diff --git a/code/datums/brain_damage/phobia.dm b/code/datums/brain_damage/phobia.dm
index 15db4a3d3e..7557e8fd9c 100644
--- a/code/datums/brain_damage/phobia.dm
+++ b/code/datums/brain_damage/phobia.dm
@@ -85,6 +85,8 @@
 
 /datum/brain_trauma/mild/phobia/proc/freak_out(atom/reason, trigger_word)
 	next_scare = world.time + 120
+	if(owner.stat == DEAD)
+		return
 	var/message = pick("spooks you to the bone", "shakes you up", "terrifies you", "sends you into a panic", "sends chills down your spine")
 	if(reason)
 		to_chat(owner, "<span class='userdanger'>Seeing [reason] [message]!</span>")