Triggers
There are a number of different things that can trigger feelings of fear and anxiety for a person who has megalophobia. Some people may experience symptoms in the presence of a wide variety of large objects, while others may only have these feelings when they are around specific triggers. You may be afraid of very large animals, stationary objects, or massive man-made objects. Some common triggers include:
AirplanesBlimpsBuildingsBusesConstruction equipmentElephantsEnormous trees like sequoias or redwoodsHills and mountainsLarge bodies of waterShipsSculpturesStatuesTrainsWhales
Symptoms
The primary symptom of megalophobia is a fear of large objects or animals. In addition to experiencing fear in the presence of a large object, people may also have symptoms of:
Chest painDiarrheaDizzinessFeelings of panicIncreased heart rateNauseaShakingShortness of breathSweating
Causes
The exact causes of this phobia are not known. However, there are a number of different factors that can contribute to megalophobia.
Exaggerated Normal Fears
It’s normal to have some level of fear or apprehension of things that seem overwhelming or threatening. For people with megalophobia, this fear becomes more severe than what other people normally experience.
Intimidating Size
This phobia of large objects is usually associated with objects that are larger than the actual object they are representing. It might be a larger-than-life sculpture of a person from history or an animal that does not fit the typical size we associate with the species. For people with megalophobia, these abnormal sizes create a genuine feeling of fear where others may only be in awe at the size.
Media
Sometimes news stories or even legends can contribute to these fears. A perfect example is the fear of gigantic animals. The giant squid has been a part of mythology and lore since the earliest days of sailing ships. Legends abound of sailors who were lost to the monsters of the deep. It is likely that in the days before modern navigational systems, many of those ships were simply run aground or dashed against the rocks. Still, the rumors persisted. In the 1950s, comic books and science fiction were huge trends, particularly among teenage boys. The first photos of a live giant squid were finally obtained in 2004.
Treatment
Today, the treatment of phobias tends to fall into one of a few recognized categories. Psychotherapy is the most common treatment, but medications may be used in some cases to help people with symptoms related to their phobia. There are a few different psychotherapy approaches that can be effective in the treatment of specific phobias such as megalophobia.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
The most common is cognitive behavioral therapy, in which the person is encouraged to replace phobic thoughts with more rational ones and various exposure strategies are employed. A psychotherapist may literally walk someone through what they fear about large objects. In the process, they try to help the person understand rationally why that fear may be unfounded. The goal is then to work through a more realistic perspective of their fears and face situations that the phobia has caused the person to avoid.
Exposure Therapies
This can be approached through systematic desensitization, a more gradual set of exposure techniques, or flooding, in which the client is quickly exposed to the feared object. At no time is the client placed in any danger.
A Word From Verywell
If you have a phobia of large objects or animals, it is important to seek treatment. With proper treatment, most phobias can be cured or managed, but over time untreated phobias tend to worsen. See your doctor or mental health professional develop a personalized treatment plan. For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database.
