Recently, I came across this word and immediately thought: I have frigophobia. Is that bad? Not terrible, but it is limiting. That’s why I decided to undergo hypnotherapy to explore where this fear comes from. There has never been an incident where I became hypothermic. That would logically explain the fear.
I was born with a low body temperature and have always been afraid of the cold since then. My daughter was also born with a low body temperature but is always warm. So being born with a low body temperature means nothing. Something happened that caused me to develop a fear of the cold.
It doesn’t help that I suffer from Raynaud’s Syndrome. That’s just not a pleasant feeling.
Because I am unconsciously always preoccupied with the cold, I am more tired than others. I was never aware of this, but now that I know, I really notice it. I am always thinking: Oh dear, cold air is coming on my arm, quickly under the blankets. While it’s not bad at all to feel the cold air on my bare arm. I won’t get hypothermic from that. Or when I go to the beach, I have to bring a jacket or sweater because what if a cloud covers the sun or a cold breeze comes up, then I’ll get cold. Well, since I became aware of it, I try to turn and counter all these thoughts. This is already working a bit. Hopefully, hypnotherapy will help even more.
How to deal with frigophobia
Frigophobia, or the fear of cold, can be challenging, but there are several ways to manage it. Here are some strategies that can help:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This is an effective therapy where you learn how to change negative thoughts and behaviors that reinforce your fear of the cold.
- Exposure Therapy: This involves gradually exposing yourself to cold environments in a controlled and safe manner so that your body and mind can get used to it.
- Relaxation Techniques: Techniques such as breathing exercises, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce your anxiety.
- Medication: In some cases, anxiety-reducing medications can be prescribed by a doctor, especially if the anxiety is severe and other therapies are not sufficient.
- Professional Guidance: A hypnotherapist or psychologist can help you explore the origins of your fear and find effective ways to cope with it.
