Fear of children abnormal?

Question

What are some of the clinical causes of fear of children, and how abnormal is it?

For example, I am extremely fearful of children -- to the point of avoiding them entirely. I cannot be around them. I experience horrible fear, panic and anxiety in their presence. And sometimes when I am in a crowd (of anyone, people, etc.), I avoid everyone and curse out of frustration. I am overwhelmed by too many people (I was born three months premature and spent considerable time in an incubator, as well as six weeks on oxygen).

I have strong claustraphobia as well.

But why a fear of children? They are not incubators, nurses or other things I (vaguely) recall from after birth. The only thing that I can pinpoint is their energy levels (not just hyperactivity, but actual spiritual energy levels, like ghosts).

Paul

Answer 1

children are innocent.your knowing the evils that await them in the real world makes you fearful for them not at them.
your incubator memories are unusual and probably contribute to your fears as well.
get help professionally.

Answer 2

Dear Paul,

You need professional health. It doesn't mean you are crazy; it means you are being strongly affected by something which is making you sick. You may fear children because you hate to think of your own childhood. You are having panic attacks/phobia and it may be from PTSD. You may have had a bad experience that you don't remember. That's totally normal, but you need help to sort it out. Find a psychiatrist who does talk therapy too, or who can recommend a specific therapist for you.

ALSO and not instead of this but still important: I recommend finding the closest "Art of Living" studio by looking it up on the Internet and taking their beginner's course as soon as you can. It's not a cult, it's all scientifically proven that their methods reduce stress and panic attacks as well as improving your thinking and general health. Put other things aside, take your vacation, do what it takes: You might find this the best present anyone could give you. Happy New Year's!!!

Answer 3

Just stay away from children and you'll have no problems. It sounds like your claustrophobia and agoraphobia (fear of crowds) are more of a problem.

Maybe try to get to know a child on a 1-1 basis with anothe adult in attendance, and you will overcome your fear. Do you have any nieces, nephews or friends' children you could get to know?

Answer 4

here's a few phobia names: gymnophobia - fear of young girls;
zeusophobia - fear of god or religious phenomena.
you can find hundreds of others on the site below.

your detail on the traumas in earlier years is the most likely source of your fears/phobias.
phobias are related to repressed traumas - either directly or symbolically.
perhaps your fear of children is a thing which has just begun to happen to you , like a spin of a coin? your subconscious has simply thrown this fear at you. or maybe children are a 'reminder' to your subconscious of the time when you were young - when you experienced the fears in difficult times when you were a child? if you'd like advice on psychotherapy for your fears, then the site below is a great place to start. i do not practise in therapy!
[e-mail]

Answer 5

when ur around children and crowds, ur claustraphobia kicks in. i had the same thing when i was younger untill i got in my 20s. so i went to a dr. that sent me to a specialist. an with in 9 mo. i was feeling my old self again. it doesnt mean ur crazy, it just needs to be treated, like any sickness. do this , an ull be fine in no time. ill be praying for you. get well, an god bless.

Answer 6

I am sure it is not abnormal. There might be something that happened in your past which has led to your fear. I am sure if you see a psychiatriast they could help you gradually overcome your fears.