Monophobia - the Fear of Being Alone By Lisa Fritscher - Reviewed by a board-certified physician. Updated April 21, 2016 Question: What Is the Fear of Being Alone? Answer: Monophobia, or the fear of being alone, is a catch-all term for several discrete fears. Some people are afraid of being apart from a particular person. Some fear living alone or being in public alone. Still others are afraid of being alone at home. Nervousness while alone is surprisingly common, but a full-blown phobia is relatively rare. Fear of Being Apart from Someone Most people can identify one or a few people that act as a support system. Humans are social creatures, and we feel most comfortable when we can share our successes and challenges with someone we especially trust. Spouses often feel uncomfortable when a partner is on a business trip or otherwise away from home, children may have difficulty staying with extended family, and teens might panic when a best friend moves away. Most of the time, these feelings are mild and relatively short-lived. Talking on the phone or online is often enough to assuage the distress.

Some families create rituals, such as having the same thing for dinner or sending special e-mails at the same time each night, to honor the relationship. These rituals take on particular importance when a family member is gone for more than a few days. For some people, however, panic sets in whenever a particular loved one leaves the house. If you have this fear, you might become anxious when your loved one goes to work, visits with friends or participates in a hobby. In extreme cases, some people are afraid for the loved one to be in a different room of the house. This fear is common in small children . It is generally considered a normal part of development, and is not diagnosed as a condition -- usually separation anxiety disorder -- unless it lasts six months or is unusually severe. Check with your pediatrician if your child appears to be in particular distress. Fear of Being Alone in Public The fear of being alone in public may be linked to conditions such as social phobia or agoraphobia. If you are uncomfortable being around strangers, a friend or family member is comforting. A companion is someone for you to focus on, as well as someone to divert the attention of strangers.

Many people with this fear feel awkward and uncomfortable, as if they are in the spotlight, when dining or shopping alone. Fear of Being Alone at Home Fears of being alone at home often, though not always, revolve around fears of emergency situations arising. Burglaries, home repair problems, and personal injury are commonly-cited fears. These fears may be heightened in people who do not fully trust themselves and their own judgment. You might worry that you will react poorly should an emergency arise. Some people are afraid of being alone with their thoughts. If you suffer from depression or anxiety, you may try to combat your feelings by staying busy. You might fear that if you have no one to talk to, you will be unable to cope with your thoughts. Keep in mind that that this is a form of loneliness . Feeling truly "alone" may indicate a personality disorder , although the difference is subtle. Seek advice from a trained professional if you are unsure what you are feeling. Of course, in some situations, fear may be prudent. Phobias are never diagnosed when the fear is reasonable and in proportion to the situation. If you suffer from certain medical conditions or live in a dangerous neighborhood, your concern might be entirely reasonable.

Many people in these situations find ways of minimizing risk, such as getting a dog or a medical alert system. Fear of Living Alone The fear of living alone is often an extension of the fear of being alone at home. Some people are comfortable staying at home for an afternoon or even a couple of days, but are uncomfortable with the idea of spending protracted time periods living alone. Like the fear of being home alone, this fear is commonly rooted in a lack of self-confidence. You may worry that you will be unable to take care of the house, respond to emergencies, or even take care of your own basic needs. Coping With the Fear of Being Alone Regardless of which form your monophobia takes, you might find comfort in a few basic strategies. Many people find that background noise helps. At home, turn on the television or radio. Download movies or music clips. In public, consider carrying an MP3 player. Getting involved in an absorbing activity helps to pass the time. Read a book, surf the web, or get lost in a movie. Carrying a smart phone, tablet or notebook computer gives you something to focus on while in public. Many people find that relaxation exercises lower anxiety levels and can even ward off a panic attack .

Purposeful breathing , meditation and aromatherapy are relatively easy to learn and can be used anywhere. Getting Help If your fear of being alone is severe, or if it affects your daily life, the best solution is to seek professional treatment. Like all phobias, the fear of being alone responds well to a variety of treatment options . Because monophobia is sometimes affiliated with other fears, your therapist will create an individualized treatment plan that addresses all of your concerns. Source: What is Monophobia? (with pictures) What is Monophobia? Last Modified Date: 20 December 2016 Copyright Protected: These 10 facts about space will blow your mind Monophobia is an abnormal fear of being alone . While everybody feels lonely sometimes, someone with monophobia experiences extreme anxiety when left alone, and the condition can be both socially crippling and extremely frustrating. A variety of behavioral therapy techniques can be used to treat monophobia, including talk therapy and hypnosis . People who suffer from this condition also sometimes benefit from support groups, where they can meet like-minded people and learn about techniques for managing their condition. This condition is caused by an anxiety disorder, and it may manifest in combination with other anxiety disorder-related symptoms.

A monophobe may experience extreme panic attacks when left alone, for example, but he or she may not be able to immediately identify the cause of the panic attacks. A person with this condition might recognize that he or she feels uneasy when left alone, for example, but the person may not be able to understand that the root cause of his or her panic attacks and distress involves being alone. In addition to being afraid of being alone, someone who is monophobic may also experience stress or panic in unfamiliar situations. Some monophobes are afraid of being away from particular people or locations, associating these people and situations with safety and familiarity. This can be a problem for partners who want to travel or spend time with others in a social capacity, and it can be very frustrating for caregivers. Ad Because this condition can be intertwined with other symptoms related to an anxiety disorder, it can take time and patience to unravel monophobia and address the root cause. Patients may need to try several treatment approaches and therapists to find a treatment which works for them. Monophobia is typically diagnosed by a psychologist or psychiatrist, who may also talk about treatment approaches with the patient.

