Autophobia

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Autophobia is a phobia (persistent and irrational fear) of being alone. The word is derived from the Greek words autos ("self") and phobos ("fear").

Many people who fear being alone also fear being unloved, unwanted, or unrecognized. This fear often leads sufferers to enter into and remain in destructive social relationships. It can also lead them to engage in codependency and self-destructive behavior, as well as continued and prolonged isolation from others.^[1]

[edit] Miscellanea

The Helen Hamlyn Research Centre at the Royal College of Art holds annual Design for our Future Selves awards. Among the 2006 finalists, a set of objects was suggested to help autophobics to cope with their suffering ^[2]

[edit] See also

• List of phobias
• Loneliness
• Solitude

[edit] References

1. ^ Cadena, Christine (December 8, 2006). Autophobia: How Co-Dependency May be Attributed to a Phobia; The Fear of Being Alone. Associated Content. Retrieved on 2007-01-11.
2. ^ Objects for autophobics and for all of us who experience loneliness