Octophobia (ancient Greek word ὀκτώ (oktō) meaning eight (8) and φόβος (phobos) meaning fear) is the irrational fear of the number 8, or the symbol 8. People with Octophobia will fear the symbol of the number 8 since it resembles the looping, infinite shape of the digit of infinity which this may also be related to Apeirophobia, the fear of infinity. People will avoid going to houses that have the street address 8 or avoid looking at calendars since they have the number 8, or a month like August which is the 8th month each year.
Causes
Most causes of Octophobia is from traumatic days that happened on the 8th such as severe injuries or tragic, frightening events on that date. Family history is prone for octophobies to be afraid of the number 8 from anxiety disorders and other specific phobias.
Symptoms
Although the number eight is a super harmless number and symbol, people with Octophobia will have panic attacks, anxiety, and possible nausea. People with Octophobia may proceed to do the "fight-or-flight" survival instinct response.
Treatment
Helpful treatments like Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and Exposure therapy can possibly work and relaxation techniques.