It is important to address the anxiety disorder which is at the root of the monophobia, to ensure that the patient does not develop another syndrome caused by the anxiety disorder. For the friends and family of the monophobe, it can be helpful to remember that people with anxiety disorders are typically unable to control their symptoms, and that for some people, deep shame surrounds panic attacks and other stress reactions. As a result, it is important to be supportive, no matter how frustrating it can be. Ad anon991229 Post 50 I know I have this because I hate being alone and become very depressed. My neighbors don't talk, so that makes it worse, plus every relationship I've had becomes abusive because they know I'm afraid of the loneliness. I find it hard to talk to people. and make new friends. For some reason, only one person is who I want. (That's not good if that person is an abuser!). I try watching TV and listening to music, but it doesn't do much good. If I have a phone, that's something, but it's a horrible thing to have, and not much help is there to cope with it.

anon989829 Post 49 I live in the college dorms, and it is spring break. I am the only person who stayed on the dorms, because home is not a good place to be, and staying in the dorms would be easier with my work schedule (home is only about 20 minuets away). Anyway, every night has been getting worse. Im afraid to leave my room, and its hard for me to even pee, brush my teeth, or shower, without being afraid someone is coming to attack me, or just that something will happen. Also every little noise I hear, freaks me out. Even if it is a normal noise. I could try and stay with my boyfriend, but his parents are too strict. I often have a hard time doing things, like peeing or showering, and its been that way my whole life. But being alone is really hard. Being alone has always made it harder for me to do normal things. I remember as a child I would sit in the hall forever before taking a shower, because I was afraid of something attacking me. And at that age I was never home alone. anon989657 Post 48 I can relate!

I'm 29 and always worry about being alone. Even tho I'm by my myself while my parents are at work, that doesn't really bother me. I know they'll be back. What does freak me out is I always think they are going behind my back trying to kick me out of the house. Like my mom won't refill my med box with my meds in it, I have to refill my own scripts, they're always saying 'you're 29 years old you can do this for yourself' yes I'm 29 but I have severe anxiety. Now, yesterday, they dropped this bombshell on me that my dad is going to Florida for a business trip this weekend. My mom is going with him. I have to stay here. I have had at least 2 panic attacks so far. My latest one was about an hour ago. My first one was around 7 am. I fear this is going to keep getting worse as the weekend gets closer. ej3 Post 46 This sounds like me. I have panic attacks at the thought of being alone, from my earliest memories to now that I'm 38. I have never even applied to drive.

I cannot handle even the thought of a stranger in the car with me, and on top of that judging me too! My husband goes everywhere with me. I also have a fear that everyone is going to die around me or is just going to leave me all alone. It's very stressful. When we do go somewhere, I like one of my kids to go in case something should happen to my husband because I would never get back to the safe place I call home. My panic disorder prevents me from even knowing the neighborhood I grew up in. I have no sense of direction; I just panic. It feels like a heart attack. I start sweating, shaking and crying, or I zone out and it's like I’m not there. I guess the zone out is my brain protecting me from a total shutdown, kind of like the fainting goat thing. I don’t know. I have a doctor and I’m on medication, but it just dulls the edge. Short of knocking me out, I feel there is no taking it away. It's just who I am, so I try to stay away from people and I feel alone and feel I will be left alone and lost. I have PTSD because of my childhood, OCD, panic and stress disorders.

Has anyone ever had these problems? anon924090 Post 45 In the past year I have not been able to sleep. As soon as my dad puts my dog in my room and closes the door, I start to panic. Sometimes I panic before then at just the thought of being alone at night. I am not scared that something will attack me. I am scared that everyone else in my family will leave me. I usually sleep in my parents' room. This helps me sleep, but then I feel bad because I interrupted their sleep. When I don't go to my parents' room I will start to cry in a panicky way then (what I think is) hyperventilate. Next, I will start shaking and my dog will stare at me weird. The only time I can sleep in my room is when I panic to the point of exhaustion. I am perfectly fine with being left alone during the day. It is just at night that I have problems. I also have a fear of vomiting and last year I went 10 nights on medicine because I thought I was sick. I never told my parents because I believed (and still believe) that if I tell them that I am sick I will vomit.

One night my dad came in and told me that if I was going to get sick I would get sick, then he stayed in my room until I fell asleep. I also think that if I am with other people I won't get sick. I might also talk to myself to not get sick. Even just the mere thought of being sick makes me think I am sick. Right now I am fighting back the emotions of feeling sick. The main problem with this is that I have to keep my mind off the feeling of vomiting so I stay up later. But then I panic when I realize everyone is asleep. helpme98 Post 44 I am 15 and I cry most nights because I'm scared of being alone and never being loved. I feel like I have no real mates and the ones I hang around with will be out drinking having fun or be with their best friends, having cuddles, and I'm sitting in the house. I often think about if I killed myself there would be no pain and I'd be non existent. I can't cope with these feelings anymore as this has been happening for about a year. I need help but don't know how to help myself how to block out all the pain and make it better.

