Very Strange 'Phobia'... I'm sure you've never heard of this one.

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Very Strange 'Phobia'... I'm sure you've never heard of this one.
« on: August 23, 2006, 03:59:32 PM » by *MommaJo*

Ok, since this heading is 'chat & whatever', I'm assuming that the "whatever" part really means WHATEVER!! I have a very strange one for you. I don't really know how to explain it, so here goes...
I think I have what may be described as a 'pattern phobia'. No, not dress patterns...

If I see something that has a particular pattern to it, I get sorta a creeped out feeling. The best example I can give is a morelle, you know, the wild mushroom. I don't like to look at them because the pattern of the mushroom head evokes a fearful feeling in me. WOW, actually typing this out makes me sound like a FREAK! Other examples would be honeycomb patterns, some tone on tone stuff, and I think even the way a cucumber looks when it is sliced to reveal the seeds has given me the heebie-geebies. In a chance conversation with a former co-worker, I found out that she has the same problem. She said that she saw sunflower seeds scattered in the snow and the way the dark seeds contrasted against the stark white snow creeped her out. I agreed that I wouldn't like looking at it either. We worked in a bridal shop together and there were fabrics that we didn't like to look at.
So, now that you think I'm totally crazy....
I guess I don't expect to find anyone else out there with the same issue. If you have any comments, though, don't hesitate. If you think I need to be committed, however, Wink

........

« Last Edit: August 25, 2006, 12:23:48 PM by mshelson »
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Re: Very Strange 'Phobia'... I'm sure you've never heard of this one.
« Reply #1 on: August 23, 2006, 04:16:04 PM » by Amey

You're right. I've never heard of that one. Grin

Interesting, though.

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Re: Very Strange 'Phobia'... I'm sure you've never heard of this one.
« Reply #2 on: August 23, 2006, 06:03:54 PM » by SC

mshelson,
I've heard of this, but never explained by an adult in this way. The context I've heard of it in is in relationship to children with sensory (visual) issues. That is a technical way of saying that the connections that carry stimulus to the brain aren't quite hooked up within normal ranges and certain patterns, colors, light, etc. can cause a blip in the brain. I'm trying not to use a lot of technical jargon.

In some people, the symptoms you will notice is someone playing with their side vision: turning their head to look at television, window blinds, hand flapping, etc. This is similar to the reaction you have when there is a sore place in your mouth. Your tongue gravitates to the hurt place repeatedly. A person with these symptoms is "playing with" the part of the eye/brain that isn't quite functioning properly.

In other people, you will see a sensory overload. In other words, you will see a firm to violent revulsion to certain stimulus: light, pattern, movement, etc. In persons unable to communicate well, this is sometimes seen as anti-social, but it is a reaction to the neurological process he/she is experiencing.

There are visual exercises that can be done to gradually correct this. However, I'm not well-enough versed in the process to address it here. You would have to contact someone who is a neurodevelopmentalist. If you're functional and it isn't affecting your daily living, it may not be an issue worth pursuing.

Otherwise, I would try to spend just a few moments each day (4 or 5 times a day) glancing at an object that gives you discomfort. Try drawing the object. Over time, you will find that the feelings might subside.

Let us know how things go.

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Re: Very Strange 'Phobia'... I'm sure you've never heard of this one.
« Reply #3 on: August 23, 2006, 06:13:40 PM » by jaemom

My hubby just came running in the room as I was screaming, "I'm not the only one! I'm not the only one!" Shocked

I have never heard of anyone else with this problem. I stopped telling people, but my hubby continues to embarass me by telling people I can't stand to look at patterns of holes. Once I was heating macaroni in the microwave for the instant mac n cheese and when I took the bowl out all the macaroni pieces were end up forming this honeycomb pattern. My reaction scared me because I almost dropped the bowl and I didn't even understand why I felt that way. From then on, I just turned my head and stirred it first. My hubby thinks I'm nuts. I get the heebie jeebies if I see a lot of holes in a pattern anywhere. I just can't look at it. I'm SOOOO glad I'm not the only one. What's funny is I really only remember this being an issue within the last 5 years. Huh

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Re: Very Strange 'Phobia'... I'm sure you've never heard of this one.
« Reply #4 on: August 23, 2006, 08:31:38 PM » by WithLoveAndJoy

HALLELUJAH!!!! I am the one screaming I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE now! My husband and I both have a severe aversion to certain patterns. Like if we see it we have to immediately get it out of our sight, or destroy it if possible.

