Infantophobia - Ever Heard Of This Before?

Feb 6th 2019

Dear Abby:

I have a really bad fear of babies and toddlers. My brother's wife just had a second child, and I can't stand being around them. I get really bad anxiety so I avoid them. His first child is 8 but she is like a toddler being disabled. I get freaked out around her too. When they come over, I go outside or into my room and hide. On top of that, my sister is pregnant and living here with me and my parents. I'm only 17, so I can't move out. It's hard enough when my brother visits with his kids, but if one lives with me, I know I'm going to lose it. I'm too afraid to talk about my parents about this. --(Losing It In The West)

Dear Losing It:

You are NOT going to lose it. You ARE going to talk with your parents about this because you cannot keep hiding inyour room forever. The longer you do,the higher your level of anxiety will become. Have you any idea why you feel the way you do? Is it their size,their fragility,the sound of their voices? You may need help from a licensed therapist to get past this. It is important for you to find out what is driving this panic because, if you don't, you will find yourself increasingly isolated as your friends and families start families.