Help me! anon354491 Post 41 I am 13 and I think I have this, along with some other problems that I have yet to discover the meanings for. I am always afraid of being a loner and whenever I'm stuck at home alone while everyone else is having "fun" it makes me very upset. I can't sleep without holding onto something (stuffed animal, pillow, etc.) I used to be fine until I turned 12. I just recently had to have to sleep with something in order to feel safe and not alone. I worry about this constantly, even when I'm with people. I have only told one person about all this and she just brushes it off. I want to ask for help but I'm afraid of being judged and then hated. Can I please have some advice? Thank you to anyone who has taken the time to read this. anon350796 Post 39 I'm 14 and I have many problems. I can't figure out what's wrong, but I'm not crazy. I really don't think I am. They're always watching me though. they think I'm insane. But I'm not. I feel fine.

I can't be alone. anon347721 Post 38 I have had many problems like this. Whenever I am alone, I start to freak out. At night I'm scared to leave my room because I think I hear things that aren't really there or I can picture something following me when I'm walking alone in my house. I am like this at most times, but when it's dark it doesn't help. Other times I am in my room all alone, nobody is near me and I can eventually convince myself I'm safe until I stare at the window. This is usually when I begin to realize that my room isn't completely safe, so I practically beg for dear life to bring someone to me so I can hold close to them. Other times I'll be alone in the house and I will believe something happened to all the others or why they're gone. And if they don't come back, will something happen to me? And I am constantly looking around to make sure there is nothing near me. It has gotten much better though, from when I was a kid. I could barely sleep alone. I would cry at my door until someone came and took me back.

And even when I hear a door or something it catches my attention. As soon as someone comes home, I rush to greet them, and give them big hugs. As well as when I am alone in a crowd, as soon as I see someone I know, I rush to them so I can greet and hug them. anon345724 Post 37 I'm usually not left alone at home (I'm 12), but if I am, I get very nervous and panicky. This fear thing doesn't work very well for the area I live in. either. We have tornado watches frequently, and ironically, I'm left alone during most of them, and I panic. anon339675 Post 36 I think I may have this. I am 12 years old and I am definitely a night person. I am an artist, plus I love music so I often stay up until or past midnight drawing or listening to my iPod. But I know that that is all just a diversion from what I 'm really feeling. Every night, after my parents turn the lights off, I change completely. I have so much trouble falling asleep at night when I know I'm the only one awake.

I'm afraid to open my door and look out. I leave the hall light on, but it doesn't stretch far and I have a perfect view of the horrible darkness in front of me . The only light is where I 'm standing and it makes me feel isolated. And I hate it. It's a living nightmare. Any mention of something having to do with paranormal sort of things as I sit in my room alone, well it puts the "para" in paranoid, I tell you. My parents sleep on the other side of the house and for a very, very long time I refused to sleep in my room, but on the couch outside their door. Why? Well, I watched one -- just one! -- episode of "The Haunted" on Animal Planet and I am so easily disturbed by things like that and I simply could not let it go. One evening, not too long ago, actually, I felt awful. Horrible. I knew that as soon as those lights went off I was going to be subjected to my fears. Usually, I don't feel scared at all until they go to bed, but something in me started it up early.

I actually spent about fifteen minutes in the kitchen, admiring a clove of garlic, sort of running my thumb across it and smiling oddly when the skin crackled. I started yearning to hold onto one of these. I was thinking, "They will protect me from the demons. Should I put salt on my windowsill as well?" Then I collapsed in a chair and felt as if I was about to cry and I just went through some things in my head that usually calm me down. But it didn't work. So I locked myself in my room and cried quietly while whisper-yelling for help. My stepmother noticed something was wrong and I told her how I felt. That was the first night in a long, long time that I wasn't scared as I fell asleep. But it didn't last and still every night after that, I see the same horrible demons every time I close my eyes and feel as if the poster hitting against my wall is actually the sound of my death creeping ever closer to me. It's hard to divert myself, then. Now, I don't mind being alone during the day. In fact, I like that very much. Nor have I ever had a panic attack because of this fear.

(The only panic attack I've ever had was when I attempted snorkeling. *shudder*) so I do believe that this is only very mild for me. Or is just cornered into a specific section of this fear. Is there a specific phobia of being alone at night? Or is it monophobia I would be classified with? I don't know. But what I do know is that I'm living in what I call hell every time the clock strikes ten and they turn out the lights. anon336555 Post 35 I'm pretty sure I have this. I get random panic attacks anyway, which are caused by my anxiety, but I'm scared to tell my mum about it because in the past I've tried and she's denied all evidence. Even going up and knocking at someones door, someone I know, I will freeze up and go into a meltdown. My palms get sweaty and I can't breathe. anon329690 Post 34 I think I must have this, probably mildly. I'm 14.

I hate being in the house by myself, I am just now and I'm locked in the spare room, sweating, with Harry Potter blaring out in front of me, my ipod playing in my bedroom, my dad's radio on, the telly on downstairs, the computer on a web programme and a radio on in the kitchen but I'm still scared that there's someone in the house, or I'll suddenly die. I hate it. I can't leave the room because I am so scared. At nights I find it very hard to fall asleep especially if everyone else has gone to bed, i often lie awake for hours, petrified that there is someone in my room, occasionally I go running into my mum and dads room but they just moan at me. It's horrible and I really don't know what to do. It's taking over my life. anon328476 Post 33 I'm pretty sure I have this, just because of the fact that I can't be away from a human being for more than a few minutes. But over the years, I have developed a strategy that actually works at night: I always have two pillows.

