Have you ever suddenly felt your anxiety spike just contemplating being among many people? You’re certainly not the only one. Enochlophobia — or a fear of crowds — is an experience that a great number of people can have. Though not technically recognized as a mental disorder, however, it can also significantly affect your everyday life. Let’s break down further just what this phobia entails and how you might deal with it.
Enochlophobia manifests as a strong, sometimes overwhelming fear of being in crowds. It may lead individuals to stay away from crowded areas such as concerts, festivals, malls, or even busy streets. And it’s not necessarily about being physically present in a crowd — sometimes just thinking about a crowded place is enough to produce symptoms such as sweating, nausea, or a racing heart.
Strangely enough, the COVID-19 outbreak created a great many more aware of this type of fear. With social distancing entering into daily life, some developed what’s been termed “COVID phobia,” where fear of crowds combines with fear of illness.
There is no one reason why enochlophobia occurs. In some, it could be the result of a chemical imbalance in the brain. For others, it may be the outcome of an earlier traumatic experience, or even something that has been learned through observing family members coping with the same phobia. Genetics and culture can also be the reason that someone is likely to develop this type of anxiety.
Enochlophobia is slightly tricky to diagnose because it isn’t officially cataloged in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). However, it does closely resemble other particular phobias where an individual experiences persistent and overwhelming fear, which makes them steer away from something.
For treatment, therapy tends to be the first line of defense, and most commonly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is used. CBT works by helping individuals identify the negative thought processes that fuel their fear and learn new ways of thinking about those experiences. Exposure therapy, which is a component of CBT, can also assist by gradually and cautiously exposing a person to populated areas so that they can gradually develop coping strategies.
In certain situations, drugs may be prescribed if a fear is greatly impacting an individual’s life. Benzodiazepines will provide relief short term but pose a danger of addiction. An alternative to the above includes the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which allow for anxiety control by evening up some of the chemicals within the brain.
Mindfulness and relaxation techniques can also do a lot of good. Activities like deep breathing, visualization, and guided imagery can redirect your attention from worrisome thoughts and bring more calm into your life. Being in the moment, and not girding yourself for what may or might not occur, is a large part of how to control this fear.
If you suspect that you may be experiencing enochlophobia, contacting a mental health professional is a wonderful place to start. They can assist you in determining the best therapy method and guide you through the process. Keep in mind, you’re not alone in your feelings — and with the proper assistance, it is entirely possible to overcome the fear of crowds.
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