Understanding Astrophobia, The Fear of Space

What Is Astrophobia?

The mysteries of outer space are intriguing for many humans. But, for some people, this intrigue can turn into intense fear. Astrophobia is the severe and often irrational fear of stars and space. It is a specific type of phobia related to a defined object or situation.

For many, astrophobia is strongly connected to a fear of aliens. Hit films such as the "Alien" series play into the fear that hostile intelligent life may exist outside of our own planet. Many of these films involve doomsday scenarios, in which life as we know it is threatened by an extraterrestrial attack.

Symptoms

If you have astrophobia, the thought of space, stars, or alien life doesn't just make you feel uneasy. These thoughts generate persistent fear and anxiety which affects your life. The symptoms of astrophobia are similar to those of other common phobias. When encountering the trigger, you may experience:

• Anxiety
• Feelings of terror
• Panic
• Rapid heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• Trembling

Depending on the exact nature of your phobia, you may find yourself unable to watch films about aliens or other societies beyond Earth. You may also be preoccupied with locations such as Roswell, New Mexico, or Area 51 in Nevada.

Obsessions with these places often stem from conspiracy theories about unidentified flying object (UFO) sightings and claims of a government cover-up of alien interactions. Maintaining a healthy skepticism about these things is okay, but persistent worry about what it could mean if they were true may be indicative of a phobia.

Identifying Astrophobia

Showing an interest in space and related topics doesn't mean you have astrophobia. But if the interest turns to a life-limiting, you should seek help from a mental health professional.

Astrophobia is not recognized as a distinct condition in the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" (DSM-5), but can be diagnosed as a specific phobia. In order to meet the criteria for diagnosis, you must experience:

• Excessive and unreasonable fear
• An immediate anxiety response
• Avoidance or extreme distress

The symptoms must also affect your ability to function normally, be present for at least six months, and not be due to another condition.

Related Conditions

A doctor or mental health professional must also rule out other possible conditions that may contribute to your symptoms. These could include panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and other specific phobias such as claustrophobia.

Causes

Like other specific phobias, factors such as genetics, family history and experience can play a part in the development of this fear. Traumatic experiences can also play a part in the development of these fears. Watching frightening films or television shows centered on space can make people fear outer space.

Astrophobia may also be connected to fears of the dark, being alone, or being away from home. Movies about space may create an image of the cold, emptiness of outer space that can create fear.

Astrophobia can also stem from a fear of space exploration, triggered by real-life catastrophes such as the explosions of Space Shuttles Challenger and Columbia. The film "Apollo 13" exposed the real danger that is associated with the space program.

Treatment

Astrophobia is treated the same as any other specific phobia. The focus of treatment will be helping you unlearn your negative beliefs about space. You will be taught coping skills and practice developing a healthier mindset about space to help you avoid panic.

Medications

Medications to treat anxiety are sometimes prescribed for phobias, and they may help in conjunction with other forms of therapy. Antidepressants are a common type of medication your doctor may prescribe to manage your symptoms.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, particularly exposure therapy, is usually the first-line treatment for specific phobias. Some helpful therapeutic approaches may include:

• Exposure therapy: Gradually reducing avoidance of stars and space by increasing exposure to them while practicing relaxation techniques in a controlled environment.
• Behavioral therapy: Reinforcing desirable behaviors and eliminating unwanted ones.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy: Gradually changing the way you think by counteracting automatic thought patterns connecting stars or space with danger

Coping

In addition to professional treatment, it can be helpful to use practice coping strategies to relieve the stress of living with a phobia on your own. Some techniques include:

• Meditation: This technique is based on deep breathing and focusing on the present moment. It can be useful for calming both the mind and body.
• Relaxation techniques: Focus on healthy habits that reduce anxiety. Deep breathing, visualization, and progressive muscle relaxation are a few specific techniques you may find helpful.
• Support: Having loved ones who understand what you are going through can be a great source of solace and comfort when you are feeling anxious.

Recap

Many people may have underlying fears of being lost in space or being unable to get back home. Some people might find the idea of zero gravity to be scary, not thrilling. While thoughts like these are normal, if these fears begin to keep a person from going about their daily life, or disrupt a person’s ability to eat, sleep or work, it may be indicative of a specific phobia. To get help, contact a mental health professional with experience treating phobias.