For instance, I CAN'T stand the little spore cases that are so perfectly alligned on the back of ferns, among my other things that just make me all of a sudden just angry to look at them. It is weird...what can I say! Tongue

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Re: Very Strange 'Phobia'... I'm sure you've never heard of this one.
« Reply #5 on: August 23, 2006, 08:43:52 PM » by SC

The conditions I described above (neurological misfirings) may or may not the the cause of your symptoms. It's something to consider, however.

I would be interested in hearing how anyone with these symptoms has chosen to address these issues. What works? What doesn't? Do you chose not to address the aversion? Has it been something that affects other areas of your life? I think it would be neat to use this thread just as the one on Master Cleanse has been used to share tricks and tips that are helpful.

Of course, even as I typed that, the thought occurred to me that we are dealing with a symptom that could have various causes. So, if you are experiencing this, what do you think would be the cause for your symptom(s)? Do you think it is neurological? Diet related? Tied to an event? Spiritual? I think your gut response will be more telling than a battery of tests.

Whaddyuthink? Undecided

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Re: Very Strange 'Phobia'... I'm sure you've never heard of this one.
« Reply #6 on: August 23, 2006, 08:55:17 PM » by WithLoveAndJoy

Well, to share a little bit of my experience, it started for me as a young child, around the age of eight or so. I began to have recurring dreams that were nothing but a "slideshow" of irritating shapes and textures that would leave me waking up feeling very disturbed.

It wasn't until around age 18 that I started to have difficulty with looking at certain patterns when I was awake. It started after seeing a picture of a specimen of a stone someone had passed and the stone was so strangely colored and shaped that I was almost transfixed by looking at it. I desperately wanted to not look, but I was just glued to it. And thus began my current fixation on strange patterns.

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Re: Very Strange 'Phobia'... I'm sure you've never heard of this one.
« Reply #7 on: August 24, 2006, 03:07:19 AM » by Kitty

My 7 year old daughter complains that seeing the seeds inside of a red pepper makes her have a headache...there's something else similar to that, too. This is a fascinating thread!

« Last Edit: October 21, 2007, 07:36:32 PM by Yooper »
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Re: Very Strange 'Phobia'... I'm sure you've never heard of this one.
« Reply #8 on: August 24, 2006, 05:08:24 AM » by jaemom

Quote from: SC on August 23, 2006, 08:43:52 PM

Well, I stopped cooking instant macaroni and cheese. Wink

Otherwise, I don't really come across patterns that repel me that often. If I do, I just shudder then look away. I have wondered about this for a long time. After much thought, I would have to say for me it's probably diet related. Maybe Candida? I also have OCD tendencies I mentioned in the OCD thread. It's probably all related in one way or another for me.

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Re: Very Strange 'Phobia'... I'm sure you've never heard of this one.
« Reply #9 on: August 24, 2006, 07:05:28 AM » by WithLoveAndJoy

Quote from: jaemom on August 24, 2006, 05:08:24 AM

I also have OCD tendencies I mentioned in the OCD thread. It's probably all related in one way or another for me.

Jaemom, I have mild OCD tendencies myself...such as checking the alarm clock a million times to make sure it is on, even when I remember setting it. Checking door locks, oh yeah. Worrying about leaving "something on" when I haven't turned anything on.

I am not bad, but it does get annoying!

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Re: Very Strange 'Phobia'... I'm sure you've never heard of this one.
« Reply #10 on: August 24, 2006, 09:26:17 AM » by KristenA

Quote from: joyfullyhis on August 23, 2006, 08:55:17 PM

The textures you mention makes me consider Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Many people on the ASD (not necessarily full-blown autism) have difficulty with textures and patterns. I had a client with Asperger's (on the ASD) who had this issue.
So, as mentioned in many different threads, there is a connection to ASD with mercury (and other toxins) and GI problems.
As I reread this; it made me consider MANY "unexplainable" neurological diseases that are on the rise today (i.e. MS, Parkinsons, ALS). I don't think you ladies have those three; but everything we have mentioned is neurologically related.

