Fear of Being Contagious

In the life of every human there will be times when we will face short-term or even long-term illnesses that can be passed on to others. The idea of being contagious can allow a fear to develop that places incredible pressure on the one who fears. This condition is known as Tapinophobia.

There are some that have no fear of being contagious. These individuals often unintentionally pass along the illnesses they may be experiencing. This can also be troubling for the Tapinophobe.

What Causes Tapinophobia?

You might think that this fear may hinge on the desire to be courteous to others by not sharing contagious disease. However, this fear may actually be tied to a fear of what others might think. If an individual believes their friendships are based on their own personal perfection then they will not have the personal strength needed to allow others to see them as they really are. These individuals become adept at pretending. They will try to become very much the person they believe their friends will like. The fear of being contagious may really be more about not doing anything to upset the friendship the phobic personality may believe is tentative to begin with.

The fear may also be the feeling of guilt they might experience if someone else has to experience the same sickness. On one hand this is prudent and admirable – on the other it can be debilitating is it becomes a point of personal obsession.

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Symptoms of Tapinophobia

Because this phobic personality does not wish to get sick – does not wish to pass along the sickness – will do everything in their power to stay healthy – you should know these individuals will consume quality food, take supplements and work to stay away from places where they feel vulnerable to illness. They will likely have a fear of germs so they will use antibacterial hand gels and soaps on a regular basis.

Other symptoms may include…

• Trembling
• Crying
• Nausea
• Dry Mouth
• Sweaty palms
• Air hunger
• Elevated heart rate
• Panic attack

While it may seem these individuals are sacrificing to keep away from others in times when they may be contagious they may actually be working to maintain whatever friendships they have because they believe if a friend were to get sick they might be left alone.

How to Overcome Tapinophobia

Because this fear can develop from the source material of other fears it may take the attention of a therapist to uncover the originating fear. This process can take time because most people who have fears do not immediately recognize there is more underneath the surface of the fear. Seeking professional help can provide a liberation from your fear and a greater overall awareness of the need to relate honestly with others.

Coming to terms with your fear is an important step in recovery. Finding those willing to support you in the process can go a long way toward affirming friendship in the midst of personal vulnerability.

The fear of being contagious is also referred to as:

• Tapinophobia