Ironically, one of the longest words in the dictionary—hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia—means a dread of long words. Sesquipedalophobia was the initial name, but at some time, it was modified to sound more menacing.
Although some people think this phobia is unreasonable, individuals who have it recognise how serious it is. Even if you are aware that a phobia you are experiencing is unfounded, your mind is capable of developing it.
Many people strive to avoid their phobia rather than seeking professional assistance. Understanding Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia, however, might assist you in dealing with the phobia and overcoming some of the uncomfortable emotions connected to it.
What is hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia?
There is no official recognition of hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia by the American Psychiatric Association. Because social phobia tends to affect both social and occupational functioning, a person’s symptoms may instead be classified as an anxiety disorder or social phobia.
For instance, a person may avoid situations and social gatherings due to a dread of big phrases. A panic disorder diagnosis may result from this fear, which can also cause panic episodes.
Before a disorder may be diagnosed, symptoms must be present for at least six months, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5-TR). Fear or anxiety of being around others is one of the requirements. It also includes the dread or worry of:
doesn’t apply in this case
is an ongoing concern
causes excessive avoidance
brings about clinical discomfort
How the fear of long words look like?
Children who have hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia may experience panic when they know they will have to read in class. It could cause humiliation and affect their friendships and academics. According to experts, this phobia may persist throughout adulthood and continue to cause problems.
Adults with hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia could have fewer employment alternatives because they don’t like to read and write big words. Panic attacks might start when a long word is said during a presentation or conference.
Lack of self-worth, despair, and avoidance can all be brought on by a fear of big words. Someone may withdraw from others if they feel they can’t sufficiently avoid using big words.
Even if you are aware that long phrases cannot harm you physically, fear may nevertheless be present. You might consequently encounter the signs of anxiety attacks.
These signs consist of:
difficulty breathing
crying
refusing to read
trembling
dizziness
taking off
mouth ache
sweating
headache
skeletal tension
increased heart rate
fainting
nausea
Causes of hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia
Although the causes of hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia are not fully known, risk factors appear to play a role.Known Resource for particular phobias. They may consist of:
Trauma from the past: If a person had problems acquiring words as a child, it could eventually lead to negative emotions. Being made fun of or laughed at for misreading something can be traumatic and make words seem longer.
Brain function: Modifications to how your brain works can make you more likely to develop a phobia.
Learned behaviour: This phobia may be brought on by your surroundings. If you’ve heard or seen bad things happen because of the fear, it might happen.
Genetics: a backgroundYour risk may be increased if you suffer from phobias, anxiety, or other mental health issues.
Learning disabilities: This fear may be exacerbated by dyslexia and other learning difficulties.
Treating and overcoming the fear
The good news is that one can get over their fear of hippopotomonstrosesquippedalis. The last resort must be drugs and medicines because they just serve to disguise the phobia-related anxiety sensations. Recalling and analysing the circumstances that gave rise to the phobia in the first place will help you get over your fear of long phrases.
In order to develop a therapy strategy, therapists can also assist in assessing these variables. The next step is to urge the person to gradually expose themselves to long words, starting with merely seeing them, then moving on to thinking about them, and eventually pronouncing them. As the person becomes entirely comfortable and can confidently face big words, the panic is reduced by such progressive exposure.
While overcoming this fear, self-help techniques like deep breathing, relaxation, and meditation are also advised. A few more significant and successful methods for treating Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia include talk therapy, cognitive behaviour therapy, and behaviour therapy.