Were all you ladies vaccinated?

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Re: Very Strange 'Phobia'... I'm sure you've never heard of this one.
« Reply #11 on: August 24, 2006, 09:32:36 AM » by WithLoveAndJoy

I was vaccinated, and my DH had at least some as a child. He also has some of the same aversions that I do.

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Re: Very Strange 'Phobia'... I'm sure you've never heard of this one.
« Reply #12 on: August 24, 2006, 09:43:05 AM » by KristenA

Quote from: joyfullyhis on August 24, 2006, 09:32:36 AM

I was vaccinated, and my DH had at least some as a child. He also has some of the same aversions that I do.

Interesting!
Let me clarify one things... I don't think you ladies have Autism or are "ASD"....you would have a lot of other symptoms! Wink

But, it is an interesting connection.
I found an article that talks about how married couples who share some ASD characteristics have higher incidences of Autism and Aspergers in their children.
Don't intend to frighten you at all..... It is just something to consider.

http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/9.12/aspergers_pr.html

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Re: Very Strange 'Phobia'... I'm sure you've never heard of this one.
« Reply #13 on: August 24, 2006, 10:25:49 AM » by *MommaJo*

PTL!
I'm SO glad I posted this. After typing the original post, I almost deleted it when I saw how crazy it sounded. I called my former coworker and my husband at work right away this morning after reading the replies!
As far as my history with this issue, I don't really remember when it started. I do remember back in elementary school a friend had gotten stitches above her eye and I didn't like looking at it, but I just thought it was because it was gross. But now I know that I don't like the way the skin looks with the thread going down into it and the pattern that the row of threads makes. In the past, if I saw a 'bad pattern', I'd just look away and not think much of it or I'd just think it was because it was something gross. Maybe that is why I have such a fear of snakes. I don't like the way their skin looks. The spores on ferns and the macaroni noodles would creep me out too.
Oh, and have you found that if you see one pattern that you don't like, you tend to be more aware of them as the day goes on??? Like a not-too-bad pattern wouldn't bother me too much unless I saw one earlier that REALLY bothers me. Does that make sense?
Thank you all for your replies. Please keep them coming. It is comforting to know I'm not the only one. When I checked my inbox this morning & saw that there were so many replies to this post, I just laughed and said to my 8 month old, "everyone is gonna think momma is crazy!". Roll Eyes

I NEVER thought I'd get replies like I did!
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

« Last Edit: November 05, 2007, 05:40:16 PM by *MommaJo* »
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Re: Very Strange 'Phobia'... I'm sure you've never heard of this one.
« Reply #14 on: August 24, 2006, 02:17:59 PM » by StephTallent

This has been a fascinating thread for me to read. I have always had "pattern" problems. Bark texture on certain trees, scale patterns on reptiles, anything mottled. These can trigger an emotional/physical response in me anywhere from wanting to inexplicably burst into tears, or an overwhelming desire to destroy the pattern, to nausea and cold chills. I had never thought of this as anything more than the holdover from a hyperactive imagination as a child. Never realized it was a problem perhaps others experience as well.

I deal with it by not looking at my "trigger" anymore than absolutely necessary. I've noticed the older I get the fewer triggers seem to bother me. When I'm pregnant however I become as sensitive as I've ever been. To me there seem to be different levels of sensitivity to this problem... The more physical demands I have on my body like during pregnancy, or when very tired or sick the more vulnerable I am to the triggers. When feeling very healthy and well rested I can stand to look at my biggest triggers for a few seconds without it bothering me. Has anyone else noticed something similar? Huh

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Re: Very Strange 'Phobia'... I'm sure you've never heard of this one.
« Reply #15 on: August 24, 2006, 02:45:59 PM » by Christal

Quote from: StephTallent on August 24, 2006, 02:17:59 PM

To me there seem to be different levels of sensitivity to this problem... The more physical demands I have on my body like during pregnancy, or when very tired or sick the more vulnerable I am to the triggers. When feeling very healthy and well rested I can stand to look at my biggest triggers for a few seconds without it bothering me. Has anyone else noticed something similar? Huh

I don't have problems with patterns like everyone is describing unless I am very, very tired. When I am tired and my eyes hurt I can not look at things in motion. Like someone talking with their hands, kids playing, TV. Patterns that give a sense of motion, such has black and white checks, can make me sick too. It is like my eyes are too tired to deal with motion and so I get nauseous and even dizzy.

