There Are Some Valid Reasons For Fear Of Mushrooms [ March 11th, 2010 ] Posted in » Health
The fear of mushrooms is called Mycophobia. The number of confirmed sufferers is relatively small as phobias go but that’s no consolation if you happen to be afflicted with this problem. Most people have a healthy respect for the wild mushroom after childhood training to avoid them. Safety is a valid concern. When the fear of mushrooms becomes irrational and impacts a sufferer’s life the term Mycophobia applies.
In day to day life a fear of mushrooms rarely causes more than an inconvenience for the mild mycophobes. More well known phobias such as agoraphobia or arachnophobia have definite impact on many people’s lives. Only the more severely mycophobes have incapacitating reactions to the sight of mushrooms. A few sufferers have reported a fear of mushrooms leading to screams and inability to move at the sight of a nearby mushroom.
Less severely affected mycophobes simply have to avoid them - a task that should be quite easy one might think. We rarely notice everyday things unless our attention is drawn to them. The presence of mushrooms is easily overlooked unless you have a fear of mushrooms. When you have even a mild level of fear of mushrooms they may seem to jump out in unexpected places.
The fear of mushrooms can take many forms. The most severely affected individuals will fear the sight and touch of mushrooms and the idea of eating one is almost enough to cause panic. A meal in a nice restaurant becomes impossible without subjecting the waiter to a “third degree” about what the ingredients are in the menu dishes.
A meal in a nice restaurant can be a challenge. Mushrooms are widely used to add flavor and appearance to many dishes. A fear of mushrooms can require questioning the waiter repeatedly to be sure no mushrooms are in the various menu items.
While most mycophobes lead normal lives by learning where to avoid the fear triggers, others have incapacitating reactions. If your fear of mushrooms has become a problem in your day to day life there are treatments available. Search the local phone directory or the internet to find the treatment option that suits you.
Get more help to overcome your fear of mushrooms with this ten minute phobia cure.