Scopophobia, Fear of being stared at by others

Scopophobia is a phobia characterized by an excessive fear of being stared at by other people. This phobia is often associated with social phobia which makes the sufferer avoid interacting with people around him, so that it greatly impacts daily activities.

Looking at someone when talking to someone else is a gesture that shows interest or concern. However, for people with scopophobia, this gaze actually makes them feel depressed, causing excessive fear.

This fear arises because people with scopophobia feel that people looking at them are judging, judging, or thinking badly of them. Not only that, people with scopophobia may also perceive other people's stares as a form of threat, so they must always be avoided.

Know the Causes of Scopophobia

As previously mentioned, scopophobia is often associated with social phobia or social anxiety disorder. Social phobia itself is a mental health disorder characterized by an excessive fear of being judged badly or embarrassed by others.

The causes of social phobia, including scopophobia, are not yet known with certainty. However, this phobia is thought to arise due to traumatic or embarrassing experiences that occurred in the past, such as being a victim of a bully or having an accident that changes one's appearance.

In addition, a study shows that social phobias such as scopophobia are more common in women than men.

Recognize the Symptoms of Scopophobia

The main symptom of scopophobia is excessive and unnatural anxiety when being stared at by other people. This makes scopophobia sufferers unable to carry out activities that should be the center of attention, such as job interviews or presentations in public.

Apart from feeling anxious, afraid, and panicked, people with scopophobia can also experience other symptoms when other people stare at them, such as:

• Anxious
• Excessive sweating
• Body shaking or tremors
• Heart pounding
• Difficulty concentrating
• Always avoid eye contact when speaking

The various symptoms above can be felt when a person with scopophobia is stared at by a stranger. However, if the condition is very severe, these symptoms can appear when people with scopophobia are stared at by people they know, such as friends or family.

How to Deal with Scopophobia

Excessive fear of being stared at by other people can make a person avoid various social relationships. As a result, people with scopophobia find it difficult to build relationships with the people around them, both in friendship and romantic relationships.

This is what makes scopophobia have a significant influence on the quality of life of sufferers. Therefore, this phobia is included in conditions that need to be treated by a psychologist or psychiatrist.

The following are some of the treatments commonly used in the treatment of scopophobia:

1. Cognitive behavioral therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy that can be done to treat scopophobia. This therapy aims to improve negative thought patterns and responses that arise when a person is faced with something that makes him afraid or anxious

Cognitive behavioral therapy is usually done several times. Through this therapy, people with scopophobia are expected to be more able to control their fear and anxiety when being stared at by other people.

2. Exposure therapy

Exposure therapy is generally performed simultaneously with cognitive behavioral therapy. In this type of therapy, people with scopophobia are gradually and slowly exposed to what they fear until the fear begins to fade.

3. Relaxation techniques

Apart from doing therapy and taking drugs, people with scopophobia can also do relaxation techniques to reduce the anxiety that arises when being stared at by other people.

Several relaxation techniques can be done by taking a deep breath and then exhaling it slowly through the mouth, imagining being in a comfortable and pleasant place, or talking to the closest and most trusted person.

4. administration of drugs

Certain drugs are also usually prescribed to treat symptoms of anxiety due to scopophobia. Examples of these drugs include antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), or sedatives such as benzodiazepines.

Although it does not immediately eliminate fear when others stare at it, scopophobia treatment is important to help sufferers manage their reactions in the face of fear. For example, no longer panicking or worrying excessively when in a crowded place and being stared at by many people.

Therefore, if you are always anxious or afraid of being stared at by other people for no apparent reason, don't hesitate to consult a psychologist or psychiatrist to get proper treatment.

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