Today is Friday the 13th, and many people across the world will avoid going about their usual chores and work as they fear the day will bring “bad luck.”

Superstition is not just limited to a certain stratum of society, as believed. Many airlines and airports routinely skip a 13th aisle or the 13th gate and more than 80 per cent of high-rise buildings would lack a 13th floor. Also, some hotels and hospitals often choose not to have a room with the number 13. Billions across the world are superstitious. Studies say at least 70 per cent of students in the United States rely on good luck charms for better academic performance.

While you may know that certain beliefs, like Friday the 13th being haunted, are irrational, a lot of people still abide. So, how do superstitions fulfil an important psychological role, and if so, what is it?

The Fear of Friday 13th is known as Friggatriskaidekaphobia, according to experts, is relatively common, particularly given the number of people who believe in the concepts of ‘luck’, ‘fate’, and ‘chance’.

While it is a Western cultural superstition, fear is the emotional experience that anyone can face when they believe there is a sort of threat to an immediate location or context. For many people, this fear develops due to societal messages that associate the day with bad luck or misfortune, leading to an ingrained belief in its ominous nature. Psychologists believe for some, personal traumas or significant life events that occurred on this date can reinforce anxiety and dread, further entrenching the phobia.

The symptoms associated with this phobia have much in common with other fears and phobias and may include:

• Avoid going out or taking risks on Friday the 13th
• An elevated heart rate
• A sense of dread about what may happen
• Constant worrying of something bad happening
• Feeling dizzy
• Heart palpitations
• Having a dry mouth
• Hot sweats

Ways to get over the fear of Friday the 13th

Apart from a self-belief that this is just another date, doctors suggest taking therapy and counseling, which can play a pivotal role in helping many people confront and manage their fear of Friday 13th by providing a safe space.

According to experts, it is important to explore the roots of this anxiety and develop coping strategies. Techniques like cognitive behavioural therapy can help you learn to challenge and reframe negative beliefs about the day.

Also, exposure therapy can gradually desensitize you to fears in a controlled manner.

Additionally, some sort of therapeutic support can also offer a framework for understanding the emotional triggers associated with Friggatriskaidekaphobia – helping you overcome any past traumas associated with this date.

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