Many people have fears that may seem odd to others. One such fear is of a specific number—666. Known as “what is the fear of 666 called,” it carries with it tales and beliefs from history.
This fear goes by an unusual name: hexakosioihexekontahexaphobia. This long word might be hard to say, but the fear behind it is real for some individuals.
I bring years of expertise in understanding human emotions and fears as Dr. David D. Burns, having delved into how our minds can create vast worries over things like numbers or events, leading me back to you here—to uncover this unique phobia.
Fear not—this read will enlighten you.
Exploring the Origins of Hexakosioihexekontahexaphobia
Moving from the basics of hexakosioihexekontahexaphobia, let’s look at where this fear started. The number 666 pops up in the Bible, linked to Satan or the Antichrist. This connection comes from the Book of Revelation.
Here, it is called “the number of a man” and “the number of the beast.” People saw this as a sign of evil things to come.
Back then, both common folk and leaders felt uneasy with 666. Ronald Reagan even changed his address from 666 to 668 because he did not like what 666 stood for. A famous road once had 666 in its name but got a new name: U.S. Highway 491 in 2003.
These changes show how deeply people want to avoid this number due to its scary background.
Common Symptoms and Signs of Hexakosioihexekontahexaphobia
People with hexakosioihexekontahexaphobia have a strong fear of the number 666. They try to avoid it because it makes them feel very bad.
Here are some common signs and symptoms:
- Feeling dizzy or sick when they see or hear 666.
- Their heart beats faster and they sweat more.
- They might shake or feel like they can’t breathe well.
- People with this fear don’t like to buy things that have 666 on them, like a price or barcode.
- Talking about 666 can make them very upset.
- They might think they are having a heart problem because their chest feels tight.
- This fear can stop them from doing normal things each day.
- It can make it hard for them to be around other people because of how they react to 666.
Treatment Options for Hexakosioihexekontahexaphobia
After learning about the symptoms and signs of hexakosioihexekontahexaphobia, it’s crucial to explore how to manage and overcome this fear. Many effective treatments can help.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This method teaches people to change their thoughts and behaviors around the number 666. It helps reduce fear by facing it in a safe way.
- Exposure Therapy: Gradually, patients are exposed to the number 666 in controlled settings. This helps lessen the fear over time.
- Relaxation Techniques: Techniques like deep breathing, guided meditation, and visualization can calm the mind when faced with anxiety about 666.
- Medication: For some cases, doctors may suggest medicine for short-term relief from extreme anxiety or panic attacks.
- Hypnotherapy: This approach uses hypnosis to help change the negative feelings linked with the number 666.
- Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP): NLP techniques adjust how someone thinks and feels about this phobia by changing their mental associations with the number 666.
Each option offers a way to face and move past the fear of 666, aiming for a life less controlled by superstition and anxiety.
How Society Perceives and Reacts to Hexakosioihexekontahexaphobia
Many people see the fear of 666 as something from the Bible. They link it to scary stories about the Antichrist or Satan. This makes some afraid and others curious. There was a big road, U.S. Highway 666, that got a new name because of this fear.
Now, it’s called U.S. Highway 491.
Doctors and therapists know this fear can hurt someone’s mind and life if they don’t get help. They use talking therapy and facing the fear slowly to make it better. Some have been through this therapy themselves and share their stories to help others feel less alone.
This shows us that getting treatment can change lives for those scared of 666.
Conclusion
Hexakosioihexekontahexaphobia sounds complicated, but it’s just the fear of 666. Everyone has fears. This one comes from a very old story in a holy book. People feel scared, sweat, or even shake when they see this number.
They avoid it too. There are ways to get help like talking about it or learning how to relax. It shows us that understanding and facing our fears is important.
If you’re intrigued by phobias and their psychological impact, explore our comprehensive guide on the fear of becoming insane to understand more.
FAQs
1. What is the fear of the number 666 called?
The irrational fear of the number 666 is called Hexakosioihexekontahexaphobia. It’s a term derived from Greek language meaning six hundred sixty-six.
2. How do you pronounce hexakosioihexekontahexaphobia?
Pronouncing hexakosioihexekontahexaphobia can be challenging due to its length and origin in Greek language. Watching instructional and educational videos may make pronunciation easier.
3. Is there any relation between Christianity, Jesus, and the fear of 666?
Yes, in Christianity, particularly in The Beast (Revelation) from New Testament Bible translations, the number 666 is referred as “mark of the beast”. This has led some people to develop an irrational fear towards it.
4. Are there symptoms associated with hexakosioihexekontahexaphobia?
Yes, like other specific phobias, those suffering from Hexakosioihexekontahexaphobia may experience physical symptoms such as anxiety or panic when they encounter or even think about this number.
5. Can people overcome their fear of 666?
Absolutely! Psychotherapy methods like cognitive behavior therapy and behaviour therapy have been effective for many individuals dealing with specific phobias including Hexakosioihexekontahexaphobia.
6. Are there other numbers that people commonly fear?
Yes indeed! Other than fearing six hundred sixty-six (Hexakosioihexekontahexaphobia), some people are afraid of the number thirteen (Triskaidekophobia), four (Tetraphobia) or even six-one-six.
