Tag: cherophobia

Posted in psychology

Anhedonia, Anxiety, Guilt & Cherophobia

Posted on by M Artisans

The four major symptoms I noticed with my depression.

I knew from the first time I posted about depression that I was going to be vulnerable. Not everyone will be able to comprehend and sympathize. That’s what makes this disease even lonelier. You try to mimic being okay when you’re not cause you don’t want to bother the people around you.

Sharing my journey may be a way for some to feel less alone.

Anhedonia

  • is the inability to experience joy or pleasure. You feel numb and less interested in the things you used to enjoy, just like when I used to be obsessed with playing mobile games, and now I have lost interest.

Anxiety

In a previous post, I discussed anxiety with Pseudo-dementia. Celebrities like Emma Stone, Ryan Renolds, and Chris Evans have their share of anxiety issues.

  • Anxiety disorders are a group of mental illnesses that cause constant and overwhelming anxiety and fear. 

Guilt

  • According to PubMed Central, people with major depressive disorder (MDD) are more prone to experiencing moral emotions related to self-blame, such as guilt and shame.

It is a less talked about symptom of depression, but very evident in my case. I struggle with self-blame a lot! I cry and weep for the troubles I think I have caused and the people that I have hurt. Dealing with it almost every single day (see previous post).

Cherophobia

It seems that at this moment, I wouldn’t necessarily call it fear but rather a sense of concern. There is a worry that experiencing happiness may lead to negative consequences. You try to avoid the feelings of happiness and the consequences of being happy.

More about this in my previous post…

Disclaimer: The information in this post does not intend to replace, dictate, or completely define the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of a medical professional. It is a form of sharing some personal experience and is intended solely for those seeking general information on certain conditions.
Posted in motivational, psychology

Cherophobia (Fear of Happiness)

Posted on by M Artisans

~ Aversion to happiness

The term comes from the Greek word “chero” or “chairo” which means “to rejoice.” Plus, the root word “phobia,” which means fear.

Disclaimer: The information in this post does not intend to replace, dictate, or completely define the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of a medical professional. It is a form of sharing some personal experience and is intended solely for those seeking general information on certain conditions.

When a person has cherophobia, they’re often afraid to participate in activities that are considered fun or would make them happy.

Although cherophobia is not currently recognized as a clinical disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), several studies have started to scientifically validate its existence (Joshanloo, 2014).

It seems that at this moment, I wouldn’t necessarily call it fear but rather a sense of concern. There is a worry that experiencing happiness may lead to negative consequences. You try to avoid the feelings of happiness and the consequences of being happy.

Symptoms may appear such as;

  • avoidance of social gatherings
  • experiencing anxiety at the thought of going to a joyful social gathering, like a party, concert, or other similar event
  • believing that being happy will lead to something bad happening
  • rejecting opportunities that may bring happiness or success
  • believing that happiness makes you a bad person
  • believing that disasters follow happiness

In the study developed by Gilbert and colleagues (2012) – “Fear of Happiness Scale”, some people find it difficult to trust positive feelings. Rating feelings such as being frightened to become too happy, undeserving to be happy, and so on.

Cherophobia is not recognized as a clinical disorder and may stem from past trauma or underlying conditions. Let’s seek treatment with a doctor that can help.

Remember, it’s okay if you feel this way.

❤