I keep one next to me that I snuggle my back up against (as I would against someone else's back if they were next to me) and one that I wrap my arms around (that's just a personal preference). I always have a light on, and I have my radio on. It's really helpful. One other thing I do quite often (though it completely destroys your cell phone) is falling asleep on the phone with someone else (especially if they're your lover or partner or whatever you like to call it). It does, however, destroy your phone. It makes the battery all screwed up, but in my opinion it's worth it. Monophobia is a nightmare, and I wish it would go away, but I've learned to cope -- mostly. anon314781 Post 31 I might as well join in the conversation. I think I have emetophobia. I can barely fall to sleep during the nights because no one's next to me. It's hard for me to fall asleep even when everyone is awake in the house (it's not them disturbing me, its the fact that no one is next to me). And when everyone is asleep, I won't fall asleep.

During nights like these, I get up, sometimes in the middle of the night, and literally almost run to my parents' room to get my mom. I'm 16. Sometimes it gets my dad really mad because he doesn't like the fact that I "want" to be with my mom while sleeping, but he doesn't understand I just can't sleep alone. So this is going to the point where sometimes he yells at me for getting her but I can't help it. When she's with me, I feel 100 percent better and can fall asleep immediately sometimes (at times it still takes me a while to fall asleep, but it's way better when she's there). Like other people, I always feel like something is going to jump at me or scare me or hurt me. I don't know why, they are the stupidest thoughts ever. I watch scary things, sure, and I enjoy them, and they usually aren't the things to torture me mentally at night. It could be anything, and I can almost cry from the thought of something scaring me. What I watch doesn't affect me, yet my dad thinks so. I hate being alone in the house.

Like others, I have to have at least some music on or the TV or entertain myself with something. I don't know how this is going to work out when I leave to go to college, when I'll have to live alone. In unfamiliar places, I get more scared than usual too. And at some nights too when it's incredibly hot (I live in Florida), I still leave my blanket on me because if I take it off I just feel so uneasy and scared and unsafe. I have to have my fan on; the noise helps me fall asleep. It stinks. For once, I wish I could fall asleep easily and actually have a good nights sleep. I never went to a psychologist or anything; my parents would never want to take me, and I don't want to go. I kind of find it pointless, and don't see how anyone can help it. I found the problem myself and have tried to help myself and at times it works, but in the end, nope. I never had any anxiety attacks, but sometimes I feel like I have to burst out crying, just from the fear.

When I'm out in public, there's a ton of people around me, yet I have to get someone on my phone and talk to someone, or I can't help but feel weird and alone. My case isn't as bad as others, fortunately, and for others, I really hope everyone can feel relief eventually. anon301213 Post 29 Great info. My panic attacks 15 years ago led to some OCD, and have manifested into monophobia recently and I still have all three. Any ideas? I work and manage it all through planning and a lot of stress, because I keep a lot from my partner of twenty years. I just woke up one night and had a panic attack and the rest is 15 years of a nightmare that is ruining my life. anon297365 Post 28 @anon131316: I completely agree with you but I keep thinking that there is someone behind me and when I wake up for school, all the lights downstairs in my house are dark and I feel really scared like someone is there. There are six people in my family, but when I wake up for school, everyone is sleeping and I think to myself that's not fair!

Please someone help me! anon295388 Post 27 My parents were cleaning my room because they wanted me to sleep in my room because I've been sleeping in my parents' room or my brother's room for my whole life. I'm 13 and I wish I could sleep by myself but when I try and close my eyes I get so scared that someone's there and when it is really hot I still have to have the blanket with me or else I get a panic attack when I'm by myself. I really need help please. anon271326 Post 26 I'm always afraid and I don't like to be alone. I am not relaxed unless my husband is beside me. Then, I am happy and relaxed. Please can you advise me on what to do? I want to know if I have monophobia? Why am I always afraid to be alone and can't go out or go to the store alone? anon251582 Post 23 I also have monophobia. I've been told it stems from my agoraphobia and I know it has been because of past events in my life! Yet I used to be so independent.

Now I can't even be in the house on my own without being on the phone and knowing someone will be with me within minutes. My mother has to sit with me while my partner fetches my children from the school. The other alternative is to go with him! It's ruling my life and I feel like such a failure. I want to beat it and am doing cognitive behavioral therapy, but I don't feel I can go at the pace they are setting for me. anon247679 Post 22 I'm 16 years old, and I never really thought about me having this problem until my mom told me about it. She told me I've being afraid of being alone almost all my life, and she said it was a sickness, kind of a harsh word, but I know its true. I've had nightmares all my life about people dying in my family and so I thought I was afraid of death, but then I actually thought of it and noticed that I'm afraid of losing people I love and being alone in life. I have always slept with my younger brother, and when he doesn't sleep with me, I just get the weirdest feeling ever and I get, in a way, sad.

When I'm in my room alone and not talking to anyone, I just start crying. It's the worst feeling ever. I decided to tell my best friend about my problem and she totally understood me. She's always there when I need her, and I guess she's the only reason why I'm getting through this. I love her. I guess the key thing to this is admitting you have it so other people could help you. You can't keep your feelings bottled inside. anon240615 Post 21 I am 15. I have had Monophobia my whole life! I get all the symptoms and out of my life span have had 10 anxiety attacks. This phobia is life crushing for me. People have been making fun of me for it too! If this helps anyone, a thing I usually do when I have to be left alone is turn on at least one tv (I usually watch something live) and one radio, make sure I have my cell phone and a home phone by me at all times, get on a website (facebook) or anything other where I am able to communicate with other live human beings, and I also text or call some friends.

