My son is afraid of the moon. If by any chance he sees the moon he would rush to the bedroom and cover himself with blanktes and start sweating.

What is frightening him? How old is he and when did this start?

My daughter is the same way. She's 2 and a half and she'll point out the moon from the window, and if I say "Do you wanna go outside and look at the moon?" She'll say no emphatically and then cover her ears with her hands and run away. I've always thought it was a bit odd, but I'm glad to know she's not the only one.

In standard Psychology, the fear of moon is called 'Selenophobia'. And the victim of this phenomenon is called a 'Selenophobe'. I, being a selenophobe myself feel privilaged for the first time in my life for being one :))
There could be various types/categories in selenophobia. For example, I am afraid of the 'Crescent' moon, but not the 2/3rd, or a full-moon. And I am also afraid of a moonless night, because I feel paranoid about not seeing the moon at the right place.. For example, I might feel the crescent moon is getting ready to come knocking at my doorstep! I have had this fear ever since I can remember my life.. And am 23 now and it has never left me.. But I have learnt ways to hide my fear from people!

In standard Psychology, the fear of moon is called 'Selenophobia'. And the victim of this phenomenon is called a 'Selenophobe'. I, being a selenophobe myself feel privilaged for the first time in my life for being one :))
There could be various types/categories in selenophobia. For example, I am afraid of the 'Crescent' moon, but not the 2/3rd, or a full-moon. And I am also afraid of a moonless night, coz I feel paranoid about not seeing the moon at the right place.. For example, I might feel the crescent moon is getting ready to come knocking at my doorstep! I have had this fear ever since I can remember my life.. And am 23 now and it has never left me.. But I have learnt ways to hide my fear from people!


This is a Q&A site - what is your advice to these mothers? Are you self-diagnosed? Here's more info -

"What Is Selenophobia? - Selenophobia is defined as an intense, persistent and irrational fear of the moon. Sometimes referred to as Lunaphobia, the word derives from the Greek "seleno," meaning moon and "phobos" meaning fear.

People coping with Selenophobia fear the darkness of night and what may happen when the moon if full. Selenophobic individuals fear the impact of the moon on human behavior and whether or not the moon can influence their mental health.

What Causes Selenophobia? - Perhaps there is no rational, logical explanation for Selenophobia. However, throughout history there has been an implied correlation between insanity and the phases of the moon. Maybe the individual coping with Selenophobia watched others respond in a negative way and began to imitate their fear of the moon. Of course, one could logically assume that Hollywood has only intensified the selenophobic individual's fear of the moon.

Whatever the cause, the person suffering from Selenophobia can experience anxiety and emotional turmoil that can completely disrupt daily functioning.

What Are the Symptoms of Selenophobia? - The symptoms of Selenophobia are individual to the person coping with this phobia. Some people, when confronted with their fear of the moon, may feel uncomfortable, nauseated or begin to perspire. At the opposite end of the spectrum, other people are so severely compromised by this phobia, that they experience anxiety and/or panic attacks.

Other symptoms of Selenophobia include:
A Dry Mouth
Gasping or Shortness of Breath
Trembling
Muscle Tension
Rapid Heartbeat
Feeling Out of Control
Feeling Trapped and Unable to Escape
Overwhelming Feeling of Disaster

How Is Selenophobia Diagnosed? - The majority of cases of Selenophobia are self-diagnosed. The individual realizes that their fear is irrational and that it has severely compromised their daily functioning.

The selenophobic person may then discuss their fears with the doctor. Rarely will the doctor diagnosis Selenophobia based on that initial discussion. It is more likely that the doctor, after ruling out any physical reasons for the phobia, will refer the individual to a mental health professional for further assessment and evaluation.

How Is Selenophobia Treated? - When the fear of the moon becomes so intense as to disrupt a person's daily functioning, there are a number of ways to treat Selenophobia. These can include:

Talking to the primary physician who can then refer the person to a therapist who specializes in the treatment of phobias.
Traditional "talk" therapy that will assist the person in learning to recognize and cope with their phobia.
Self-help techniques.
Support groups with others who cope with this phobia.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Exposure Therapy.
Relaxation Techniques.
In extreme cases of Selenophobia, anti-anxiety medication can be prescribed.
Selenophobia is an intense, irrational fear of the moon. Sometimes that fear can become so overwhelming as to completely disrupt the person's ability to maintain a daily routine. Unchecked Selenophobia can become a paralyzing condition that touches every single aspect of a person's life." http://common-phobias.com/Seleno/phobia.htm

My 'advise' to these mothers is that, the answer to these 'phobia's lie in the word itself. Yes phobias are 'IRRATIONAL'. So, just do not speak about the 'fear' too much.. Because, children tend to pick words up very fast and start thinking that their fears are 'true' to 'some' extent.. If you'd like to speak about the moon, just speak rational stuffs about the moon.. Also, speaking the astronomical aspects of moon can help children understand better what the different phases of the moon. So, another thing my advice implies is, "Keep the children as FAR as possible from folklore"! And if the children don't want to look at the moon, no problem.. NEVER speak about he/she being afraid of it then. Just leave the child.. He/she will grow up, and out of it.. Yes.. I am self diagnosed, because I before I got the internet, I just thought that by telling more people about it, I am just making more people 'aware' of my phobia.. And trust me, no phobics want their phobias to be known to others :))

My 'advise' to these mothers is that, the answer to these 'phobia's lie in the word itself. Yes phobias are 'IRRATIONAL'. So, just do not speak about the 'fear' too much.. Because, children tend to pick words up very fast and start thinking that their fears are 'true' to 'some' extent.. If you'd like to speak about the moon, just speak rational stuffs about the moon.. Also, speaking the astronomical aspects of moon can help children understand better what the different phases of the moon. So, another thing my advice implies is, "Keep the children as FAR as possible from folklore"!! And if the children don't want to look at the moon, no problem.. NEVER speak about he/she being afraid of it then. Just leave the child.. He/she will grow up, and out of it.. Yes.. I am self diagnosed, coz I before I got the internet, I just thought that by telling more people about it, I am just making more people 'aware' of my phobia.. And trust me, no phobics want their phobias to be known to others :))


I don't know what your training in Psychology and medicine is. I think a parent is better served believing what is posted on a legitimate medical website than from strangers.

You did read that many children don't "grow out of" this phobia, right?

What is the basis for me "trusting" you?

I just replied because this is the first website where parents have openly expressed curiosity over Selenophobia. Since research/understanding of selenophobia is very limited compared to other phobias, real-life experience of selenophobes is very important.. I just wanted to extend a little help to those parents who are looking to get some practical idea, or first-hand info about this phenomenon. So, you see? If I had not been as busy with work as I am nowadays, I would have found a selenophobe's community!!