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Most of us consider: butterflies some of nature’s most beautiful, graceful creations. We invite them into our gardens, plant flowers for them and photograph them. For some people, however, these fly insects inspire nothing but fear and paralyzing fear. What causes this fear and what can people do about it?
Fear of butterflies is a phobia
In reality, fear of butterflies is a phobia. The name for it is lepidopterophobia (Lep-Ah-Dop-Ter-Ah-Pho-Bee-Ah). It means an irrational fear of butterflies or moths.
A phobia is defined as an extreme, irrational fear of something. People can develop phobias about many different things, including animals, situations, weather conditions, and specific places. People with a phobia experience fear and anxiety even when the object they fear is far away. Some people can’t even bear to see pictures of what they fear.
Symptoms of phobia
People with severe phobias can experience symptoms by seeing the object, hearing about it, or seeing a picture of it. Common symptoms include:
- Shake and cry
- feeling of panic
- severe fear
- Insomnia
- palpitations
- shortness of breath
- Inability to focus
- Strong desire to run away
Phobias are a type of anxiety disorder. Severe phobias can hinder a person’s ability to enjoy life.
General Phobias
A surprisingly high number of people experience some type of phobia. An estimated 10 million people in the United States suffer from phobias. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the most common phobias are:
- Glossophobia: Fear of public speaking
- Arachnophobia: Fear of spiders
- Myctophobia: Fear of Darkness
- Claustrophobia: Fear of enclosed spaces
- Fear of heights: fear of heights
- Brontophobia: Fear of thunder
Some common phobias in animals include:
- Ailurophobia: Fear of cats
- Ophidiophobia: Fear of snakes
- Cynophobia: Fear of dogs
- Musophobia: Fear of mice
Is it fear or phobia?
You might say, “A lot of people are afraid of those things. Do we all have phobias?” The difference is that people with real phobias go beyond the mild fear or anxiety you might feel about, say, in a boarding a plane or being near certain insects People with phobias experience serious symptoms that can negatively affect their lives The good news is that the treatment of phobias is simple and fast.
What Causes Phobias?
Mental health experts aren’t exactly sure what causes phobias. In some cases there is a clear connection. For example, someone who was mauled by a dog as a child can develop a lifelong, crippling fear of dogs. In other cases, genetic and environmental factors may contribute to the phobia. If you have a close relative with a phobia, you are more likely to have one.
Some people experience a terrifying encounter, for example with a cat, and then start seeing terrifying cats on TV or in books. They begin to hear from other people who are afraid of cats, and their initial fear develops into a full-blown phobia.
People with mental illness and chronic medical conditions are also more likely to have phobias.
What Causes Lepidopterophobia?
Lepidopterophobia can happen for the same reasons as any phobia. People can develop their fear of butterflies after seeing a butterfly while it was bothering them for some unrelated reason. Their minds may have been fixated on the butterfly, associating it with their sense of fear or panic.
Consider another scenario. A sleeping person is terrified when they are awakened by a butterfly landing on their face. That fear will not go away, even though they know that butterflies are harmless. If they don’t respond to this fear, they will continue to fear butterflies, and that response will be remedied.
While we’re not sure how they start, we know that phobias can be cured. People can overcome their fears and enjoy all the beautiful creatures of life, even the ones that are driving them crazy at the moment.
Symptoms of lepidopterophobia
Someone with a phobia of butterflies may experience:
- Fear of seeing or touching butterflies
- Anxiety or panic when thinking or talking about them
- Stay away from places where they might see them
Psychologists diagnose a phobia when you have had these symptoms for six months or more.
Can Children Have Lepidopterophobia?
Children are often afraid of insects and animals. In most cases, they outgrow these fears, especially if they spend time with these animals and learn that they are harmless.
If your child shows persistent, irrational fears of something, try these steps:
- Talk to them about their fears. Ask them to explain why they are afraid of butterflies and if something happened that caused those fears.
- Do not tease or joke about your child. Show that you understand their fears. Be reassuring and supportive.
- Do not force your child to confront the object of his fear. Some people mistakenly believe that a child will “overcome” his fear if you force him to “be brave.” This usually backfires. The best approach is to encourage them to be around butterflies and praise them for every step they take to overcome their fear.
- Talk to their doctor. If your child’s anxiety persists, talk to the pediatrician. You can request a referral to a child psychotherapist.
Can Phobias Be Cured?
Yes, they can be cured. Seek a psychotherapist who specializes in phobias and anxiety disorders to find someone who can help.
Exposure and Desensitization
The most commonly used treatment for phobias is known as exposure and desensitization. It is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a proven therapy for anxiety, panic disorders and phobias.
With exposure therapy, you gradually increase your tolerance to butterflies. Your therapist will begin by using relaxation techniques, including deep breathing, guided imagery, and hypnosis. Once you
a
re completely calm, your therapist will teach you to use these techniques when you encounter a butterfly. During each treatment session, your therapist first makes sure that you are relaxed. Then you could look at a picture of a butterfly while applying your relaxation techniques. The next step might be to watch a video of a butterfly. Then gradually increase your exposure. One day you might tolerate seeing butterflies live. Later in therapy, you may be able to touch one without being afraid.
This therapy is simple, uncomplicated and fairly quick. Many people can find relief from their phobias in less than 10 sessions.
group therapy
Group therapy works for phobias. In this treatment you will meet other people who share your fear of butterflies. This provides peer support and can make it easier to face your fears. In group therapy, your psychotherapist will likely use a group form of CBT or exposure therapy. For example, your therapist’s goal may be to take your group to a butterfly farm or field full of butterflies.
family therapy
If your family situation exacerbates your fear of butterflies, family therapy may be in order. This is also useful for children who are afraid of butterflies. Involving all family members in the treatment increases the chance of success.
How to deal with being afraid of butterflies
You can practice relaxation techniques that help you deal with anxiety and fear associated with butterflies. These techniques and self-care measures can help:
- Learn meditation. Meditation is a useful technique for everyone. If you have anxiety or phobias, it can help you stay focused and relaxed.
- Practice deep breathing. Slow down and practice deep breathing when you’re scared.
- Get regular exercise. Exercise helps prevent symptoms of panic. It also helps you to reduce stress.
- Avoid excessive caffeine. Too much caffeine can worsen symptoms of anxiety and panic.
- Sleep regularly. Many people with anxiety disorders have trouble sleeping. Focus on changing your habits to ensure you get a good night’s sleep.
- Join a support group. Support groups for anxiety or phobia can be very helpful, and many are free to join.
Let go of your fear
Don’t be ashamed of your phobia. Many people have phobias of things that you fearlessly face every day. Learning relaxation techniques and receiving therapy can help you appreciate butterflies.
Next one: 8 Most Unique Butterflies in the World
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