I see that there is a phobia for anything now.
Try this one on for size
Anatidaephobia?
Anatidaephobia is defined as a pervasive, irrational fear that one is being watched by a duck. The anatidaephobic individual fears that no matter where they are or what they are doing, a duck watches.
Anatidaephobia is derived from the Greek word "anatidae", meaning ducks, geese or swans and "phobos" meaning fear.
What Causes Anatidaephobia?
As with all phobias, the person coping with Anatidaephobia has experienced a real-life trauma. For the anatidaephobic individual, this trauma most likely occurred during childhood.
Perhaps the individual was intensely frightened by some species of water fowl. Geese and swans are relatively well known for their aggressive tendencies and perhaps the anatidaephobic person was actually bitten or flapped at. Of course, the Far Side comics did little to minimize the fear of being watched by a duck.
While we may be tempted to smile at the memory of those comics or at the mental image of being watched by a duck, for the anatidaephobic person, that fear is uncontrollable. Whatever the cause, the anatidaephobic person can experience emotional turmoil and anxiety that is completely disruptive to daily functioning.
What Are the Symptoms of Anatidaephobia?
The symptoms of Anatidaephobia vary from person to person. Some people, when confronted with their fear, may feel slightly uncomfortable, become nauseated or begin to perspire. Others are so severely compromised by this phobia, that they experience crippling anxiety and/or panic attacks.
Other symptoms of Anatidaephobia can include:
- A Dry Mouth
- Gasping or Shortness of Breath
- Muscle Tension
- Overall Trembling
- Hyperventilation
- Feeling Out of Control
- Feeling Trapped and Unable to Escape
- Overwhelming Feeling of Impending Disaster
How Is Anatidaephobia Diagnosed?
The vast majority of cases of Anatidaephobia are self-diagnosed. The individual realizes that their fear of being watched by a duck is irrational and is severely interfering with their ability to function on a daily basis.
That’s me staying away from rivers and ponds now.
It gets worse.
ReplyDeletehttp://ubersuper.com/all-ducks-are-wearing-dog-masks/
(so what would one call a phobia that is a fear of ducks watching you whilst wearing masks, that in turn... appear to be watching you?)
...shudder. I'm off to watch 'The Human Centipede' for some light relief.
Not really, it was a phobia made up by the superb Gary Larson in a ?Far Side cartoon many many moons ago.
ReplyDeletePhew.
ReplyDeleteThen I can go near water now then? You are sure then?
Good God no!
ReplyDeleteThere's otters with flick knives, hoodie pike and don't forget swans that can break a grown mans arm with their wings just because they can.
FE, just start worrying when you start quacking. Being barking mad is one thing, but quacking...
ReplyDeleteJust because Gary Larson made it up doesn't mean that someone is now convinced they suffer from it. And to be fair they are shifty looking little fuckers, aren't they?Probably out for revenge over all that Peking duck I've eaten in my life.
ReplyDeleteYou worry unnecessarily, Sir. Why, is it not said that Our Own Dear Queen likes to have a rubber duck in her bath?
ReplyDelete