Fear Of Love: Philophobia Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

Lifestyle
Updated: 1/29/2023

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Philophobia, which is the fear of falling in love, is a relatively common phenomenon that affects many people of all ages and backgrounds. It is characterized by an intense fear of entering a romantic relationship and developing strong feelings of attachment and loves toward another person. People with philophobia may feel anxious, panicky, and distressed when they think about being in a romantic relationship.

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What Causes Philophobia?

Philophobia is thought to be caused by a variety of factors, including past experiences of hurt or rejection, low self-esteem, fear of abandonment, and lack of trust. People with philophobia may have had a traumatic experience in a past relationship or may have experienced rejection from someone they were attracted to. This can lead to them feeling scared about entering a new relationship for fear of being hurt again. Low self-esteem can also be a factor in philophobia, as those with low self-confidence may feel that they are not worthy of love or that no one could ever love them.

fear of marriage holding hands


Symptoms of Philophobia

People with philophobia may experience a range of physical, mental, and emotional symptoms when they think about entering a romantic relationship. These symptoms can include: 

  • Shortness of breath
  • Rapid heart rate 
  • Sweating 
  • Trembling 
  • Nausea 
  • Panic attacks
  •  Avoidance of romantic situations 
  • Difficulty sleeping 
  • Difficulty concentrating

Coping with Philophobia

If you think you may be suffering from philophobia, there are a number of ways you can try to cope with your fear. The first step is to talk to a mental health professional who can help you identify the underlying cause of your fear and develop a plan to address it. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that can be very helpful in treating philophobia. It can help you to identify and challenge negative beliefs and thoughts about relationships, and to develop skills to cope with anxiety and fear. Medication may also be prescribed to help reduce anxiety symptoms. You can also try some self-help techniques to help manage your fear. These may include relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation. It is also important to practice self-care and to stay connected with friends and family who can provide emotional support.