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Automatonophobia – Fear of Statues


Fear of Statues, Chip Away the Fear

Do you avoid looking at mannequins arranged in store windows? Does the mere thought of statues and dummies creep you out? Has the idea of wax statues at Madame Tussaud’s, or maybe even robots, left you feeling filled with anxiety?

If that’s the case, you are most probably dealing with automatonophobia, which is the phobia of statues, automatons, humanoid robots, wax figures, and other figures that look like humans.

Automatonophobia may seem like a silly thing to be afraid of. But given the rapid technological advancements, dealing with a fear of things that look human is no joke. This seemingly trivial phobia can significantly affect one’s quality of life.

Fortunately, like other phobias, automatonophobia can be treated. With proper guidance and a positive mindset, you can overcome your phobia!

 

What Is Automatonophobia?

Automatonophobia is the fear of large statues, humanoid rotors, audio-animatronics, and other human-like figures. It is a rather unusual phobia included in the official list of phobias.

This is because a phobia of human-like figures would not have been acknowledged in the past. However, the advancements in technology have exposed the common man to new things, many of which can seem terrifying.

And while everyone feels some degree of unease or nervousness around human-like figures, this statue phobia goes way beyond mild discomfort.

Automatonophobia is a specific and irrational fear phobia, which is different from a disgust phobia. In a disgust phobia, a person is disgusted by their trigger, while in fear phobia, the person is afraid of the object of their phobia.

A fear-based phobia thus causes a person to adopt an avoidance behavior, making drastic changes in their lifestyle to avoid the object of their fear.

Automatonophobia Causes

Getting to the root cause of any specific phobia is largely dependent on the patient. The fear may stem from the possibility of the statue falling on them and killing them, or the lifeless human-like figures may remind some of corpses. Also, the statues may seem scary to some, because they look like creepy people who stare without moving a muscle. Others may think the statues are looking at them or judging them.

It is almost impossible to pinpoint the exact cause of automatonophobia. However, there are a few theories as to what leads a person to develop this phobia of mannequins and other human-like figures.

Genetics

Having a genetic predisposition to mental issues, especially anxiety disorders such as automatonophobia, greatly increases the risk of developing a phobia.

Past Experience

If someone had a traumatic experience involving statues or other human-like figures, they may develop a phobia towards them.

Learned Behavior

Phobias can also be learned. If a family member or friend is suffering from a phobia, their vivid explanation of how or what they feel when facing the object of their fear may cause you to develop a fear of the same object.

 

Automatonophobia Symptoms

Symptoms of automatonophobia vary from one person to another and depend on the severity of the phobia. Here are some of the most common symptoms observed in those with this phobia.

Physical Symptoms

  • Sweating
  • Nausea
  • Increased heart rate
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Shakiness
  • Dizziness
  • Disorientation
  • Diarrhea

Psychological Symptoms

  • Anxiety
  • Panic attacks
  • Fear or dread
  • Fear of dying
  • Insomnia
  • Decreased concentration

 

Automatonophobia Treatment

The treatment plan will depend on the individual’s symptoms, the severity of the phobia, and the impact it has on their life. The main treatment routes are:

Self-Help

There are several things you can practice yourself to overcome your phobia. Often, you are aware of the symptoms you face, your triggers, what calms you down, etc., so self-help works great for coping with phobias.

With self-help, you can work at your own pace. Additionally, you can always take a step back if anything feels overwhelming.

One of the tried and tested methods for dealing with phobias is journaling. You can write down your thoughts, fears, and triggers and keep track of whether your symptoms improve or worsen over a period.

You can also try different methods of self-help and document your response. Compare them to determine which is working best.

Some things you can try are:

  • Relaxation techniques like deep or rhythmic breathing
  • Exposure therapy
  • Meditation
  • Yoga

These techniques help you calm your nerves and have a better understanding of your thoughts and fears. However, if your case has worsened and you still do not feel comfortable about your triggers, it’s best to consult a professional.

Professional Help

Counselors or therapists have extensive experience dealing with people with mental issues including anxiety disorders. They have more in-depth knowledge of phobia and how the symptoms can be treated, so they will know the right course of action to help you recover as early as possible.

Some of the therapies used to treat the fear of statues are:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Systematic desensitization
  • Exposure therapy
  • Hypnotherapy

Medication

In rare cases when a person is not responding to therapy, the doctor may prescribe medication. Medication is given alongside therapy and is tapered off as  the patient starts responding to therapy.

Medications are given to cope with the symptoms of anxiety and to help the individual stay calm. Most times, antidepressants or beta blockers are prescribed.

These medications should only be taken as prescribed by a medical professional to avoid developing a dependency on the drug.

 

Learning to Cope with Automatonophobia

The fear of statues is difficult to live with in today’s modernized world. With automatons considered a sign of technological development, they are proudly displayed almost everywhere. So, whether it is a carnival, a museum, or even a park, there is a very high probability of spotting such human-like figures.

This fear can affect both your professional and social life. However, with professional help and self-help techniques, you can retrain your mind to stop fearing statutes.

Work toward rationalizing your thoughts and remind yourself that the phobia is just in your head. With the right support and care, you will be able to live your life to the fullest.

 

Conclusion

Statues, mannequins, and automatons can be found at every corner of shop windows or malls, so living with automatonophobia can be difficult. However, it is possible to get past your fear and live a healthy and happy life.

Talk with your loved ones, consult a doctor, and take the necessary steps to help you cope with your symptoms and overcome your phobia.

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