Cherophobia? Is It Normal Or A Special Case – Tips To Handle It

The two Greek terms that brought about this word are “Chiaro,” which means rejoice, and “Phobia,” which means fear. Therefore, one can understand how astounding it can sound to some.

Yes, we are talking about having an innate fear of happiness. Now, it doesn’t simply mean someone fears happiness, but rather an anxiety-induced overthinking that prevents them.

Even in situations where they could be rejoicing on their own. Living through the day-to-day life is difficult if you are currently dealing with this fear. Many might just be curious about this strange phobia that plagues a few.

Are You The Only One with Cherophobia?

According to some experts, Cherophobia stems from a type of severe anxiety disorder. Where negative thinking sometimes plagues the happy hormones during periods of happiness.

Over time, it becomes the body’s automatic reaction to stop the production of dopamine and serotonin even during rejoicing movements.

Sometimes, you could be facing cherophobia because of an underlying issue. For example, you are scared to let loose in the party because of social anxiety.

Therefore, anyone with social anxiety, or anxiety in general, can have cherophobia. However, there is a difference between fear and phobia, and that is what we will be discussing.

This is to say you are not alone in your quest for an answer. Whether it is avoiding situations that might make you rejoice or not being happy during the situation, we have it all covered.

Why Do People Avoid Happiness? 

Let’s chat briefly about why you fear what people are almost always searching for.

Dodging the Happy Jinx: Ever had a great day, and then boom! Something not-so-great happens? There are those whose fear of allowing themselves to be too happy is worried that life might suddenly surprise them. It’s like trying to outwit everything.

Feeling Like Happiness is VIP: Have you ever had that feeling of not being cool enough for the VIP room? Some people think like that about happiness. They feel they’re in the happy club, but whether they should really be in with it or not is another matter.

Haunted by the Ghosts of Oops Moments: What if you could have a ghost that reminded you of past Oops moments? For others, being happy means having that ghost over for tea again. Not the best idea, perhaps.

Stuck in the Rulebook: Develop a rulebook in your head which says, ‘Thou shalt not be overly happy.’ It is like playing by these invisible rules that restrict the volume of happiness.

Afraid of the Happy Unknown: Happiness often comes with changes. Think of receiving a surprise gift: exciting, but what’s inside? Even if it’s wrapped in happy paper, some people fear the unknown.

Mind Games on Hard Mode: It’s like trying to play on hard difficulty when your mind is playing tricks. If there is anxiety or depression, for example, it already feels like a level too hard to gather the energy to be happy.

Back-Away-From-the-Happy Experience: If turning happy into a bad sequel, it’s like your brain saying: Let’s not go there again. Sticking to one state helps protect the brain from itself.

Self-Defense Mode: Have you ever felt protected against something, even if you don’t quite understand what? Others almost use chemophobia as an excuse not to, like it’s the best-kept secret ever.

Symptoms You Have Cherophobia

Here are some of the common telltale symptoms that you have: Cherophobia. Or, at worst, you are using this as an excuse to avoid happiness.

• Avoidance of Joyful Situations: You invariably avoid any situation or activity that would bring gladness.
• Unsettled Feelings in Happy Moments: When positive experiences occur, you might feel uptight, tense, and uneasy instead of being able to enjoy happy moments.
• Belief in the “Too Good to Be True” Mentality: Tendency to think that if something good is going on, then surely there must be bad things lurking not far away.
• Self-Sabotaging Behavior: Defensive behaviors that, consciously or unconsciously, sabotage your own pleasant experiences as a means of avoiding reactions to them.
• Persistent Pessimism: Holding a consistently negative attitude toward all things and anticipating the worst in every situation.
• Difficulty Accepting Compliments: Unaccustomed or uncomfortable with receiving compliments and praise from others.
• Reluctance to Plan for the Future: Fearing that attaining goals and being happy could have bad results, not making plans or setting objectives.
• Low Self-Worth: Feeling unworthy of happiness, like you have no right to feel good or be happy.
• Physical Symptoms of Anxiety: When faced with stimuli that may lead to happiness, physical symptoms such as increased heart rate and sweating, as well as a feeling of restlessness.
• Avoidance of Personal Achievements: Dismissing your own successes or not talking too much about them.

A 30-Day Challenge Which Can Help You Treat Cherophobia

You will need just a month to help deal with your Cherophobia. Whether you are taking professional help, doing it all yourself, or blending the two with perseverance, you will conquer this phobia of yours.

Day 1-5: “Tiny Wins Diary” 

Keep a daily diary, even for the most trivial victories. Did you nail a presentation? If you can find your keys on the first try. Jot it down and enjoy those tiny pleasures.

Day 6-10: “Gratitude Graffiti” 

Every day, write a little thank you note somewhere: on your mirror, the desk of a source colleague, or something to put in a family member’s lunch box. It’s sort of like a happy dust.

Day 11-15: “Joyful Playlist” 

Compose a list of songs that make you smile. Pick a time to listen through: when getting ready in the morning or on your commute. Music mood booster for every day.

Day 16-20: “Random Acts of Kindness” 

Wherever there is a chance to do something good for others, some joy can be spread. Keep the door open, buy someone a coffee, or leave an inspiring note. Kindness has an effect, like a ripple that brightens everyone’s day.

Day 21-25: “Flashback of Happiness” 

Unearth pictures of happy scenes from the past. Think back over those days and recall the good times. With a friend or family member, share the stories behind these pictures.

Day 26-30: “Positive Affirmations” 

Write out an affirmation designed to combat chemophobia. Say them daily in front of the mirror. It’s kind of like giving yourself a pep talk, rewiring your brain for happiness.

But this challenge is about savoring joy in measured quantities. So, you don’t have to leap into giant happiness puddles immediately. Go one day at a time. Let every new day add to the light.

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