It doesn't help me fully, but it does help a little. Try it. anon213172 Post 20 I'm 15, and I've had monophobia at night basically all my life. It got too much a few months ago with all my GCSE's coming up, so my mum booked a doctor's appointment without me knowing and the first few times I just cried, not wanting to go, but now I'm so glad I did. I had counseling and surprisingly it worked. I think it will never work fully as I still have the odd occasion, but now I know how to deal with it and to get better so now I want to advise people that it is curable. You just need to admit you need help. anon186559 Post 19 Monophobia is a symptom. I know I have it, but only recently I discovered it is caused by an anxiety disorder and can be associated or shown with other symptoms. It does help to acknowledge and accept it, but there´s work to be done. I've been suffering from panic disorder for 13 years now and am gradually overcoming it. It is curable and treatable.

So hang in there since there's lot to be done for yourself. The beginning is hard but once past that, it gets easier. anon180473 Post 18 I realized I had monophobia and found it difficult to sleep alone or be alone when my long term relationship ended. It was the worst time of my life as my children left home around the same time. I went for therapy and one thing that really helped me was my therapist telling me I can never be alone because I had me (myself). So how could I be alone? This helped, although I still feel scared being alone. I am managing and can tolerate sleeping alone and being alone. I hope this helps. anon169463 Post 17 I have had monophobia since my childhood days. Now I am 66 years old and I see I have monophobia. I believe the source of my monophobia derives from the event that took place during my childhood days. My mom locked the door from outside and went away and I was worried that if an earthquake occurred, what would have happened? Since we have earthquakes so often in the western part of Turkey. I have also agoraphobia and am afraid that I may be trapped somewhere.

anon167032 Post 16 i think i have monophobia. I'm afraid of being alone and when im alone in our home i always opening the door and turning the tv with the music player. i always want to have people around me, and i don't want to be separated to the special people around me. I'm afraid of losing them. anon165612 Post 15 I am 12 years old and i am positive i have this. i have to sleep near my parents and it's driving me and them insane. It helps to know that i am not crazy. anon149255 Post 14 I know I have this problem. I have for years and have only just been diagnosed. now my husband has left me and my kids have turned against me because I get so panicky. I've been a good mum and wife but now he's telling my daughters I'm crazy. It is so unfair. I still love them all, but feel my life is over because of this wretched illness. maybe we should all get together and raise awareness of it. --mss anon147311 Post 13 I think I have monophobia.

I used to hate sleeping alone, until i created a kind of character that acts like a sort of older brother. He is there at night and most of the time during the day, but sometimes I forget that I have him, like one day, I woke up late for school. I dashed downstairs and called for my dad, no answer. I looked everywhere but couldn't find him, then I had a panic attack (dun dun dun!) I got something like an asthma attack, only I don't have asthma. Events like this have happened before, usually at school. I would be having an attack, I find some sort of teacher, my breathing is restored. anon132504 Post 11 I am a college student. I sleep with my friend most nights. I knew I didn't like sleeping alone, but I never thought it a problem before last night. My friend and I didn't sleep together. When I awoke this morning and realized I was alone, and I had the oddest feeling of depression that swept over like a blanket. Now I realize this is a problem. I'm not always going to have friends to sleep with. How on earth am I going to fix this?

anon131316 Post 10 I think I have monophobia because I can't sleep alone at night. I always need someone sleeping with me to feel completely secure. But it's causing my parents to have sleepless nights as well, so last night I slept in this other room with a long chair (without them knowing) but the stranger problem now is that I only fall asleep for about 10 minutes and then wake up again and its very repetitive. I know why I can't get to sleep in my bedroom is because I've seen too many horror movies and imagine then watching over me like staring at my face if my eyes are closed and it's terrifying and I start to cry and deep breathe. I want help. I'm only 11. anon127312 Post 9 i am afraid of being alone but i can sleep by myself. I'm not afraid of someone jumping out at me. I'm afraid of being alone or not knowing where my family is and I'm afraid of them not coming back. anon109346 Post 8 I am really afraid of being alone and even when in my own home i can't go upstairs without knowing that someone is there.

When i am alone, i am always worrying that someone will jump out at me or that someone is going to hurt me. If i am in the position where i have to be alone i must keep myself occupied by watching T.V or i will really panic. I have recently come back off holiday and while there if ever i needed the toilet i would need someone to come with me and wait outside the cubicle. i am permanently worried about being alone and always thinking of excuses to tell people why i can't be alone. anon103621 Post 7 For most of my life i thought I had insomnia because I couldn't sleep alone, but now that I noticed monophobia, that just sums up my life. I can't sleep alone. I always have to have someone beside me or else i can't sleep. Please help me. This has been happening for four years and I'm sick of it. anon97966 Post 6 i feel exactly the same as these other people. It's hardest when trying to sleep alone. i get really depressed and terrified to leave my bed. even if i really need the toilet or a drink, i can't do it. i have to always be with someone.

when i am alone for too long, even just an hour, it dramatically changes my mood so much like someone else said almost to what feels like insanity. It's hard to explain how you feel but it's like you feel like something really bad is going to happen and it's because you're alone. As soon as someone else is there, anyone its fine. this is really getting me down as I've just broken up with my long term partner and don't know what to do so i always sleep alone now but it's really hard. I had this before i was with him and during but not as much but now it's come back ten times worse. any advice would be helpful. Monophobia | Define Monophobia at Dictionary.com monophobia [mon-uh-foh-bee-uh] /ˌmɒn əˈfoʊ bi ə/ Spell an abnormal fear of being alone. Origin of monophobia British Dictionary definitions for monophobia Expand a strong fear of being alone Derived Forms Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd.

