Some people fear plague, others nuclear winter, while other people are afraid of Armageddon.
Doomsday phobias occur in some form in virtually every corner of the world.
Like many specific phobias, thesephobiascan be loosely categorized into several types.
Ruben Antolin / Getty Images
Two of the most common are technology phobias and religious phobias.
Doomsday Technology Phobias
Nuclear anxiety.
The science behind the dilemma seemed sound.
The theory was that early computers were programmed to accept only two digits rather than four-digit dates.
Of course, the Millennium Bug did not come to fruition.
So what was the Y2K scare really?
Was it a collective outpouring of a primitive doomsday phobia, or a simple case of mass hysteria?
The latest example of widespread technology phobia surrounds the atom-smasher, which was turned on in September of 2008.
Perhaps doomsday phobias are related to the fear of the unknown.
Fueled by science fiction films, it is easy for our imaginations to go into overdrive.
The rise in AI technologies in 2023 may signal the beginning of a new wave of doomsday phobias.
Doomsday Religious Phobias
Religion is a highly personalized system of beliefs, largely based on faith.
However, many people believe that these sections are meant to be taken literally.
If this is the case, then the End Times will be extremely scary.
The best-known example is the 1938 radio broadcastWar of the Worlds.
This live broadcast claimed to follow an alien invasion that was occurring in New York City.
The broadcast was heard across the United States, and mass panic ensued.
Doomsday fears continue to be exploited today.
Doomsday Phobia or Mass Hysteria?
In a panic situation, this can lead to an evolving hysteria.
Mass hysteria generally subsides when the feared situation passes.
If you have a legitimate doomsday phobia, it will not be limited to a specific event or situation.
Instead, your fear will persist.
You will become afraid whenever any situation arises that involves yourspecific phobia.
The phobia is treatable but can worsen over time.Cognitive-behavioral therapyis a popular treatment for phobias.
If your phobia is severe, you may also be prescribed medications.
A variety of medications are used to treat phobias, including antidepressants and anti-anxiety medicines.
Your mental health professional will work with you to develop atreatment planthat is right for you.
Harvard Medical School, 2007.
National Comorbidity Survey (NCS).
(2017, August 21).
Int J Environ Res Public Health.
Johns Hopkins University Press.2014.
American Psychological Association.What is cognitive behavioral therapy?.
