Introduction

Friday the 13th is a day that many people dread. It's a superstitious date and one that some people believe to be unlucky. In fact, there is an actual medical condition called friggatriskaidekaphobia, which causes people to fear this day.

The fear of Friday the 13th is called paraskevidekatriaphobia, friggatriskaidekaphobia, and a variety of other names.

When you encounter a fear of Friday the 13th, it's called paraskevidekatriaphobia, friggatriskaidekaphobia (pronounced "fridge-aht-rick-aide-cahydecca"), and a variety of other names. The name "Friday" comes from Anglo-Saxon goddess Freya and in Norse mythology is referred to as Frigg.

The name "the Thirteenth" relates to Norse legend about twelve gods called Aesir with Odin being the chief god. In order for them all to fit around their table for dinner one night each month they rotate who sits in Odin's seat and this became known as “The Thirteenth” spot.

There are numerous documented cases of patients who avoid leaving the house on this date.

There are numerous documented cases of patients who avoid leaving the house on this date. Some people are so afraid that they don't leave the house at all, while others will only go out with a friend or family member in their company. If you suffer from paraskevidekatriaphobia, we recommend seeking help from a mental health professional as soon as possible.

For some people it's so severe that they won't even get out of bed.

For some people, it's so severe that they won't even get out of bed.

What happens in a person's mind when they have paraskevidekatriaphobia? They're scared to death of Friday the 13th. They avoid their normal daily activities, experience considerable emotional distress and may even avoid leaving the house on this day. Their minds are filled with thoughts of doom and gloom as they anticipate all sorts of terrible things will happen to them today…or any other day for that matter!

They may even avoid traveling on this day because “what if something goes wrong?” or “I don't want to be traveling when bad luck strikes!”

Some people have such severe anxiety that they seek treatment for relief from the fear.

Stress management programs, such as relaxation techniques and meditation, may help reduce fear. Some people with paraskevidekatriaphobia seek treatment with psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. Medication can also be used to treat this fear; however, there are no medications specifically approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of paraskevidekatriaphobia.

Some patients avoid traveling on this day, while others try to minimize their contact with others or don't allow someone to come into their homes on this day.

If you suffer from friggatriskaidekaphobia, you may be afraid of Friday the 13th and try to avoid traveling on this day. Some people with this phobia will not allow someone to come into their homes on this day, while others will not even allow anyone to enter their homes on this day.

Genuine friggatriskaidekaphobia can be quite debilitating; the patient may avoid his or her normal daily activities, and experience considerable emotional distress.

Genuine friggatriskaidekaphobia can be quite debilitating; the patient may avoid his or her normal daily activities, and experience considerable emotional distress. This is a real fear; it is not just a superstition. People who have this phobia will avoid going out, or doing things like traveling on this day. They may also experience insomnia, irritability, and depression. There are many people who suffer from friggatriskaidekaphobia because of their religious beliefs; however, it can also occur in those without any religious beliefs at all (e.g., atheists).

People who have superstitions about Friday the 13th tend to believe in bad luck, and worry that something awful will happen to them - or someone they love - if they venture out on this day.

It's a common misconception that Friday the 13th is an unlucky day. However, it's actually not true that Friday the 13th is any more unlucky than any other day of the week. In fact, there are numerous superstitions about this particular day. Some people believe that bad luck happens on this day, and others go out of their way to avoid doing anything they feel will bring them bad luck on this particular Friday! Some people avoid traveling on this day; some avoid going to work or school; and some even stay inside their homes all day long!

You won't see as many weddings scheduled on a Friday the 13th.

Friday the 13th is a day that brings with it feelings of superstition, fear, and uncertainty. There are many people who will not get married on this day or have a baby or have surgery on this day. They also don’t fly on this day because they believe that if something bad happens to them in their travels, it will be because someone else is traveling at the same time as them (and they could bump into each other). This is why there are so few weddings scheduled for Friday the 13th.

Even hospitals tend to schedule fewer procedures on these days because some patients aren't comfortable undergoing surgery on an 'unlucky' date.

• Some people believe Friday the 13th is an unlucky day, and avoid leaving the house on this day.

• Some people are superstitious, and believe that bad things happen on this day.

• Even hospitals tend to schedule fewer procedures on these days because some patients aren't comfortable undergoing surgery on an 'unlucky' date.

Conclusion

Some experts think that the fear of Friday the 13th is an example of what psychologists call 'superstition'. Others believe it's more than just superstition; they think it may be caused by some kind of brain abnormality. Whatever the cause, friggatriskaidekaphobia can be quite debilitating and may require treatment with medication or psychotherapy.