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Marie Lanen
Head of parenting sections (baby, pregnancy, family), psychology and beauty
Have you ever felt anxious about making important decisions, preferring to let others choose for you? This anxiety could be a sign of eleutherophobia, a little-known but very real fear of freedom. Doctissimo offers you tips to overcome this phobia in order to regain control of your life.
Eleutherophobia, although little known, refers to the irrational fear of freedom. This phobia manifests itself as intense anxiety about making choices and taking responsibility for one’s own decisions. This psychological disorder can be paralyzing and prevents those who suffer from it from fully flourishing in their personal and professional lives.
Understanding Eleutherophobia
The term “eleutherophobia” comes from the ancient Greek “eleutheros” (free) and “phobos” (fear). It is an aversion to autonomy and freedom, often linked to a fear of the unknown and the consequences of personal choices. This fear can lead to a tendency to rely on authority figures or to avoid any situation where the individual must make important decisions, for fear of error or the judgment of others. This disorder sometimes resembles a form of chronic indecision, where each option seems to weigh heavily, creating a state of permanent stress.
According to experts, this phobia can have its roots in childhood, especially if a person grew up in a very structured or controlled environment. Indeed, the lack of freedom during young years can condition an adult to fear autonomy, preferring rigid frameworks and decisions made by others to avoid personal responsibility.
Fortunately, there are methods to overcome this phobia. Here are some strategies that may be helpful:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This approach aims to change negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with fear of freedom. It helps reevaluate irrational beliefs and develop more positive coping mechanisms.
- Make small decisions: Starting with simple choices, like choosing a meal or an outfit, can build confidence in your decision-making abilities. This helps reduce the anxiety associated with bigger decisions.
- Mindfulness and meditation: These techniques can be effective in reducing stress and anxiety, helping to better manage moments of panic when faced with important decisions.
- Accepting Uncertainty: Working on accepting that uncertainty is a part of life can be liberating. The idea is not to always make the “right” choice, but to learn that even mistakes are learning opportunities.
- Setting realistic goals: Rather than aiming for radical decisions, it is helpful to set achievable goals, which reduces the pressure associated with the need for perfection.
By applying these strategies, it is possible to learn to manage this fear in a more constructive way, allowing for greater personal freedom and a more fulfilling life.
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