Excessive Fear of Caucasian/White People
Do you have a sudden urge to walk in the opposite direction any time you see a Caucasian or white person coming your way?
Does being in close proximity to a white person send you into a state of panic? Do you find yourself avoiding any social interactions involving white people?
If you’ve been nodding along to all these questions, then you most likely have a fear of white people.
Is that even possible? Yes! While it may seem like a racist notion, this is, in fact, a very real phobia many suffer from. White people cause them to feel anxious, uncomfortable, or even panicked.
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Living with this fear daily can impact your life and social relations. And many tend to misunderstand your fear, adding pressure and stress to your already anxious life.
This may come as a surprise, but you’re not alone. There are others like you who share this same fear. And fortunately, there are many possible solutions and interventions that can help you control and manage your phobia or perhaps even get rid of it completely!
Understanding the Fear of White People
So, what is the fear of white people called?
Well, there is no specific name for this phobia, but this fear is real. Someone suffering from this phobia may feel gripping, uncontrollable terror at the mere thought of interacting with white people.
This phobia may even be related to racial anxiety and other specific phobias like leukophobia, the abnormal fear of the color white, and xenophobia, the fear and hatred of foreigners or anything strange.
Fear of white people is also not an officially recognized phobia, and you won’t find it on the list of phobia names. The problem with this phobia is that it can easily come across as being racist, which also makes it more challenging for sufferers of this fear to speak up and get the necessary intervention. However, once the fear is properly diagnosed and its symptoms are recognized, treatment can help the individual suffering from this phobia.
Fear of White People Causes
Like all phobias, the exact cause of the fear of white people is unknown. However, typically both genetics and environmental factors can be contributors to someone developing this fear.
This phobia may develop because of a childhood trauma where you had a bad interaction with a white person. You may have been hurt, either physically or emotionally, by someone of the white race or have witnessed a loved one getting into a confrontation with a white person.
It is also possible that social media and the current news about white people and their unprovoked attacks on other races planted the root of your fear of white people. While this phobia is unlikely to develop when you are an adult, it can still happen.
A history of mental illness, such as anxiety, can also put one at a greater risk of developing this phobia.
Fear of White People Symptoms
The symptoms of this fear of white people phobia can vary depending on the severity of the phobia.
Physical Symptoms
- Body pains
- Chills
- Excessive sweating
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Increased heart rate
- Nausea
- Shallow breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Vomiting
Mental/Emotional Symptoms
- Anti-social behavior
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Morbid thoughts
- Poor concentration
- Shame
Fear of White People Treatment
There are two main approaches to treating the phobia of white people — self-help and professional help. While self-help is great for understanding one’s own triggers and developing healthy coping mechanisms, professional help offers tried-and-tested ways to overcome this fear.
Self-Help Options
As previously stated, self-help is one of the best solutions to getting over a phobia. And there are many different strategies you can try to see which one delivers the best results. Don’t expect a change overnight, but with consistency and self-confidence, you’ll reach a place where you can control how you react to white people.
1. Recognize Your Triggers
Try to understand what your phobia triggers are. Is the mere sight of a white person causing you to panic? Or is it when you have to engage with them? Learn what triggers you and then be aware of how you react to it.
By noting your triggers and reactions, you’ll have a better understanding of how your fear impacts you. This can help you make gradual changes when faced with the same situation.
2. Practice Relaxing Techniques
Meditation, mindfulness, and yoga are all great ways to calm your anxieties and keep you grounded. Rhythmic breathing can also help you deal with a trigger in real time.
For example, if you know your triggers and can identify when you’re going to have a problem, you can practice your breathing to keep yourself calm instead of reacting immediately. It’ll allow you to have a few seconds to pause and clear your mind.
3. Do Daily Affirmations
Daily affirmations boost your self-worth and can help you feel confident that you can overcome your fear. When you wake up, tell yourself you are strong, beautiful, and loved. Remind yourself how worthy you are of all the good things in life. And when you feel like your anxiousness is getting out of control, remind yourself of your strength and value.
Professional Help
Changing your lifestyle and mindset is a massive leap toward managing your phobia, but getting professional help can also give you more structured ways to deal with your fear.
Your therapist may introduce several treatment options based on the severity of your phobia. Some treatments can work simultaneously with other therapies, while others may be used individually.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Talking therapy
- Exposure therapy
- Mindfulness training
- Use of medications
Learning to Live with the Fear of White People
Along with getting treatment, always remember to be kind to yourself. Your fear—no matter how severe or mild it may be—is valid and should be taken seriously.
Take it one step at a time and expect to deal with some setbacks, because working on a phobia is a long process. Talk to trusted friends and family and share your fears with them. Having a strong support system is crucial when overcoming a phobia.
Conclusion
The fear of white people may seem like an unlikely phobia, but it’s one that many suffer from. Fortunately, there are several treatment options that can help you deal with and even overcome your fear completely, so you can live a happy, healthy life!