The Fear of Zombies is real and for some much more!
What do “Zombieland,” “Zomblogalypse,” “The Dead Don’t Die,” and “Patient Zero” have in common? Aside from their absurdity? Yes, they’re all zombie flicks.
And where are you when your friends and family member watch and laugh as blood, gore, stained bandages splash the screen and heads roll?
Hiding? Reading a book? Outside playing a game? Just the thought gives you shudders, doesn’t it? Or is it worse? Do you experience a full-blown panic attack at the mere mention of zombies? Do you sweat, feel nauseous with a heart rate that would put Usain Bolt to shame?
If yes, then you, my friend, you may have Kinemortophobia, aka zombie phobia.
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Living with Kinemortophobia is hard. Imagining that your friends, neighbors, and significant other will one day turn into a flesh-eating, mindless corpse cannot be fun. The nightmares, sweats, constant anxiety, and hyper-vigilance will turn any sane person certifiable. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
If you find yourself with an aversion to all things zombies, don’t hide. Arm yourself with the most important weapon—knowledge!
What is Kinemortophobia all about?
Kinetomorphobia is the fear of the living dead, or as most people like to call them, zombies.
Causes of Kinemortophobia? It can be caused by anything—from books with a zombie occurrence to movies that portray a zombie apocalypse.
Kinemortophobia is not a relatively new concept or phobia. However, it has become widespread because of the constant exposure to movies and books that focus on the end of the world through a zombie apocalypse.
While it’s relatively easier for people with other phobias to talk about their fear, it’s not as easy for people with Kinemortophobia. It is usually met with scorn and laughter. But for a phobic, Kinemortophobia is terrifying. The stress and anxiety it causes can restrict people from living life to its fullest.
Fear A-Z Quick Fact: Zombies most likely originated in the early 19th century when West African slaves were brought to the Eastern Islands of the Americas. Haiti to more specific but other Caribbean islands as well. It is suggested that the powerful neurotoxin called tetrodotoxin was the cause of the “zombie” like state, although this is disputed by some. There is also the use of the Voodoo religion. Throughout the years these stories have morphed into the multitude of Zombie story-lines including movies, books and songs.
Symptoms of Kinemortophobia
Not everybody has the stomach for gore. Feeling a sense of unease by the blood, violence, and carnage that comes with any movie featuring zombies is, in fact, quite normal.
How do you differentiate between what could be a normal aversion or something that could be a cause of concern?
You look at the symptoms. Kinemortophobia symptoms are usually divided into two categories. Let’s have a look.
Psychological Symptoms
Kinetomorphobia is evident through the display or occurrence of these physiological symptoms:
- Anxiety
- Fear of dying
- Withdrawing from people or friends who joke about your fear of zombies
- Feeling shame over the apparent fear
- Fear of losing control
- Difficulty in concentrating on menial everyday tasks
- Experiencing overpowering emotions and mood swings
Physical Symptoms
People with a fear of the living dead typically experience panic and anxiety attacks. These can be triggered by watching or reading something with zombie content. Many people with Kinetomorphobia have reported the onset of anxiety attacks in the middle of the day, with no prior warning, as well. There’s no telling.
However, you can watch out for tell-tale signals such as:
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Hyperventilation
- Nausea
- Fainting
- High blood pressure
- Disorientation
- Difficulty breathing
- Rapid heartbeat
If you’re still unsure, you can take a Kinemortophobia Test online to determine whether or not you have a fear of the living dead.
In some cases, Kinemortophobia can be intense enough to impact the everyday life of those affected by a long shot, stunting their growth in multiple facets of their life.
In the worst cases, this could also lead to depression as individuals find it difficult to communicate with people, especially if previous attempts have only earned them insensitivity, disbelief, and mockery.
What Can You Do To Help Yourself?
Don’t be ashamed of how you feel. It doesn’t help to put up a brave front and deny having felt some or all of the above-discussed symptoms. Be honest with yourself. If you intend on taking the self-help route, begin with acceptance.
Kinemortophobia is a condition, a phobia, that affects thousands of people worldwide irrespective of age or gender. It is as real as it gets. So what can you do to help yourself?
Your most crucial defense will come from being able to end the anxiety attacks before they get severe.
Are you now wondering, ‘how to overcome Kinemortophobia?’
Here’s what can help.
Ask Yourself: Why Is This Happening To Me?
The first step to self-help involves knowing the “why.” For this, you will have to dig a little deeper. Ask yourself, ‘Why am I so afraid of zombies?’ What triggers your fear of zombies? Is it the books, the images, the blood, gore, or the idea that they exist in real life and are not just fictional characters?
Once you figure that out, take the next step.
Stand Firm Against Your Fear
For some people, avoiding everything zombie-related works. For others, doing the opposite helps. Instead of steering clear of all things zombies, you can increase the frequency of your exposure to zombies in books and movies. Here’s a pro tip, though. Don’t do this at night, where you’re more likely to exhibit traces of fear and prolonged effects. Do it during the day. With people around.
With constant exposure, the chances are that the effect zombies have on you will lessen with time. If your efforts are consistent, the odds are that you might overcome your phobia once and for all!
Experiment With Relaxation Techniques
Try breathing exercises as often as you can. For example, when you experience the beginning of a panic or anxiety attack, calm yourself by taking deep breaths and practicing meditation.
Experiment with alternatives like calming tea and exercises that would help you sleep better at night and reduce the chances of reliving nightmares that put you on edge. Being prepared will allow you to tackle your fears head-on.
Talk About It
The fear of zombies is mostly met with laughter. People find it hard to understand how someone can be afraid of a fictional character. This is why you need to initiate conversations to normalize it because, let’s face it, Kinemortophobia is 100% real.
Talk to people. Convey your feelings. If you’re scared of a zombie apocalypse, put it into words. Tell them, ‘I’m scared of a zombie apocalypse.’
This works both ways. It will allow you to present your fears and be accepted for it and educate others about the reality behind the phobia.