Fear of intimacy can involve a reluctance to form close relationships, and is often a social phobia and anxiety disorder. Symptoms vary, and some individuals seek treatment from psychologists or social phobia counselors. Overcoming the fear involves acknowledging its root cause and gaining self-confidence.
A fear of intimacy generally refers to a feeling of apprehension about developing close relationships. While it most commonly involves a fear of committing to a romantic relationship, it can also involve a reluctance to form close friendships. Many experts define this fear as a social phobia and an anxiety disorder. A common reason to avoid intimacy is fear of abandonment.
Some individuals who suffer from a fear of intimacy seek the advice and treatment of psychologists or social phobia counselors. Some of these patients show an irrational fear of physical intimacy. In such a case, the patient may feel extremely uncomfortable when she gives or receives physical affection. Some cases may be sexually related, while others involve any kind of physical contact, such as touching, kissing, or hugging.
Symptoms vary with each individual. While some people fear the physical aspect of intimacy, others have an aversion to any kind of emotional commitment or attachment. In some cases, this may stem from a distrust of others, perhaps due to a traumatic experience earlier in the person’s life. It could also be due to failed relationships from the past.
Some patients suffering from clinical depression may develop a fear of intimacy. These patients may have an irrational fear of being emotionally hurt. This can present a problem with forming new relationships because, in many cases, the individual with intimacy issues does not wish to change her views.
In some cases, fear of emotional intimacy can directly impact a person’s quality of life and lead to years of loneliness and isolation. Many people with this social anxiety push people away and never form lasting relationships. As a result, they may suffer from long-term depression, which could lead to health problems such as insomnia and fatigue, and could jeopardize their jobs.
The first step in overcoming the fear of intimacy is acknowledging why it exists. For many, the reason is fear of what might result from being intimate. Learning to accept that rejection from others is an inevitable part of life and not allowing that to diminish your self-esteem is a good place to start. For others, having low self-esteem can lead to intimacy issues. Gaining self-confidence and learning to appreciate and respect oneself can help the person overcome this fear and develop meaningful relationships.
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