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Khloe Kardashian has revealed she is suffering from chronic Sarmassophobia.
The 41-year-old reality TV star made the comment when on her podcast Khloe In Wonder Land on Wednesday as she interviewed her older sister Kim Kardashian.
Sarmassophobia is an intense, irrational fear of dating, love or romantic intimacy, according to Psychology Today. That leads to significant avoidance and anxiety, but it can often be managed with therapy.
She most likely suffers from the condition after being cheated on by both her baby daddy Tristan Thompson - with whom she has two children: daughter True, seven, and son Tatum, three - and ex-husband Lamar Odom.
Daily Mail has talked to Beverly Hills psychologist Dr Levine about her struggles.
'Having a fear of dating after being hurt many times in the past is quite normal,' he shared.
'She should give herself some time to get over her past traumatic experiences from heartbreak,' he continued. 'Often people who have had their heart broken over and over again avoid getting back into relationships. Instead they focus intensely on their work or children or both.
Khloe Kardashian has revealed she is suffering from chronic Sarmassophobia
The 41-year-old reality TV star made the comment when on her podcast Khloe In Wonder Land on Wednesday as she interviewed her older sister Kim Kardashian
'When Khloe is ready to date again she should try Exposure Therapy. This is pretty much a way of leaning into dating by taking it slowly, like maybe going on practice dates that are during the day.'
Then there is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). 'This form of therapy is most helpful for looking at the root causes of the fear. She can ask herself what really holds her back. Is it the fear of being cheated on? The fear of being rejected? The fear of being vulnerable?
'It takes work because you have to look back at the past pain, but it is worth it in the end because it heals.'
Late last year, the Good American designer admitted she has not had sex in three years after split from basketball star Thompson
Khloe said on her podcast she finds the thought of dating again 'so scary.'
The fragrance entrepreneur asked Kim, 45, if she had met anyone to which she said: 'Honestly, no. Isn't that crazy?'
Referring to her legal studies, the ex-wife of Kanye West continued: 'I haven't had time. And I'm okay with that. I thought, you know, I am going to be studying. I won't have time.'
Sarmassophobia is an intense, irrational fear of dating, love, or romantic intimacy, according to Psychology Today. That leads to significant avoidance and anxiety, but it can often be managed with therapy like exposure therapy
Late last year, the Good American designer admitted she has not had sex in three years after split from basketball star Tristan Thompson with whom she has two children: daughter True, seven, and son Tatum, three. Thompson seen on January 16 in Las Vegas
Khloe was also married to Lamar Odom from 2009 until 2013. He recently checked into rehab. Seen in 2016
Khloe said on her podcast she finds the thought of dating again 'so scary.' The Hidden Hills resident has never looked better as she is in top shape; seen in an ad for her new fragrance, Almost Always.
The SKIMS founder then asked her sibling the same question, with Khloe admitting: 'It's a tough world out there for me... You know what? Now I feel like I've gone so long now. It's like so scary to get back in there.'
She further explained: 'Like now I'm like, I feel so safe where I am. And I hated how I felt before. That I'm like, I don't want to go back there.'
She added, 'But I can't live like this forever. Like I'm afraid that I'm so afraid. Does that make sense?'
Khloe - who was cheated on many times by Thompson - then suggested it would be a good idea to speak to a therapist about her fears. She said: 'So maybe I need to go to therapy for that.'
Khloe was also married to Lamar Odom from 2009 until 2013. He recently checked into rehab after his arrest from a DUI charge.
What is Sarmassophobia?
Information courtesy of DrLogy.com
Sarmassophobia is an intense fear of dating or forming romantic relationships. It involves an irrational anxiety and avoidance of potential romantic encounters due to various underlying factors such as past traumatic experiences, low self-esteem, or fear of rejection.
People with Sarmassophobia may experience significant distress and impairment in their daily lives as they struggle to engage in or maintain romantic relationships. It is important to seek professional help if this fear significantly affects your overall well-being.
For some, it may be a temporary phase that arises due to specific life circumstances or experiences. However, for others, it may persist for a longer period and become deeply ingrained.
The duration of Sarmassophobia can be influenced by various factors, such as the severity of underlying anxiety, past relationship traumas, or the availability of appropriate support and treatment. It's important to remember that seeking professional help and addressing the fear of dating and relationships can increase the likelihood of overcoming Sarmassophobia and transitioning out of this phase.
Through therapy, individuals can gain insights, develop coping strategies, and work towards building healthier relationship patterns. The duration of Sarmassophobia can be influenced by one's willingness to engage in the therapeutic process and commit to personal growth. With the right support and treatment, Sarmassophobia can be successfully overcome, even if it feels overwhelming or long-lasting at the moment.
Exposure therapy is a therapeutic technique that involves gradually and safely exposing individuals to feared situations or stimuli. In the context of Sarmassophobia, exposure therapy can help individuals confront their fear of dating and romantic connections by gradually increasing their exposure to such situations.
This can include activities like going on practice dates, engaging in social events, or participating in role-playing exercises with a therapist. Exposure therapy aims to desensitize individuals to their fears, challenge negative beliefs, and build confidence in navigating dating scenarios. It is important to work with a trained therapist who specializes in exposure therapy to ensure a structured and supportive approach. Combined with other therapeutic techniques, exposure therapy can be an effective component of overcoming Sarmassophobia and promoting healthier relationship patterns.
Sarmassophobia can indirectly impact familial or platonic relationships. The fear of dating and forming romantic connections can consume individuals' thoughts and energy, making it challenging to fully engage in other relationships. Sarmassophobia may lead individuals to prioritize avoiding potential romantic situations over investing time and effort in familial or platonic bonds. This can result in a sense of disconnect or reduced emotional availability in these relationships.
By addressing and overcoming Sarmassophobia, individuals can free up mental and emotional space to cultivate healthier and more fulfilling familial and platonic connections. Therapy can provide guidance in improving overall relationship functioning and developing strategies to balance different aspects of one's social life. Recognizing the impact of Sarmassophobia on familial and platonic relationships and taking steps to nurture these connections can contribute to overall well-being and a more satisfying social support system.
Fear of dating and forming romantic relationships can lead individuals to prioritize their work or professional life over personal connections. This hyperfocus on career advancement can serve as a coping mechanism to avoid potential rejection or vulnerability. However, it can also limit opportunities for personal growth, social connections, and work-life balance.
Addressing Sarmassophobia through therapy can help individuals explore the impact of this fear on their professional life and develop strategies to navigate both personal and career aspirations.
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