Enochlophobia: The Fear of Crowds

The famous Albert Einstein once said, “I hate crowds and making speeches.” This is a common feeling for many of us and is called enochlophobia. Enochlophobia is the fear of crowds, those who suffer with this fear will go out of their way to avoid places like malls, theaters, or any event that crowds would regular attend. A few things they fear will happen when around large crowds are:

• Being trampled to death
• Contracting a deadly virus
• Getting lost in a massive crowd of people
• They themselves feel small and insignificant when surrounded by so many people

This fear is one that can possibly be genetic and affects women more often than it affects men. Some get so fearful while in crowded areas until they experience chest pains as if having a heart attack, but are actually having a panic attack due to being overly anxious.

Some reasons why you may be experiencing this type of fear are:

• You may just be a shy person by nature
• Unable to desensitize yourself from all of the emotions from others around you
• You do not feel safe around so many people you do not know personally
• Media coverage

Some ways to help you to overcome Enochlophobia are:

• Start by going to small group functions and gradually increase the size
• Visit a metro area, make a conscious effort not to judge those that live there
• Use the affirmation I am safer in crowds
• Breathe deeply and slowly in a controlled manner
• Keep your focus by listening to calming music through headphones
• Talk with and to others more often in different situations

Your fear is real and it is up to you to take control of it, educate yourself by learning as much as you can about what you are feeling and what you can do to change it.