Learn about abandonment phobia, its definition, symptoms, and how it affects people's mental health and relationships.
The phobia of being abandoned is called "abandonophobia" or more commonly referred to as fear of abandonment. It is an intense and persistent fear that loved ones or important people in one's life will leave, reject, or desert them.
This fear can stem from past traumatic experiences, such as loss, neglect, or unstable relationships, often dating back to childhood. It can lead to anxiety, difficulty trusting others, clingy behavior, and challenges in forming healthy relationships.
Understanding and managing abandonment phobia typically involves therapy approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps individuals challenge and change their fearful thoughts and build secure attachments.