Afraid of Fear Itself: Inside the Paradox of Phobophobia
Phobophobia—the fear of experiencing fear—occupies one of the most paradoxical positions in the entire field of anxiety psychology. Unlike conventional phobias, it targets not an external object or situation but the internal experience of anxiety itself, creating a self-reinforcing loop that can be extraordinarily difficult to escape. As mental health awareness continues to expand in the United States, some clinicians are asking whether that awareness is always a straightforward benefit.
Jul 20, 2026