1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012 Monophobia - What is Monophobia? | The Linden Method Monophobia The dictionary definition of monophobia is: "An abnormal fear of being alone" Whilst this is a correct definition, it just doesn't feel that simple to sufferers. Monophobia sufferers not only fear being alone, they can also fear the thought of being alone or being away from a place or person which provides a feeling of safety. Monophobia is caused by an underlying anxiety disorder and the sufferer can experience high anxiety and panic attacks also. Monophobia can be very disturbing. Monophobia causes the sufferer to greatly restrict their lifestyle and that of their relatives, friends or carers. It is very important for monophobia sufferers to realize that they do not have to live such restricted lives and that the anxiety they experience can be eliminated quickly and permanently, regardless of what they may have heard from doctors or psychologists.

Monophobia is a symptom of an anxiety disorder and as such, can be very quickly eliminated. Many tens of thousands of people that we have treated have had varying degrees of monophobia during their anxiety disorders but what is true of every single person is that when we have helped them to eliminate their anxiety, their monophobia slips away. I too had severe monophobia, crippling panic whenever I was left alone. It was damaging and frustrating, not to mention very frightening indeed. Let me show you how we can help you to destroy the anxiety and panic that controls your life and how to eliminate the monophobia that controls your every move. I did it and so can you, that's a promise. Charles Eliminate Monophobia Forever - Join us Today The TRUE Science That Will Change the Lives of Every Anxiety Disorder Sufferer in The World A Total Revolution in Mental Healthcare Practice Watch the video and learn the truth.... Fear of Being Alone Phobia – Monophobia You are here: Home / Phobias / Fear of Being Alone Phobia – Monophobia Fear of Being Alone Phobia – Monophobia Monophobia is the extreme or abnormal fear of being along. Many people as well as animals are known to suffer from monophobia and it is not an easy fear to overcome.

Monophobia is also known by other names such as Isolaphobia or Autophobia. It is characterized by extreme insecurity, anxiety and depression when the individual suffering has to be alone, even for short duration. As a result, s/he refuses to sleep, eat or even go to the bathroom alone. Persons suffering from monophobia are unable to do many simple tasks that most can do easily. The fear of being alone also leads to bad relationships as the individual prefers abuse to being left alone. Symptoms of Monophobia As with other types of phobias, the fear of being alone also triggers several physical and emotional symptoms: Physical symptoms: Feeling unsteady, experiencing lightheadedness or dizziness Feeling of choking Rapid heart rate, palpitations or pounding heart Sweating Inability to distinguish between reality and unreality Fear of dying Hot/cold flashes Fear of fainting Monophobia is often combined with other kinds of phobias. For example, many people who suffer from Agoraphobia (fear of open/public places) or Thanatophobia (fear of death) may also suffer from Monophobia. Causes of Monophobia The fear of being alone can occur due to various reasons.

As with most types of phobias, the origins of Monophobia can often be traced to the individual’s childhood wherein one might have had a frightening experience. Long term stress, anxiety, bad relationships, poor housing and other socio-economic factors can also lead to Monophobia. It has now been established that most anxieties and phobias occur in people who have less well-developed strategies for coping with difficult situations in life. Children raised by anxious relatives/parents are also more likely to suffer from the common kinds of phobias. They inherit the anxiety which makes them react negatively to stressful situations and events. A person suffering from the true fear of being along is also likely to lack confidence and belief in the fact that activities can be carried out alone. S/he feels that having a trustworthy person along at all times is essential and failure to do so could lead to death or her/him acting ‘out of control’ when panic-causing situations arise. Treatment for the fear of being alone Many individuals suffering from Monophobia develop coping strategies and self-help techniques to help themselves.

Alternatively, one can also seek treatment from a psychiatrist/psychologist who can recommend therapies such as talk therapy, cognitive behavior therapy (that is known to cure nearly 75% of people suffering from different phobias) or counseling etc. Hypnotherapy is also effective for treating many kinds of phobias. Medications generally do not cure one’s fear of being alone; however, short term drug therapy is known to be effective for dealing with the symptoms. Beta blockers, anti-anxiety and anti-depressant medications etc can be taken under the guidance of a doctor for dealing with stress and panic caused by one’s monophobia. It is important to note that there are many withdrawal symptoms one might experience when weaning off these drugs and the process should be done gradually and under medical supervision. Relaxation and breathing techniques are the more natural forms of treatments recommended for dealing with the extreme fear of being alone. Guided mental imagery, meditation, deep breathing, muscle relaxation and soothing self talk are some of the effective ways of coping with monophobia.

Here are the Top 10 Books for Overcoming Phobias Likewise, desensitization and gradual exposure therapy also help the individual slowly experience the fear of being alone, first in the form of images and visualization and then in reality. This can help one get desensitized so that s/he no longer reacts with uncontrollable panic when faced with being alone. What do you fear? Share your phobias with visitors on this site, read their stories and connect with them. Fear of Being Alone Printer-friendly view Text size: A A New! Anxiety Workshops commencing 7th Feb 2017. Fear of being alone - Monophobia Monophobia is an acute fear of being alone and having to cope without a specific person, or perhaps any person, in close proximity. This 'closeness' might mean in the same house or flat or even in the same room. Anxiety Care has encountered monophobics who cannot use the lavatory without another person being in the room with them. Monophobia is often seen as part of the agoraphobic cluster. According to research, there are no particular personality differences between agoraphobics and members of the general population.

