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This content has been automatically translated from Ukrainian.
Have you ever felt an inexplicable fear of huge buildings, monuments or even giant statues? Do you feel uneasy about high bridges or huge ships? If so, then maybe you have megalophobia – fear of big objects.
What is megalophobia?
Megalophobia (from Greek megas <TAG1> – big«and phobos <TAG1> – fear«) » is an intense fear of large objects such as buildings, statues, ships, rocks, towers, dams or even giant mechanisms. A person suffering from megalophobia may experience panic, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, or even an anxiety attack with just one look at something huge.
What exactly scares people with megalophobia?
This fear can manifest itself in different ways. Some people are afraid of all large objects, while others – only certain categories. Here are the most common triggers:
- Massive buildings and skyscrapers <TAG1> for example, the Eiffel Tower or Burj Khalifa can cause feelings of insignificance and fear.
- Giant statues <TAG1> especially those with human form (Statue of Liberty, Mother Family in Kyiv, statue of Jesus in Rio de Janeiro).
- Huge ships or underwater objects <TAG1> icebergs, oil platforms, large cruise ships can cause discomfort.
- Natural giants <TAG1> high mountains, waterfalls, trees, rocks.
- Technical designs <TAG1> communications towers, dams, turbines, rockets.
Why does megalophobia occur?
The exact causes of this fear are not fully understood, but there are several possible explanations:
- Evolutionary mechanism. Large objects have always made our ancestors wary. A large animal – is a potential threat, and a large structure may collapse.
- Discomfort from scale. Giant things cause a feeling of their own meagreness and helplessness.
- Negative experience. If a person experienced an unpleasant incident near a large building or statue as a child, it could be imprinted in the subconscious.
- Sinister valley. Some statues are human-like but alienated at the same time, causing fear.
How does megalophobia manifest itself?
Symptoms of megalophobia can range from mild discomfort to panic attacks. Here are some typical reactions:
- Feeling anxious or panic when approaching a large object.
- Rapid heartbeat, sweating, dizziness.
- The desire to avoid places where there are huge structures.
- Even photos of large buildings can cause fear.
How to deal with megalophobia?
If megalophobia interferes with normal life, there are several ways to deal with it:
- Desensitization <TAG1> gradual habituation to large objects: first through photographs, then in real life.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) <TAG1> helps change negative thoughts and reactions.
- Relaxation techniques <TAG1> meditation, breathing exercises, yoga.
- Specialist help <TAG1> if the phobia is very strong, it is better to consult a psychologist.
Interesting facts about megalophobia
- Some people are only afraid of certain objects, such as giant statues, but are not afraid of skyscrapers.
- There are entire communities on social media where people share photos that make them afraid – huge ships, dams, underwater structures.
- Some video games specifically use this fear. For example, in the game Shadow of the Colossus the main character has to fight with huge creatures, which can cause megalophobic discomfort.
Megalophobia – is not just an accidental fear, but a real phobia that can significantly affect a person's life. However, like any fear, it can be overcome.
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