In a surprising revelation, a Swedish minister has had special measures put in place to avoid her childhood phobia of bananas. According to reports from the media outlet Expressen, gender equality minister Paulina Brandberg has been at the center of requests for certain government buildings to be “banana-proof” during official government functions. This quirky but serious phobia prompted her team to ensure that all bananas are removed from designated areas ahead of visits, including high-profile luncheons.
Brandberg herself has previously acknowledged her fears in social media posts before deleting them. In 2020, the minister described her condition as “the world's weirdest phobia,” a sentiment echoed by fellow politician Teresa Carvalho. Carvalho, who also experiences similar fears, voiced her solidarity with Brandberg on the platform X (formerly Twitter).
While seemingly rare, experts explain that bananaphobia can manifest through both visual and olfactory triggers, potentially resulting in significant physical reactions like anxiety and nausea. Emails reportedly cite a "strong allergy" to bananas when explaining the precautionary measures; however, Brandberg clarified to Expressen that the appropriate term is indeed a phobia, highlighting her need for “professional help” to manage it.
Carvalho, also a member of parliament and a spokesperson for legal policy, humorously referenced their common struggle while reinforcing their joint stance against what they termed a "common enemy" within the workplace. Despite the unusual nature of bananaphobia, mental health experts suggest its roots often emanate from childhood experiences, underscoring the complex interplay between early life and adult fears.
Brandberg herself has previously acknowledged her fears in social media posts before deleting them. In 2020, the minister described her condition as “the world's weirdest phobia,” a sentiment echoed by fellow politician Teresa Carvalho. Carvalho, who also experiences similar fears, voiced her solidarity with Brandberg on the platform X (formerly Twitter).
While seemingly rare, experts explain that bananaphobia can manifest through both visual and olfactory triggers, potentially resulting in significant physical reactions like anxiety and nausea. Emails reportedly cite a "strong allergy" to bananas when explaining the precautionary measures; however, Brandberg clarified to Expressen that the appropriate term is indeed a phobia, highlighting her need for “professional help” to manage it.
Carvalho, also a member of parliament and a spokesperson for legal policy, humorously referenced their common struggle while reinforcing their joint stance against what they termed a "common enemy" within the workplace. Despite the unusual nature of bananaphobia, mental health experts suggest its roots often emanate from childhood experiences, underscoring the complex interplay between early life and adult fears.
