For as long as I can remember, the sight of honeycombs has sent me into a spiral of anxiety, and it’s not the bees that cause my unease. Just spotting a pumice stone in a shower makes my skin prickle. A single image of a lotus seed pod can raise my heart rate, tighten my chest, and make me feel nauseous—sometimes even triggering a full-blown panic attack.
This intense reaction isn’t new; I’ve dealt with this my entire life. The thought of little clusters of things, like ants (ugh, just writing that gives me chills), or clusters of holes, sends me into a state of distress. The physical effects of this stress can linger for hours, often haunting my thoughts and robbing me of sleep. I find myself keeping my eyes wide open, distracting my mind just to avoid the intrusive images of holes.
Yes, I have trypophobia. If you’re nodding along, then you might share this unusual fear too.
My realization that I wasn’t alone in this struggle came during my college years when I confided in my doctor about my anxiety, specifically mentioning my aversion to “holes—anything with lots of tiny holes makes me feel dizzy and breathless.” To my relief, he didn’t look at me like I was crazy. Instead, he nodded, typed a few words into his laptop, and showed me the definition of trypophobia. While there wasn’t a magical solution, it was comforting to know that my lifelong feelings had a name.
This topic has gained traction in recent years, with viral quizzes popping up to assess your level of trypophobia. I, however, prefer to steer clear of those quizzes; I already know how the images will affect me. I believe that this phobia exists on a spectrum—some may feel uneasy without experiencing the intense reactions that many of us do.
Fortunately, I can still live a fairly normal life despite my phobia. While it can be overwhelming when it triggers a panic attack, I’m not constantly faced with these stressors, and my general anxiety is manageable. However, the thought of certain experiences can still evoke feelings of panic and make my skin crawl. It’s a genuine struggle, and it’s not enjoyable.
Some have speculated that trypophobia may stem from a deeper fear of being trapped or lost in darkness, but for me, it simply boils down to a strong dislike of clustered holes. However, it’s logical to think there might be a psychological explanation for such a visceral reaction.
If you think you might have trypophobia, I wouldn’t recommend a Google search unless you’re seeking a form of immersion therapy—trust me, it’s torturous. If your fear is impacting your life, talking to a doctor or therapist can provide strategies for management and coping mechanisms.
It’s comforting to know that I’m not alone in this—if you’re struggling with similar feelings, I’m right there with you.
And screw you, lotus pods.
For more insights on navigating life’s challenges, check out our blog post on Couples’ Fertility Journey for Intracervical Insemination, which can be a helpful read. Additionally, if you’re interested in home insemination, Cryobaby Home Intracervical Insemination Syringe Kit Combo is a trusted resource. For more information on the insemination process itself, Healthline offers an excellent resource on Intrauterine Insemination (IUI).
In summary, trypophobia can be a significant source of anxiety for those who experience it. While it can sometimes feel isolating, it’s important to recognize that there are others who understand this fear. Managing it may require patience and support, but knowing you’re not alone can make a difference.
Keyphrase: trypophobia
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