Many of us fear commitment in relationships. Some just clear their thoughts when they find the right time, but some fear commitment. They do not just lack courage or confidence but they have a real phobia. This phobia is Gamophobia.
What is Gamophobia?
The definition of gamophobia is the fear of getting married or being in a relationship. Some people fear of wedding ceremony and some have fear of marriage or both. Men are more affected by this phobia as compared to women. It may be occurred because of conflicts that happened in early childhood.
Fear of marriage has gradually increased over the last 15 years especially in men. According to world-famous psychologists, fear of marriage or a relationship is a real phobia and not just a fear. And according to the married men are satisfied with their lives as compared to unmarried or single men. On another hand in women’s case, it is the opposite.
Gamophobia is similar to other phobias and can be treated with some techniques.
What causes Gamophobia?
It’s difficult to tell the exact cause of any phobia. But some Genetic and environmental factors can affect the person’s personality and experiences. According to the experts, it can be caused by inherited traits or other family influences. The following are some common causes that can get a person Gamophobic.
- Bad parenting
- Divorces of parents
- Divorce of oneself
- Marital conflicts
- Fear of intimacy
- Fear of abandonment
- Bad marriage experience
- Fear of marriage ceremony
- Introverts
- Trauma event
- Personal insecurity
- Depression
- Other psychological disorder
- Trust issues
- Genetic
- Negative experience
- Betrayals
- Other external factors
Signs and Symptoms
Everyone gets cautious while committing. People tend to think of negative effects rather than positive ones. But if you have a phobia your issues can be much bigger than a normal person. Following are the signs and symptoms that can be related to gamophobia-
- Thought of commitment will increase your heart rate
- Sweating while someone talks about commitment
- Chest pain
- Lack of breath
- Social isolation
- Loneliness
- Inability to maintain a relationship
- Nausea
- Anxiety attack
- Panic attacks
- Faint
- Thought of escape
- Depressed
- Dreadness
- Dizziness
- Alcohol and other drugs consumption
- Suicidal thoughts
- Shaking and trembling
- Shameful
- Feeling guilty
- Lack of control
- Avoiding the discussion of marriage or commitment
- Lack of self-esteem
- Abdominal discomfort
Treatment and Diagnosis of Gamophobia
Gamophobia is for real. But you don’t have to panic. You can control it by using some techniques and treatments. It’s like if you pay attention to it early and start treating it earlier you will overcome. The following are the most effective treatments of gamophobia-
- CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy)
This therapy will help you to overcome negative thoughts and actions. Your reactions and beliefs are transformed in this therapy by a therapist. The therapist helps you to face your fears and this is the most effective therapy.
- Exposure therapy
In this therapy, you are gradually exposed to your fear of marriage and commitment. The therapist helps you to treat your fear and anxiety in a controlled situation. At first, the therapist will use small situations and techniques if you compete with it then only he will expose you to the intense situations. This therapy will help you to gain confidence and manage your fear of marriage.
- Psychodynamic therapy
In this therapy, the patient expresses their innermost thoughts and feelings to the therapist to not be judged. This is talk therapy that will help you to overcome gamophobia. Psychodynamic therapy can be done individually, couple-wise, or in group sessions.
- Medication
To face any fear or phobia medication plays a major role. It’s just medication makes the process of facing fear easy and simple. Medication is also important if you have other mood disorders for example depression, anxiety, etc.
FAQs
Ques. What to do if your partner has signs of Gamophobia?
Ans. If your partner however tries to get committed but still finds it difficult then he/she must be suffering from Gamophobia or fear of marriage or commitment. After marriage, they must be thinking that their freedom will be signed off or they will be trapped in an agreement.
These feelings can be temporary but if it’s for long period then it may be Gamophobia. They will get panic when you will introduce your thoughts of marriage. The situation will be so intense for them that they can faint, sweat, depressed, etc. The thought of marriage will create a conflict in their mind.
Fear can be normal for many people because of responsibilities and other causes but when the fear is for long period and it affects the health of the particular person then he/she may be suffering from Gamophobia.
Ques. Is Gamophobia common?
Ans. According to researchers, it is one of the most common phobias. According to American Psychiatric Association (APA), 9% of Americans suffer from gamophobia.
Ques. How can you overcome Gamophobia?
Ans. Any fear can be overcome if you’re willing to do it. Fear of marriage and commitment can be overcome by-
- Nothing changes after marriage if your partner is important to you.
- Be with a couple who are happy with their marriage decision.
- Know your fear
- Know your expectations from marriage
- Seek therapy