Psychology Facts

▼ Laliophobia ▼

》Laliophobia is described as the condition of fear, in which you cannot speak freely. People with this condition do not just feel anxious when they have to speak in front of the public or strangers. They are completely incapable of speech in many cases, no matter how hard they try. This impedes their daily activities a great deal.

》Laliophobia is a psychological condition. It can be caused by several things, such as past traumatic experiences, a lack of self-confidence, low self-esteem, or fear of judgment.

》As with any phobia, the symptoms vary person-to-person depending on the level of fear. An individual with this fear who avoids speaking altogether may become socially withdrawn. In their trusted circle of friends this person may feel comfortable writing responses or composing responses on the computer.

》Other symptoms may include:

• Extreme anxiety
• Inability to articulate words or sentences
• Dread
• Panic
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid breathing
• Trembling
• Sweating
• Air hunger
• Crying
• Screaming
• Nausea
• Dry mouth
• Elevated heart rate
• Control loss
• Urge to flee

》Some who have this fear may actually grow to fear what their own voice sounds like. They may obsess about it for so long that when they do use their voice it sounds strange. It may even sound to the phobic as if it is not even their own voice, which may further heighten the fear.

》Because communication is so vital to life it is important to be able to reestablish your ability to speak to others comfortably. The longer you wait the greater the fear can grow.

》How to Overcome Laliophobia

A therapist can help understand why we fear, where the fear comes from and how we can determine the way in which we respond. Consulting a therapist is recommended to receive referrals or joining a speaking group to relate with others who also have the same phobia.