I first had problems when I was 13 and had nose surgery to repair a broken nose. I had a hard time opening my eyes after the anesthesia and couldn't keep food down for a couple of days. After that any motion close to my face made me sick. At first I thought it was the bandage on my nose but years later I still have the problem when my eyes are tired and stressed.

Since we are talking about strange phobias, does anyone have extra sensitive skin? I don't like to be touched lightly. To me it hurts. My husband thinks I am crazy. He likes a back rub with just finger tips but my defensive reflexes kick in if he does this. I usually swat him away before I even have time to think. I also can't stand the kids to rub on me because their hands are small and soft and it tickles to the point of pain. My son (14 mo) likes to rub the back of my arm to go to sleep and it drives me insane. I love deep muscle massage but otherwise can't stand to be touched.

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Re: Very Strange 'Phobia'... I'm sure you've never heard of this one.
« Reply #16 on: August 24, 2006, 04:10:02 PM » by Gabriel Anast

So, this kind of thing is very interesting to me.... I have been using valuable time searching high and low for references to this, and have found a couple very interesting ones:

Fisrt, I have found several refernces to "fear of patterns" or the like around the web... most of them sort of out of the blue and without any real understanding of what it could be:

Quote

I know Dumbo is cute as a baby with normal ears, and also with them big!
The movie itself is good. Dumbo makes a friend that boosts his confidence after being made fun of a shut out from the other elephants.

The only thing my daughter hates with all her heart while watching this movie, is those creepy patterns, elephants, etc.. that are in 'bubble' form. She will either run to another room, turn off the TV, or try her hardest to sit through it although it disturbs her.

As a child I watched this movie and didn't like that part also...so at least I know it wasn't just me! It being a classic, should be bought, but I honestly don't know if it'd be your child's favorite.

Quote

...one of my close friends has the coolest phobia ever. She's afraid of [...] patterns. As far as I know, there isn't even a word for the fear of patterns, but she had a serious problem with an orange that had cloves put into the skin on a regular pattern. Something about that frightened [...] her [badly].

Quote

Did you know that [...] I have fear of repetitive patterns?

Then there is this one... which is wild:

Here is a page about an iguana that seems to exhibit exactly the same aversion. I am not kidding. The owner even has linked images to the patterns that offend the iguana.

All in all it seems like the Autism link might be the most plausible... but... there is VERY little about it on the internet. I was totally amazed that there was not more written.

Beka says that there is an old book she read about a woman that saw scary patterns in her dreams that she later found out was a wallpaper pattern in a room that she was in during a robbery or some such... don't think this is it though Wink

--gabe

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Re: Very Strange 'Phobia'... I'm sure you've never heard of this one.
« Reply #17 on: August 24, 2006, 04:35:22 PM » by ForeverGirl

I have to say, I don't like the pattern of the shorts that freak out the iguana. It reminds me of a pair of shorts Gabe has that I really dislike too! Huh

Also, cloves in an orange just looks violent and demented to me. But I never thought about my emotional response to that.

I know that flashing white light gives me an instant headache and feeling of despair and dread. Like sunlight flashing through tree leaves when driving down the road. I have to concentrate very hard to shut it out.

After reading everybody's posts, and recently, about the neurological effects of mercury - I have to wonder if mercury might be the culprit. For those of you (us) that did not have these "problems" in childhood - can you remember if they started shortly after getting your first fillings?

Rebekah

« Last Edit: August 24, 2006, 04:37:16 PM by BeeyoutifulGirl »
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Re: Very Strange 'Phobia'... I'm sure you've never heard of this one.
« Reply #18 on: August 24, 2006, 04:43:57 PM » by ForeverGirl

I should add that I also hate that section of the Dumbo movie that has all the wierd "dream-state" patterns.
Also, Alice in Wonder Land has psychological triggers that disturb me all the way through...

Other things that disturb me are; two people talking to me at once, balloons bursting, TV's going in the background, a kid chewing gum while talking, a radio that is stuck between two stations, and homonyms written side by side, and a candle flame held directly in front of me, in my line of vision.

