Many people fear judgement day, when they believe all their sins and failings will be measured against their good deeds and kindness.

This fear of damnation is prevalent in the Christian belief system, where the worthy are rewarded with eternal life in Heaven. Those who fail to follow the word of God are thought to be punished by spending their afterlife in Hell.

Hadephobia is a morbid, irrational fear of hell. The hydephobic person may fear creatures and demons that are supposed to inhabit hell. It is a logical assumption to think that the person coping with this phobia would also fear Satan.

Hell is always depicted as a tortuous place, populated by the Devil and his demons. Hell fire burns as sinners pay for the immortal things they have done.

Causes of fear of hell:
-Person has experienced a real-life trauama during their life which is automatically associated with hell.

-It could be raised in a strictly religious home.

-Person has watched the negative and fearful reactions of others and learnt to imitate that response.

People fear Hell because they believe it exists. In order to develop Hadephobia, there must be faith in the Bible and its stories and teachings.

Hadephohia is not exculsive to Christians. In the Quran, the primary religious text for those of Islamic faith, the fear of hell is also present.

Symptoms of fear of Hell:
-Perspiration

- A dry mouth

- Heart Palpitations

- Numbness

- Heightened senses

- Breathlessness

- Feeling Dizzy

- MuscleTension

- Hyperventilation

- Trembling

- Rapid Heartbeat

- Feeling out of control

- Feeling trapped and unable to escape

- Instense feeling of impending disaster.

There are various treatments for fear of Hell:
1) A referral from the primary physician to a therapist who specializes in the treatment of phobias.

2) Traditional 'talk' therapy that will teach the person to recognize and control their phobia.

3) Hynotherapy

4) Exposure therapy

5) Se;f-help techniques such as purposeful muscle relaxation.

6) Support groups with other people who are coping with this specific phobia.

7) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

8) Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and visualization.

9) In severe cases of Hadephobia anti-anxiety medication can be prescribed.

For all those who believe in Hell, we can rest easy at night knowing that we are utterly helpless to determine our own fate.

Just as we leave our fate in Gods hands we should leave the afterlife also in his hands.

Presently we should live life to the fullest, pray everyday to God to have peace of mind.

Author's Brief Bio: Cassandra Barboza, BA Graduate, presently doing a diploma course in counselling. Has a great interest in Psychology and loves to help people with their problems. Loves cooking and travelling. Her dream is to have a school for poor children.
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