Could I have two contradicting phobias?

Question

Could I have two contradicting phobias? I think I have social phobia, but at the same time have monophobia. Could this be true?

Answer 1

Hi. Overall, it sounds as if social situations (or the lack thereof) are hard for you. In a nut shell, the answer to your question is "yes." However, the two fears are not contradictory. Let me explain...

Social phobia primarily involves an irrational fear of being socially evaluated or scrutinized by others. It does not, however, mean that someone does not want meaningful and fulfilling time with others.

Specific phobia of being alone (notice I didn't say "monophobia." I hate to sound like a jerk, but professionals don't use these trendy, usually made-up phobia names people find on the internet), is very rare and requires a detailed assessment to distinguish it from other potential emotional difficulties (I'll spare you the details; needless to say there are many other diagnoses that are related and will need to be ruled-in or ruled-out).

If it is actually a fear of being alone, then that does not preclude one from having a social evaluative fear too. In other words, you can fear being alone, but also fear having to give a public talk (for example--social phobia is more than this however), all while having a very close inner circle of friends you rely on and enjoy.

Finally, my disclaimer :-). While it is possible to have these two disorders simultaneously, it is more likely you have any one of several other anxiety disorders (for example, generalized anxiety disorder, panic with agoraphobia, etc.). Please go see a licensed psychologist for an assessment to be sure. All of these anxiety disorders are fairly amenable to treatment without medication (if that is a concern). Try ADAA's or ABCT's websites and their find a therapist links to find a reputable practitioner near you. University psychology departments are also good resources (especially if they offer "Psychological Services Centers" which typically offer treatment on a sliding scale based on income). Finally, watch out for quackery--don't waste time, money, and motivation on unproven methods (things I've seen recommended on these posts that don't have sufficient evidence to back them up are EFT, EMDR, hypnosis, psychoanalysis, psychodynamic, etc. therapies). You'll want to find a "behavioral" or "cognitive-behavioral" psychologist who knows how to administer "empirically-supported treatments" (in quotes are buzz words anyone you talk with about your concerns should know about).

Best of luck.

Answer 2

If your phobia is preventing you from getting medical attention, it's time to make an appointment with a psychiatrist. Call a local helpline for a referral if you can't figure out who to call. It's important to start a road to get past this. You may never be cured, but it won't interfere with your getting checkups and medical attention when needed. Interestingly enough, David Letterman apparently is a hypochondriac, so even well know, successful people can suffer from phobias.

Answer 3

Oh boy two phobias! Try building up a social life but start slowly so that you don't overwhelm yourself! Yes you can have two phobias some people have more than that.

Answer 4

Both are same.Mono phobia also works to get the same results as socio phobia,self exclusion.

Answer 5

La ansiedad es una lucha constante y por eso es necesario mantenerla bajo control con el fin de vivir una vida agradable, eso significa que tienes que saber como combatir la ansiedad y no dejar que pueda agobiarte y hacerte perder experiencias buenas de la vida.
Con esta técnica se puede superar la ansiedad http://solucionansiedad.info?cura-ansiedad-56

Answer 6

only you and your psychologist would know for sure. I dislike putting a term to anything, so maybe you need to just determine what you're doing and if you're doing a lot of one thing or being fearful of a lot of something, and that is bothering you, then take that question to a professional.

Answer 7

I know a guy having the same problem

Answer 8

Could you stop being self cenetred and gregarious at the same time? Could you begin a project and end it?

Answer 9

Yes...you could both be afraid of being with people and afraid of being alone. Try being with people one-on-one or only in small groups.