Arocknephobia

Arocknephobia;  a-rok-ne-fo-be-a; from the Greek words “Rocha” (rock) and “Phobos” (fear).

def:  a specific phobia, a fear of rocks and other earth strata such as shoaling, sandbars, etc.  It is a manifestation of “hauloutaphobia” or “boatyardaphobia” which are common to arocknephobics.

The reaction of arocknephobics often seem irrational to others (and sometimes to themselves).  People with arocknephobia tend to feel uneasy in any area they believe could harbor rocks or the visible signs of their presence.   If they see a rock, they may not enter the general vicinity until they have overcome the panic attack that is often associated with this phobia.  In some extreme cases, even a picture or a realistic drawing of a rock can trigger fear.

Arocknephobics may also be touched by, or touch an object and be afraid because it could feel like a rock.  Arocknephobics may feel humiliated if such episodes occur in a social setting.

The fear of rocks can be treated by any of the general techniques suggested for specific phobias.  As with all phobias, the individual must not actually pursue the consequences and outsiders should not in any way undermine and “play” with the phobic in the meantime. 

Arocknephobia is not associated in any way with “rock and roll” or “rocking the cradle”, although “rocking the boat” often produces some stressful associations.  There does seem to be some correlation, however, with “rocks in your head” especially with repeated encounters.

I learned all this in my Georgian Bay group therapy session (Rocks Anonymous) this morning.

But, I still don’t want to talk about it!