7 Weird Phobias You Probably Didn’t Know Existed

Phobias are intense, irrational fears of specific things or situations. While many people have heard of common phobias like heights or spiders, there are others that are far more unusual and even a bit bizarre. But weird doesn’t mean fake. These fears are real for those who experience them and can have serious impacts on daily life.

Here are 7 weird phobias you might never have heard of:

This might sound silly at first, but for some, it's a serious source of anxiety. Arachibutyrophobia is the fear that peanut butter will get stuck to the roof of the mouth. While some people with this phobia can still eat peanut butter in small amounts, others avoid it completely.

What causes it?
It may stem from a fear of choking, sticky sensations, or even suffocation. In more extreme cases, it can be connected to texture sensitivity or traumatic experiences with food.

How it affects life:
People may avoid not only peanut butter but also other sticky or creamy foods, which can limit their diet or cause anxiety in social eating situations.

A fear of fear itself, Phobophobia is the anxiety that one might develop a phobia or become overwhelmed by irrational fears. This can create a cycle of worrying about worrying.

What causes it?
Often seen in people with general anxiety disorders, phobophobia can be triggered by past experiences with intense panic or fear.

How it affects life:
People may avoid certain situations not because they fear the situation, but because they fear the possibility of becoming afraid. It can make daily decision-making exhausting.

This is an intense fear or discomfort caused by physical touch. For someone with haphephobia, even casual contact like a handshake or a pat on the back can lead to panic.

What causes it?
It is often linked to past trauma, particularly physical, emotional abuse, or sensory processing disorders.

How it affects life:
Social interactions become difficult. Relationships, medical exams, or even using public transport can trigger overwhelming fear.

People with doraphobia have a strong aversion or fear toward touching animal fur, hides, or even fur-like textures. It may seem odd, but the fear can be very real and distressing.

What causes it?
Trauma involving animals, allergic reactions, or sensory processing issues can contribute to this phobia.

How it affects life:
Avoidance of pets, zoos, certain clothing, or any environment with animal products. It can even affect family or friend relationships if pets are involved.

Thunderstorms can be loud and unpredictable, and while many people feel uneasy during storms, brontophobia takes that to an extreme. The sound of thunder or flashes of lightning can send someone into full panic mode.

What causes it?
Often begins in childhood and may be linked to a traumatic storm experience. For some, the unpredictability of nature can be deeply unsettling.

How it affects life:
Individuals may hide, cry, cover their ears, or even leave buildings during storms. In severe cases, people constantly check weather forecasts and adjust their lives to avoid storms.

More common than people realize, emetophobia is the overwhelming fear of vomiting or seeing someone else vomit. It goes beyond dislike—it can control people’s lives.

What causes it?
Often linked to a traumatic experience involving vomiting, especially during childhood. It can also stem from a general fear of losing control.

How it affects life:
People may avoid public places, unfamiliar food, alcohol, or even pregnancy. In extreme cases, they might eat very little, avoid travel, or isolate themselves.

This rare and extreme phobia involves a fear of opening one’s eyes—particularly in environments that feel unsafe or unfamiliar.

What causes it?
This can stem from trauma, sensory processing disorders, or other mental health conditions. It’s often associated with deep-seated anxiety or PTSD.

How it affects life:
Daily tasks become nearly impossible. People may keep their eyes closed for long periods or require complete darkness to feel calm. This phobia can lead to isolation and a total dependence on others.

Yes—although unusual, these fears can be managed or even overcome. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and sometimes medication can help people regain control over their lives. Support from professionals, family, and friends is crucial.

Weird or not, phobias are valid psychological conditions. While they may seem strange to outsiders, they are very real to those who suffer from them. The more we understand these conditions, the better equipped we are to support people with empathy instead of judgment.

Have you ever experienced a strange fear? You’re not alone—and help is out there.

(Rh/Eth/VK/MSM/SE)