Rebekah

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Re: Very Strange 'Phobia'... I'm sure you've never heard of this one.
« Reply #19 on: August 24, 2006, 04:53:34 PM » by kayinpa

I have a problem with flashinglight/sunlight in trees too, it always gives me a headache nor have I liked the dream sequence in Dumbo, but also never thought much about it. I also dont like gentle rubbing or touching. I always felt bad when I automatically would brush my children (mostly my one daughter away, because she liked to rub, physical touch is her love language) away, I would always explain that is wasnt them, it was mommy and I loved them very much and made sure I made a point of giving extra hugs and kisses are playing with hair or something.

Sorry if I am babbling.

Was that book about the Nursrey room patterns an Agatha Christie book? I know one of her books has that in it!

Yes, I was vaccinated as a child (and recieved the booster MMR at 17)

« Last Edit: August 24, 2006, 05:02:37 PM by kayinpa »
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Re: Very Strange 'Phobia'... I'm sure you've never heard of this one.
« Reply #20 on: August 24, 2006, 05:18:40 PM » by DawnsEarlyBirds

Quote from: BeeyoutifulGirl on August 24, 2006, 04:43:57 PM

Just a quick comment. I have always been told that Alice in Wonderland is a very strange movie, (the only one that my 17 year old daughter said really scared her as a child, and she stills thinks that, so none of our other children have seen it) and that it has a lot of "acid trip" like associations to it. I am not suggesting Rebekah is having flashbacks here Roll Eyes

just that there may be reasons that it disturbs people.

My husband and oldest son also went to see Fantasia when it came back to the theaters in 1990. We expected some fun Mickey Mouse movie, but my husband said it was so bizarre that they left the theatre before it was finished. And my son still says never to let our younger children see it.

There is something behind this I am sure!! And, my comments weren't as quick as I thought they would be ......

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Re: Very Strange 'Phobia'... I'm sure you've never heard of this one.
« Reply #21 on: August 24, 2006, 07:14:38 PM » by ALittleMore

I think it's all a matter of personalities. I saw all of the above movies and none of them ever bothered me when I was little, in fact Fantasia was one of my favorites as a little girl. My mom ended up throwing it away when I got older because it had evolution in it and because the centaurs were not all dressed appropriately.

I have a thing where I don't like the clothes I put on hangers to match the hanger. And I also don't like it when I put dishes in the cabinet and two colors of cups are touching. I guess I don't like things to match!? Haha, I'm a spaz. Touching towels makes my teeth feel weird. (How much sense does that make??) Often times when I brush against something but don't actually touch it, I have the urge to GO BACK and touch it full force.

Anyways, the thing is, everyone has their quirks, and some are part of how we are imperfect, but I guess the main thing I'm trying to say is this: It isn't a bad thing. It's just part of personalities. Some people, Stephen King for example (talented author, but still...) love to explore these quirks, traits, whims, emotions, reactions, fears and obsessions. (Think "IT", "Needful Things", "The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon" and LOTS more.)

And then there's people like me, who just are content to explore, dream and relate (and in some cases, understand that I don't relate) and it's just okay. I don't mean to say I'm better than Stephen King (although I don't think he's saved, I hope he is...) but I don't think it's altogether healthy to let it bother you.

I've known several people in my life who absolutely obsessed over their psychological imperfections. One lady I know has been diagnosed with some adult form of ADHD basically, and it's all she ever talks about. It annoys me. Everyone has their pet peeves (I guess that's one of mine haha) but the important thing is that it doesn't take the driver's seat in our lives. We are who we are, with our own likes, dislikes, preferences and annoyances. The important thing is that we find joy and do the best we can in everything, and not let our preferences label us, or get in the way of our work here on earth. One day my mom said to me, "Why do you do that with the dishes?" I explained it to her, and her reaction was, "Girl, you better get over that, or else you're going to waste WAAAY to much time in your life getting things perfect that don't matter a bit. It's being vein, Samantha. And all vanity is, is a selfish waste of time."

She was right. As often as I can (which honestly is every time, whether I choose to heed it or not) I ignore those things. Get the towels folded, the dishes done, leave the wall you just brushed past ALONE, and get on with the happy parts of life. (Little sisters and music and cappuccinos and learning about herbs and writing letters to my sweetheart and making body butters and salt scrubs and cleaning the house and lighting candles and baking brownies and planting flowers and...)

