Everyone worries about studying from time to time whether it be exams, or studying for a job alongside many other commitments. According to a LinkedIn article, Sophophobia is the fear of learning or studying. This type of phobia is derived from the Greek words Sophia and phobia. Sophia refers to wisdom or knowledge, whereas phobia refers to fear. As a result, it can be concluded that Sophophobia is the fear of knowledge or learning.
This type of phobia can affect any age, whereas on the other hand, and this is apt considering the summer holidays are over, the Cleveland Clinic state that Scolionophobia is an overwhelming fear of school. It is not a clinical diagnosis, but it’s often a symptom of other anxiety disorders.
School refusal is quite common nowadays judging by school attendance and authorised/unauthorised absences in the UK. Anxiety and school refusal is more likely to affect children during times of transition, such as going from primary school to senior/secondary school. Children who are worrying about school will often become physically ill at the thought of going to school such as stomach problems, nausea and headaches and this can be very distressing for the child and the parents/caregivers trying to help them.
Some treatments or remedies can include talk therapy (or cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)), as it can help children understand their thoughts. CBT is also a common therapy for adults experiencing anxiety.
Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) uses several skills to help children work through intense emotions. With this understanding, they can better manage negative emotions and interpersonal relationships. This is a good non-evasive treatment for autistic children and their parents/caregivers.
Exposure therapy which works by slowly introducing a specific fear into daily life. Children may start by imagining interactions at school and then this encourages the individual to eventually face the fear in real life.
Medication is another treatment and may be helpful if a child has another mental health condition.
While any fear can be heart-wrenching it takes strength and a positive mindset to overcome it and now there are several treatments and/or remedies to help.
