I need some advice for this really strange phobia.?

Question

This is weird I feel screwed up for writing this because I think I'm a pretty normal guy. But recently I guess due to overthinking I'm abit afraid to look up in the sky, especially at night time, I almost get a panick attack doing so. Why do I get scared? Well the sky is massive, just look at it, I'm the opposite of clausterphobic, I like small spaces, I hate very open spaces. This just started recently, I don't want it to become worse, it's on and off. I guess I think like, what would happen if gravity stopped working, would we all like start floating up. Yea I know it sounds crazy but I think of it and though I know it won't happen it still gets me anxious. Sometimes I hold the seat I'm sitting on if it's bolted to the ground and I'm outdoors, because I get this weird feeling something is gonna just pull me into the great big sky, it's odd. Any words that can minimize this fear would help like telling me how gravity really works, and if its even possible for it to stop working, thx.

Answer 1

I have a similar problem, and it has led to a fear of flying, trestle bridges (like on trains), and any bridge or floor that I can see below, like made of glass. To cope in those situations, I look straight up, or hold a book/bag/newspaper at my chest, blocking the sight below while I cross the "void".
It may help you to carry an umbrella while outside. Find a really nice one with an artistically carved handle. Many folks do it during the day just to protect themselves from the sun; if you do it at night, tell folks it's a fashion statement. Also try wearing a baseball cap or boonie hat; the brim will shield some of the sky from view. And someone has already mentioned the possibility of an equilibrium issue. In any case, see a dr. Good Luck!

Answer 2

I don't think its weird at all - it sounds like you've developed agoraphobia - a fear of open spaces. While I don't share that fear, I can kind of understand where you're coming from - I've often wondered how astronauts can stand it, with all that space around them, falling constantly toward the earth. Anyway. there are a lot of people who feel like you do. I think the thing is, you don't want to end up at the extreme end of that phobia, trapped in your house or something. Why don't you look for a group on the Internet who feels the same way. I also think speaking to a therapist would be a good idea, just to make sure nothing else is going on, psychologically speaking.

And just in case this will help - gravity has been working on earth for as long as humans have been capable of recording history - ie. thousands of years. So its highly unlikely it will stop working anytime soon, right? Good luck!

Answer 3

There are ways of learning to deal with agrophobia and you should seek help locally. One method i saw once on a documentary involved going to places that would normally cause you anxiety with a friend or two who you trust and seek reassurance from them when the anxiety starts. The exposure time is slowly increased.
Also, if you fear looking up, try going to an open space where you need to look down most of the time, like the high stands of a sports stadium but when there aren't many people around.

Answer 4

try this. think about the fact the the world is spinning very very fast. Now, think about what happens if you jump off a spinning merry-go-round. Now jump and see what happens. Absolutely nothing. Not certifugal forces exerting any pressures on you. You're safe.

The universe has been working with gravity since the big bang. That happened long long ago and the laws surrounding gravity has remained constant, so relax, they aren't going to change any time soon.

hope this helps

Answer 5

I know its scarey to think about all the possibilities good and bad out there in the open. I think you should try to stay outdoors more often and just stop yourself when you want to worry about what could happen with all that space. Everyone has their comfort zone and you have to be aware of the problem to change it. now that you realize your doing this and feel uncomortable you can move forward in order to get better.hope this helps

Answer 6

It is not strange. The link below will give you a list of phobias. People are afraid of everything! Don't think you are alone. That you know this is irrational is a good start. Get some help.

Answer 7

don,t worry so you have a phobia everyone has a phobia i,m scared of closed area and heights but i fight my phobias i do it anyways. try looking at sky for a few seconds each night fight the phobia gravity is not gonna fail. The stars are beautiful think of that. I wish you luck don,t worry!

Answer 8

Well, you may have mild agoraphobia.

–noun Psychiatry. an abnormal fear of being in crowds, public places, or open areas, sometimes accompanied by anxiety attacks.

I would face your fears before they end up ruling your life. Severe agoraphobics will never step outside of their house willingly. If all else fails, go seek out a good counselor.

Answer 9

If your quality of life is being affected by this phobia, then seek medical help or counselling. You aren't the first person to have this and won't be the last ... just ask for help! Good Luck.

Answer 10

I can't explain to you what exactly gravity is but if you look up yahooligans science they have a really cool movie that explains what it is and how it affects us. I really don't think you have to worry about it just stopping. I wish you the best of luck!