Why you hate BEING SEEN (the truth about Scopophobia)?

You hate being seen because it’s like being the only kid who has to stand up in front of the whole class and tell a joke, and everyone is watching you.

Scopophobia is when being watched makes your tummy feel funny, your heart go thump-thump, and your brain say, “I don’t want to be seen!”

Imagine you’re playing hide-and-seek, and you're the one hiding, but all of a sudden, everyone finds you, everyone! It’s like being in a big room full of friends, and suddenly every single one turns around and stares at you. That’s what it feels like when you have scopophobia.

Why does it feel so bad?

It's not just because people are looking, it's because your brain thinks, “Oh no, I might do something silly!” Just like when you're on stage, and your favorite song comes on, but your foot starts tapping really loud.

Sometimes, even the most confident kid feels this way, it’s like being in a race where all the other kids are cheering for themselves, but you’re the only one who has to run with eyes everywhere.

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Examples

  1. A child freezes when the teacher calls on them in class.
  2. An adult avoids eye contact during a conversation at work.
  3. Someone hides behind a curtain to avoid being seen by neighbors.

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