'Fear of fear' (fear of a panic attack) seems to be a component of the agoraphobia (and a major part of monophobia), but there are many other factors that lead to the avoidance central to the disorder and not all agoraphobics experience panic attacks. People with agoraphobia typically suffer from a 'cluster' of phobias as mentioned and Monophobia may be one. Generally agoraphobics will find it very difficult or impossible to carry out certain activities. These could be going into crowded or public places, lifts, public transport or simply anywhere away from home where 'escape' or immediate access to help is not possible. They will probably also fear standing in queues, going on bridges or sitting in any place where they feel 'trapped', such as at a hairdresser's or dentists. A companion for outings is often sought and rapidly becomes essential. There can also be additional fears, predominantly 'social' ones such as a fear of blushing, trembling, talking eating or writing in front of people and of being stared at.

(These latter fears can also be part of social phobia or separate specific phobias and don't necessarily mean that someone suffering in this way is agoraphobic or monophobic.) There may also be obsessional and depressive symptoms. If the person becoming agoraphobic was significantly depressed before onset, which is more common when the problem appears later in life, this could be the disorder that is treated first. It can be seen from this that agoraphobia tends to reduce self-confidence and the belief that activities can be carried out alone. It can be a short step from here to a belief that being alone at all is not safe. A person suffering from Panic Disorder might also believe that he or she will die or collapse or do something terrible when panic strikes and this too might make having a trustworthy person present seem as if it is essential, so leading to monophobia. Some people with social difficulties might also believe that a trustworthy companion is vital before they enter social situations. And children or young adults suffering from Separation Anxiety have also discussed feeling very isolated and alone at times and experiencing the need to have a parent or trusted companion present before undertaking activities.

However, in the latter case, the focus is usually on one specific person (a parent) and being alone for short periods is usually not mentioned as a major problem. However, when it is, monophobia might be considered as part of the problem. Anxiety Care has encountered monophobic people who have few typical agoraphobic or social symptoms, retaining the ability to function in virtually any situation as long as they have somebody with them at all times. In fact the 'pure' monophobic may be indistinguishable from the general population, perhaps even more outgoing than most, when accompanied by a trusted companion. Anecdotal evidence seems to suggest that the monophobic person's feeling of being unsafe, is probably the main focus. This has been seen, within the charity, to occur out of severe self-doubt: even resulting in the needed companion being a parent rather than the life partner. It might be argued here that falling back into a childlike need for a parent is statistically more likely to work, both emotionally and financially, than not allowing the life partner to leave the house.

Anxiety Care has encountered monophobics, married to partners who cannot easily take time off from their jobs, literally clinging to that partner as he or she tried to leave the house; begging and crying; with this happening virtually every working day. A parent might be more available and might more easily fall back into the mode of looking after this adult as a needy child again. Feeling dangerous is often an 'obsessional thinking' problem (see the article on this website) and the charity has encountered people fearing their own violence in this way who have insisted on having a companion with them at all times in order to prevent them harming people. However, people with this problem would usually feel just as safe if they were locked in a room alone, so monophobia would not be their main difficulty. Recovery As with any anxiety disorder, monophobics cannot be talked or bullied out of their problem. The anxiety is not trying to cause harm, it is mistakenly trying to help: telling them, wrongly, that they are in terrible danger when alone.

This anxiety does not have a lot of sense, it is operating on the intellectual level of a young child rather than an adult and the way to prove to it that being alone is not dangerous is by experiencing the fact, not talking about it, as with a child. This means working out a structured recovery programme where this person is alone for gradually increasing periods. If this proves totally impossible: the perceived anxiety is too high, then medication might be needed before such a programme could be attempted (See the booklet 'self-treatment for phobias'.) 'Alone' can obviously be interpreted in many ways: from being the only person in a room when the house is full of people, through to being the only person on a remote island. The monophobic and his or her companion/s will have to work out a gradually increasing ladder of steps, based on the individual's reality: starting with what can just be managed with some anxiety through to being entirely alone for significant periods. The first step might be the companion walking out of the house or flat and standing a few yards away for an agreed period. The distance and time could then be increased over a period of a few weeks.

The agreement would have to be met by both sides: being away for two minutes doesn't mean three or four and the sufferer would have to agree not to beg the companion not to go, or to come back more quickly. This work would need to be done every day. As discussed above, 'being alone' may mean very different things to different people and it will be essential, if this recovery work is done without professional help, to work out what the fear comprises of. That is, if there are any social elements, or fear of personal violence; or if the focus is on one particular person or type of person rather than the need to have a warm body in immediate proximity. For example, one monophobic was found to be much more amenable to recovery work when he knew that the houses in his immediate area had people in them. He resisted being alone when he wasn't sure about that. If these personalised difficulties are not looked at, the sufferer might be in the position of the cat phobic who worked only with a ginger tom and thereafter had no difficulty with cats of this colour but was still phobic about the rest.

