Singers Can Conquer Their Fear of Stage Fright!
Are you a talented singer who is deathly afraid of performing in front of a large audience?
By renee  |  Published 12/14/2006  |  Read more »
Unhealthy Fear of Death: Modern Westerners Don't Understand How We End
Why do we fear dead bodies so much?
By Jamie K. Wilson  |  Published 8/2/2007  |  Read more »
Related information
TakeawaysDid You Know
  • The fear of crowds is called Enochlophobia
  • The fear of crowds could be genetic
  • More women than men are affected by Enochlophobia
 
Comments 1 - 10 of 11 Next >>
Comments
Type in Your Comments Below

i have a fear of just being in a crowded place and if i am with more than 5 people groups i get anxious and my chest hurts
Add a Comment

Posted on 05/05/2009 at 12:05:56 PM

i have this fear of eating in crowds i fell like im goin 2 puk sometimes i fell sick when im in crouds im even taking medication which dosent really help me
Add a Comment

Posted on 03/23/2009 at 11:03:39 AM

continued>>>>> And I hope that by the time these words reach your eyes.... I had found peace :) Thank You
Add a Comment

Posted on 09/11/2008 at 8:09:35 AM

Im not sure what I have. It sounds like this, but has distinct differences. The fear isnt of being hurt or something, as I have trained most of my life and can put em together quite comfortably. So its not that I dont feel safe. I just get this funny feeling when around people. The back of my neck gets stiff, my head starts feeling tight, and I find myself making excuses why I shouldnt go. It doesnt happen all the time. If there is something I REALLY need to get done, then I go and do it. Thats where the "music through headphones" comment come true for me, because thats what I do! I put on my headset, and listen to music as I stroll to my destination. Often I cannot look people in the eyes as Im walking, unless I see "trouble" ahead. Then my instincts kick in. Fear... dunno.... maybe?? Confused and dont understand it?? DEFINITELY!! This is the first time Ive expressed this outside of my head. I hope you saw something in this... And I hope that by the time the
Add a Comment

Posted on 09/11/2008 at 8:09:39 AM

i have this kind of fear.. i just dont feel safe when i'm in a crowd.. especially if i dont know them.. i already have conquered this fear.. but if i'm with my girlfriend i dont want to get in a crowd.. coz i want her to be safe..
Add a Comment

Posted on 07/07/2008 at 9:07:35 AM

I have panic attacks that can range from mild to severe when I go out around crowd. I have serious problems in amusement parks and I pretty much will myself to do it and tell myself that nothing is out there to harm me. I think I just have this claustrophic feeling around to0 many people and the lack of space just makes nervous and just want to cut and run.
Add a Comment

Posted on 06/08/2008 at 8:06:36 PM

This really helped me understand my phobia better. now i kno what to do when im in school wich is were it mostly happens
Add a Comment

Posted on 02/05/2008 at 7:02:23 AM

I'm glad I found this article. Very instructive. Thanks! :)
Add a Comment

Posted on 01/13/2008 at 3:01:21 PM

My fear seems to be at a school program for grandkids, or at a church and occurs when it begins or ends and people are milling about and seem to be looking directly at others, sometimes acquaintances, people I know and haven't seen for a while. I want to go on out- or not go in! I hate to go in Walmart, but sometimes feel better in a smaller store. I go at less busy times. Or not at all. I feel shaky and perspire,in the waiting room at Dr.s offices, have canceled because of it. And it gets worse as time goes on.
Add a Comment

Posted on 12/24/2007 at 8:12:18 AM

I'm not afraid of crowds, I just have a strong dislike for them and feel that the mob of people around me are rude and disorderly. It seems like at outdoor events they just think it's a 'free for all' and don't walk in straight lines causing mayhem. Maybe I have OCD...
Add a Comment

Posted on 12/03/2007 at 7:12:00 AM

Comments 1 - 10 of 11 Next >>

Have more to say?
Become a Source on AC