No Bones About It, Unless You Suffer from Cartilogenophobia or Skeletophobia
The fear of bones is also technically known as Cartilogenophobia.
The fear of skeletons is technically known as Skeletophobia.
Some people may have a fear of seeing chicken bones. Some see deer bones on the side of the highway and fear wells up causing discomfort.
Many phobia victims may have deep fear of seeing exposed bones from an injury, and even seeing bones from an xray can send them into a panic attack or produce queasiness. Others may have a deep fear of seeing full skeletons, skulls or small skeletal models like those found in classrooms or museums.
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People suffering from this rare phobia may have terrifying visions of skeletons moving or even walking such as portrayed in scary movies.
While these excessive fears may seem trivial to those not suffering from cartilogenophobia, you can bet that people having this issue do have serious feelings of fear. They may know that there is no actual danger but the fear overrides their judgement, this is what a phobia does.
The innate and excessive fear of skeletons may originate from natural fears that humans feel, seeing a skeleton or pile of bones can be a subconscious warning of danger. In history and even now skeletal and human remains may suggest serious disease. Bones mean one thing if we think about this simply, bones show that something or someone has died. As we know, humans have a fear of dying.
Others may ave had very bad past experiences with bones or skeletons such as being frightened by a prank or even visiting a haunted house and seeing skeleton pop up from a plastic coffin. There is no reason set in stone why some develop phobias or excessive fear.
NOTE: Skeletophobia and Cartilogenophobia are very similar phobias.
Fear or Disgust – Are Skeletophobia and Cartilogenophobia phobias of deep fear of extreme disgust?
Those suffering from Cartilogenophobia may not be able eat meat off of the bone , be it chicken, beef, pork or any animal cooked with a bone.
Symptoms of Skeletophobia and Cartilogenophobia
Skeletophobia and Cartilogenophobia come a list of standard phobia symptom. These symptoms include both physical and psychological issues, many of which are easy to connect with triggers or causes. Knowing the right combination of symptoms can make it easier for a professional therapist to detect if you suffer from Skeletophobia or Cartilogenophobia.
Physical Symptoms
• Slight Trouble breathing
• Nausea or vomiting
• Complete loss of appetite
• Hyperventilation
• Dry mouth
• Increased heart rate
• Trembling or shaking
• Sweating
• Lightheaded
• Confusion
• Dizziness
Psychological Symptoms
• Moody
• Possible feelings of Dread
• Panic attacks
• Fear of becoming sick from eating meat with bones
• Fear of museums or areas that may house skeletons
• Obsessive thoughts about bones or skeletons
Self Help for Skeletophobia and Cartilogenophobia
If you suffer from an excessive fear of bones or skeletons you may be able to help control your fear by slowly exposing yourself to bones or skeletons. Maybe start with plastic or artificial bones, feel them, study the items. Teach yourself that bones and skeletons are in most cases harmless.
Another option is to educate yourself, become an expert on bones and skeletons from books and websites. Draw pictures or sketch skeletons and bones, you may slowly come to feel the excessive fear is unfounded.
Professional Help for Skeletophobia and Cartilogenophobia
If your phobia is very serious, limits your lifestyle or causes severe physical and psychological issues you should consult a professional.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
DBT uses mindfulness-based practices under the guidance of a trained professional. It is a type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy that helps you stay present and calm in a stressful situation.
Neuro-Linguistic Programming
NLP is a method that uses therapy to rethink unhelpful thoughts so how you view bones and skeletons becomes more rational. If successfully done, you may still not like bones but you will be no longer fear these items.
Exposure Therapy
Most professionals recommend this method as a way to manage phobias and desensitize yourself. It starts with visualizing the trigger – in this case, touching, feeling, or looking at bones and skeletons. Over time you will expose yourself to more situations when you may come in contact with bones.
Medication
Medicine for anxiety can be prescribed, but only as a last option. These substances are designed to reduce your response to stressors related to these excessive fears.
Final Thoughts
As we have discussed educating yourself is a great start and if needed seeking professional help, to get past your irrational fear. With time and dedication you may be able to toss this problem out like an old bag of bones.