A phobia by definition is an extreme fear of or aversion to something. This type of irrational fear is an inexplicable reaction to a certain situation. A phobia can be contrasted from a fear because of its excessiveness and usually occurs in a situation that wouldn’t truly cause harm. There are tons of phobias, however many are unknown and may seem outrageously specific. 

Nomophobia

This is the fear of not having a phone, having no cell phone service, or a low cell phone battery. Nomophobia may be more common than you imagine. Regardless of the situation, people with this fear suffer with extreme anxiety when their phone is not accessible. Stemming from an addiction to your cell phone, Nomophobia has become common in 20% of Americans. 

Globophobia

Globophobia is the radical fear of balloons, usually caused by a traumatic event as a child. This fear ranges from being scared of a loud pop, or simply the look of it. Many find themselves shivering and anxious at the sight of a balloon. 

Omphalophobia

This fear is amongst one of the strangest, because it involves something that everybody has. This is the phobia of belly buttons. Omphalophobia is an overwhelming fear of seeing or touching a belly button, whether it’s your own or other people’s. This is a type of specific phobia that can be treated by a therapist. Therapists consider this to be quite serious, because it can cause nausea or anxiety. 

 Anatidaephobia

This phobia is rather unique, because it personifies animals to have human-like qualities. Anatidaephobia can be explained as the fear that somewhere, somehow, a duck is watching you. Although this phobia is not officially recognized or treated, many people have come forward with a general fear of ducks or geese.

Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia

Known for its ironic name, Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia is the paralyzing fear of long words. Because of the redundant and long name, most people find the fear to have an ironic twist to it. Although the American Psychiatric Association doesn’t officially recognize this phobia, many people affected by this will explain their nauseasness at the site of words with more than 4 syllables. 

Phobias are a pressing fear that can strike an immediate anxiety. They are classified differently than fear, because they are usually caused by something that does not typically cause danger or would be considered irrational. Phobias are an inexplicable phenomenon affecting people every day.