The fear of birthdays is called "gelotophobia".
Gelotophobia is the fear of being laughed at. While it's not a direct fear of birthdays, people with gelotophobia may avoid their birthdays because they fear being the center of attention, receiving gifts, or having people sing "Happy Birthday" to them. They may worry about being ridiculed or embarrassed during birthday celebrations.
It's important to note that gelotophobia is a specific phobia, and it's not the same as being shy or introverted. People with gelotophobia often experience intense anxiety and fear in social situations where they might be the focus of attention.
Here are some examples of how gelotophobia might manifest on a birthday:
- Avoiding birthday parties altogether.
- Feeling anxious and uncomfortable when people sing "Happy Birthday."
- Refusing to open presents in front of others.
- Making excuses to leave early from birthday celebrations.
- Feeling self-conscious and uncomfortable when people are paying attention to them.
If you or someone you know is struggling with gelotophobia, it's important to seek professional help. A therapist can help you understand the causes of your fear and develop strategies for coping with it.