My two cents +++++. Roll Eyes

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Re: Very Strange 'Phobia'... I'm sure you've never heard of this one.
« Reply #22 on: August 24, 2006, 07:53:03 PM » by Elbereth

I was vaccinated, and had a million fillings. I have a lot of kooky things that go on in my brain. I have always, as far as I can remember written the number 12 as doodling. Even when I was very young, like 7 or so. After I learned to type in junior high school, I now type everything! When sitting and listening to a speech, or listening to a friend, or my husband talk, when my children talk to me, when I watch tv, I'm always typing! It drives my husband nuts when he tries to hold my hand when we used to go to church and I would type every word that the pastor would say! I can't use cotton balls, or q-tips, or paper napkins, they set my teeth on edge. When I am forced to use them, I have to go wet my finger tips afterwards. I don't like it when my silverware touch any part of my mouth. It gives me a "metallic" feeling in my mouth. So does some food, like fish for example. When I take a piece of gum out of my mouth, I feel nauseous. When I do "tedious" or "piddly" things as my husband says, I feel completely nauseous. After my shower, I have to force myself to not turn on the the water again and rinse off, "just one more time"

I can't sleep without a fan, or I will wake up from a deep sleep and gasp for air, as if there is no fresh in the room. I also only sleep on my side so I can face the fan. I can't sleep facing my husband, because I feel as though I will suffocate. If the power goes off at night, I have to open a window behind the couch and sleep with my head next to the open window. Also, elevators KILL me. I just want to scream "Everybody STOP BREATHING until I can get off!

(But I don't Wink

)

I agree with A Little More, in that you can't allow these things to build up and make a mountain out of a molehill. I have, at times in my life allowed these things to build up in my mind, until I was panicked at the thought of these things, but I just move on and focus on "Whatsoever things are..." Not that I'm any kind of an expert, but I believe at least in part these things are from my history of sexual abuse as a child. But everyone is different.

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Re: Very Strange 'Phobia'... I'm sure you've never heard of this one.
« Reply #23 on: August 24, 2006, 08:07:20 PM » by *MommaJo*

Thank you Gabe for checking the web. I had done this several months ago and came up with nothing. The cloves stuck in the oranges would be hard for me to look at as well. And, I don't have the guts to check out the iguana site. Roll Eyes

...yet (?)
I agree that everyone has their 'quirks' and I think this is a great thread to talk about them. I feel that myself, jaemom, joyfullyhis, and maybe a few others are unique in that the patterns evoke a feeling of 'fear'. Maybe it is all the same issue, just with a different reaction. Some get a headache, some an upset stomach, and others, a fearful or creepy feeling.
Great thoughts, everyone. Keep 'em coming.

« Last Edit: November 05, 2007, 05:42:22 PM by *MommaJo* »
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Re: Very Strange 'Phobia'... I'm sure you've never heard of this one.
« Reply #24 on: August 24, 2006, 08:08:38 PM » by healthyinOhio

This has been a very interesting topic for me these past two days. I have weird quirks, but nothing neurological like the pattern thing as first described. Although, my son seems to have issues with those new playground equipments that are new and they have open landings and steps with all those holes. He and I both have a hard time focusing on them. Although, it does make me nauseated to climb on those, my son would cry and feel like he was falling.
But he only had two months worth of vaccinations and we both have never had a mercury filling. So, perhaps it is the mercury, or maybe a combination of things. Has anyone thought of the influence that television has on your brain? Now, I am not saying anything is wrong with TV, but I know that it does use those patterned squares to make an image and the image sort of embeds in your brain. If I am making any sense. For example, my daughter had her vaccinations up until 4, but she never watched her first TV show until almost three. And watched little at all. She doesn't have these sensory issues. But my son watched those Baby Bach series when he was little and he has these issues. I know that there are a lot of subliminal pictures being used in commercials, movies, TV, etc. so I was just throwing in another possible option that may be triggering some responses. Perhaps, the brain is being overloaded with sensory patterns from the tele. I could be wrong, though. I am just guessing here. Wink

