Papyrophobia is the fear of paper. Papyro means paprus, which has the meaning of water reed originally used in Egypt to make paper. Phobos in Greek means fear and when you put Papyro and phobo together, you get the fear of paper. Fears of this type are classified phobias. Phobias are irrational fears of things that others would commonly not have issues with.
There are many forms of Papyrophobia. In some cases, an individual may have a fear of a blank sheet of paper, while some may have anxiety over a crumpled piece of paper. Some suffering with this phobia, indicate that the size of the paper also has to do with their level of anxiety. Others report, having a fear of paper ripping when it is wet.
As shown in the examples above, the fear of paper can take many levels. There are many reasons an individual may develop this kind of fear, but with no specific reason identified. Usually, traumas experienced at some point that causes the development of this irrational fear.
Regardless, this fear is very real to the individual. Symptoms experienced vary according to the individual. Some of the symptoms may include a nauseous feeling when they encounter the thing that they fear, while others may have crippling experiences of panic or anxiety attacks. General symptoms include, shortness of breath, trembling, dry mouth, the tensing of muscles, hyperventilation, along with an increase in heart rate or feelings that things are out of control.
If you do experience any of these kinds of symptoms, due to a fear of paper, you should know that there is help out there. Many things can help you to overcome this irrational kind of fear. You should not have to live another day in constant fear. Take the step necessary, now so you are free of the anxiety that you constantly live with.