In that situation, the work left to do (all sorts of cats) was easier because one aspect had worked well, but it could have been avoided if it had been done right in the first place. Phobias Monophobia - Psychologist Anywhere Anytime Monophobia Monophobia The Fear Of Being Alone The fear of being alone can make a person feel very insecure, anxious and depressed. If you fear being alone you may become over needy of other people and feel as if you must be around people at all times. While we all, to varying degrees, need people in our life, if you feel you must have people around all the time then this need is controlling you. Understanding Monophobia Known by a number of names - Autophobia, Isolaphobia, Monophobia, and Fear of Being Alone - the problem often significantly effects the quality of life. It can cause a panic attack , keep you apart from loved ones and friends, and play total havoc with a your life. . Since what is meant by " being alone " may mean very different things to different people, it is critical to evaluate what makes up the person's fear and to what degree this fear controls the person.

For example, it is important to note if there are any social elements to the fear, is the fear related to personal violence concerns, and is the focus on one particular person or type of person rather than on the need to have another human being in close proximity. Generally, a person with a true fear of being alone will find it very difficult or impossible to carry out certain activities. These could be going into crowded or public places, lifts, public transport or simply anywhere away from home where 'escape' or immediate access to help is not possible. The person with monophobia experiences the anxiety of a panic attack and may also have obsessional and depressive symptoms. Symptoms typically include shortness of breath, rapid breathing, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and overall feelings of dread, although everyone experiences being alone fear in their own way and may have different symptoms Causes of Monophobia The fear of being alone can be caused by by many different things. Maybe you were, or felt, abandoned at some time in life and came to associate being alone with being unloved or neglected. A fear of being alone can be directly related to agoraphobia which tends to reduce self-confidence and the belief that activities can be carried out alone.

It can be a short step to a belief that being alone at all is not safe. A person suffering from monophobia might believe that he or she will die or collapse or do something terrible when panic strikes and this too might make having a trustworthy person present seem as if it is essential. Or maybe you just never learned to be comfortable while alone. Like anything in life, what has been learned can be altered. You can learn to be better at being alone without being lonely, so you have the choice whether to be with others or not. And when you overcome the fear of being alone, you instantly become more independent and confident as a result. In fact, there are many advantages to overcoming fear of loneliness. When you are alone you have time to think calmly and there is a special kind of peace you can experience only when alone. Time spent alone sometimes can also make time spent with others even more enjoyable. Remember that being alone doesn't have to mean being lonely. Being Alone Versus Being Lonely One of the main problematic reasons that both men and women get into a relationship, and often the reason they stay in a bad relationship, is a fear of being alone.

And as any good psychologist knows, a relationship that is based on fear is destined to be a very unhappy and unfulfilling relationship. Until a person can learn to enjoy their own company, they may constantly find themselves getting into relationships that are, or end up, based on fear. All too often, people who are not comfortable with themselves unknowingly stop themselves from not only being the best person they can be but from experiencing deep levels of intimacy with others as well. Treatment of Monophobia The first step is to admit that you have a problem as it relates to others. But remember, we all have strengths and weakness and hiding your weaknesses often takes up more energy than it does to work to overcome them or learn to live with them. As with other phobias , a person with a fear of being alone cannot be talked or bullied out of their problem. The anxiety felt by the person with the phobia is not trying to cause a problem, it is mistakenly trying to help by telling the phobic, wrongly, that they are in terrible danger when alone. This anxiety does not have a true intellectual level to it and the way to prove that being alone is not dangerous is by experiencing the fact.

This means working out a structured recovery program, like the ones described above, where the phobic is alone for gradually increasing periods. The most frequently used form of therapy is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and systematic desensitization or exposure therapy. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 75% of people with specific phobias overcome their fears through cognitive-behavioral therapy. In desensitization or exposure therapy, you are exposed in a safe and controlled way to the object or situation you fear. The most commonly used exposure therapy involves gradual encounters with the fear-producing object, first in the imagination and then in reality. Through repeated experiences facing your fear, you begin to realize that the situation, while possibly unpleasant, is not harmful. With each exposure, you feel an increasing sense of control over your phobia. This sense of control over the situation and yourself is the most important benefit of exposure therapy. As you become desensitized to your fear, you no longer react with uncontrollable panic when confronted by it. Relaxation and stress relief techniques are frequently an accompaniment to other therapeutic approaches.

Relaxation techniques may include things like specific ways of breathing, muscle relaxation training, guided mental imagery, or soothing self-talk. Medication can also be used in the treatment of monophobia. Drugs do not "cure" a fear of being alone or any other phobia, but they can temporarily suppress the symptoms through chemical interaction. Hypnotherapy can also be very effective for specific phobias. Additional Resources For more information about monophobia and other mental health problems, please click on the linked websites listed below. For a list of the many phobias please visit the page List of Phobias . Monophobia | Phobia Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia ← Back to: List of phobias Wikipedia has more on Monophobia Monophobia (or autophobia, uniphobia, isolophobia, eremophobia) is the fear of being alone. Sufferers may fear in every place, like in home, public places, or out in the nature. At homes, sufferers may worry that someone may break into the house or of getting injured without help. Fear of being alone in public places is often linked to sociophobia and agoraphobia . Sufferers of public places may fear getting robbed or of somebody attacking them.

Sufferers would panic when the loved ones leave the home, either when going out to work, eat out, visit friends, or participating in a hobby. More severe monophobic sufferers may be afraid for the loved one to be in a different room of the house. The fear can be coped by communicating with people via phone or email. When not communicating, they may want to hear background noises, like from outdoors, and do things like watch TV, read books or newspapers, go on computer, or listen to music. When going to public places, they may need to bring tablet, smart phone, mp3 player, etc.

Question: Monophobia is a fear of what?
Answer: BEING ALONE