It is sometimes associated with the fear of moving, also known as tropophobia.
A little fear of change is normalit tends to be hardwired into our brains.
But excessive fear and anxiety can be a sign of a deeper problem.
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Why Do Have a Fear of Change?
Human beings are naturally wired to fear change for several reasons.
However, a fear of change may be more intense when the change is not within a persons control.
Verywell reached out to clinical psychologistCarla Marie Manly, PhD, to discuss why change is so scary.
“Our ancestors preferred constancy as they inherently knew that change often brought a lack of safety.”
From a mental health perspective, things are no different in todays world.
How can you recognize if you have a fear of change?
There are many distinct characteristics of the fear of change that someone might experience in their everyday life.
Constructive fear alerts us to an actual threat [and] keeps us safe from danger.
Destructive fear alerts us to a non-existent threat.
There is no actual threat, but our minds tell us there is.
Depending on the severity of a persons fear of change, it may become destructive.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Meditate
Meditationcan also be a helpful tool when you are trying to overcome the fear of change.
Manly says that creatingvision boardsgives our creative side a chance to imagine a different future.
Talk With Friends and Family
Discuss your fears with a trusted friend or family member.
They may share a similar fear and offer tips on how to cope from personal experience.
Oftentimes, fear of the unknown can be more anxiety-provoking than it’s worth in the end.
Rather than looking at whatcouldhappen in a negative light (e.g.
In some cases, these symptoms may be diagnosed as aspecific phobia.
However, it is possible to overcome this fear with the proper treatment, such astherapyorrelaxation strategies.
Medication may also be beneficial in times when holistic measures fail to provide relief.
Find out which option is the best for you.
