Does the worry about going red hold you back?
Blushing is something most people do. When the fear of it decides whether you speak up or stay quiet, it's worth understanding. This free check helps you make sense of it.
Does any of this sound like you?
- You feel your face heat up when people look at you
- You avoid speaking up in case you go red
- You hide your face, or wear more make-up, to cover it
Fear or phobia?
Everyone is afraid of something. A fear becomes a phobia when it's much bigger than the danger, it doesn't go away, and it starts to shape your life: the plans you make, the places you avoid, the things you miss.
Phobias are also one of the most treatable problems there are. Most people who finish a course of exposure-based therapy recover, working step by step at a pace they agree.
What you'll be asked
What is it about blushing that you find hard?
- People noticing
- Someone commenting on it
- Looking nervous or silly
- Not being able to stop it
- Worrying makes it worse
- Being the centre of attention
Which situations do you find hard, and how hard is each one?
- Getting a compliment
- Eye contact with someone
- Being asked a question in a group
- Speaking up in a meeting
- Being praised in front of others
- Talking to someone I fancy
- Giving a presentation
- People singing Happy Birthday to me
Six quick questions about the last month
- How much does this affect your day-to-day life?
- How much do you avoid places, plans or situations because of it?
- How much does it affect your work, studies or caring for others?
- How much does it affect your social life, relationships or family?
- How much does it stop you doing things you want to do?
- How much distress do you feel when you think about blushing in front of people?
What you get at the end
Your result and what it means for everyday life, plus a starting ladder built from your own answers: the steps, easiest first, a therapist would use to help you. It's saved to a free Rephobia account, so you can come back, retake the check and see what changes.
Common questions
- Is this a diagnosis?
- No. It is a free self-check to help you understand how much this affects your life. Only a qualified professional can assess you properly.
- Will I be shown pictures or videos?
- No. The check uses words only.
- Why do you ask for my email?
- Your results are saved to a free account, so you can come back to them, retake the check and see what has changed. You confirm your email with a code, then choose a password.
- Who can see my answers?
- You can. Rephobia keeps them to show you your results. Nothing is shared with a therapist unless you choose to send a request, and nothing is sold or used for advertising.
- How long does it take?
- About three minutes.