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Re: Very Strange 'Phobia'... I'm sure you've never heard of this one.
« Reply #25 on: August 24, 2006, 08:11:20 PM » by kittyninja

omigoodness ladies, reading all these things makes me realize i am not alone. I too don't like to obsess over pychological matters but i just sometimes realize i do weird things. I have posted about my odd clown and ape phobia. I also have a thing about edges...the bed, seats, i always leave a seat next to me when sitting at the end of a row. Not being able to rub my finger on fabric...i have to rub my husband's back under his shirt...hurts my teeth. oh i can go on and on...SUFFOCATING! i too have to have a fan or air on or i wake up GASPING saying "I NEED AIR! i can't snuggle face to face Embarrassed

I got up and made the bed the other night WHILE eveybody was sleeping in it( my kids sleep with us for now)because i couldn't stand the sheets being all discombobulated!We humans are pretty funny when we think about it huh? there are so many things that i can call OCD if i wanted a label but i think i will just stick with my hubby's label "weirdo" Roll Eyes

oh and i completely forgot about patterns...they "disturb" me in a sense that i see them in my mind and try to match them up...i don't know how to discribe it...it's odd. i also get all weirded out when it comes to crazy movies scenes(wiily wonka, dumbo, etc..)...nausea is from horrible motion sickness...same with looking at a pattern to long

« Last Edit: August 24, 2006, 08:13:57 PM by kittyninja »
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Re: Very Strange 'Phobia'... I'm sure you've never heard of this one.
« Reply #26 on: August 24, 2006, 08:15:51 PM » by jaemom

I was vaccinated as a child as well. I also received vaccinations prior to my trip to South America as a teenager. The cloves thing bothers me too. I've only noticed my pattern phobia within the last 5 years. I can't think of anything that could've triggered it. I was also sexually abused as a child and think perhaps that plays into my OCD issues as well. I don't like to be touched (have made tremendous progress with this issue), have to wet both of my hands if one gets wet, wash my hands alot, and also have issues with elevators. I think a lot of my issues are cleanliness and safety related, such as the constant hand washing and the door locking issues. At one point I felt I was afraid of everything, now I claim the verse, "What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee." Oh, and my parents never had a TV until I left the house for college at 16.

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Re: Very Strange 'Phobia'... I'm sure you've never heard of this one.
« Reply #27 on: August 24, 2006, 08:46:35 PM » by Kati*did

Interesting thread! I have always been afraid of hearing/reading about the phobias of others because I feel like they will become mine. Nonetheless...I skimmed each post. Wink

I think my phobia came frome a time when I babysat for a lady who was very hormonally imbalanced (but didn't know it). She had a serious breakdown and was somewhat out of her mind. It was a pretty traumatic day... later that night, I woke up with a low blood sugar, and in my confusion and memory of the day, I had a panic attack, thinking I was also going crazy. We found out later that she'd been hormonally imbalanced and was taken care of, but I've been edgy about hearing other's phobias ever since. Oh...I cannot watch any of the movie "A Passage to India".

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Re: Very Strange 'Phobia'... I'm sure you've never heard of this one.
« Reply #28 on: August 24, 2006, 10:07:56 PM » by WithLoveAndJoy

Oh my goodness, ladies. It is so interesting to me that some of the same things cause us the aversions! I can't stand cloves stuck into anything! I remember one of the worst times that my husband and I both had was when I was cooking a ham in the oven and I had scored it and studded it with cloves....When it came out of the oven it was HIDEOUS!!!

I had to immediately cut off the part that had the scoring and throw it away. My DH would not stay in the room.

Interestingly enough, I have never had an amalgam filling, and only received a white filling just a few months ago. DH had TONS of amalgam in his mouth.

DH also has a recurring nightmare that basically is just thousands of people talking all at the same time in a ballroom. I have the one that is weird textures and shapes.

I find it intersting that in addition to patterns others like us struggle with heights and claustrophobia, because I have some of those same fears. Do any of you also struggle with panic attacks?

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Re: Very Strange 'Phobia'... I'm sure you've never heard of this one.
« Reply #29 on: August 25, 2006, 11:36:45 AM » by Dairae

I still can remember being a child and seeing water drops forming a pattern on the shower wall. It gave me the willies. Every now and again I run by something that bothers me in that way. Sometimes words do it to me, also. Just this morning, I looked at the 7 grain cereal and the word "Triticale" gave me the heebie jeebies.

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