A phobia is an obsessive, unreasonable fear that arises in a person in certain situations that are in no way associated with a danger to life.
There are many varieties of phobias - more than 300 species. Among them there are those that can somehow be explained logically, for example, fear of spiders or heights. And there are those that defy explanation. Herophobia can be attributed to one of such strange phobias - fear of having fun.
What is herophobia?
The word herophobia (Cherophobia) is derived from the Greek words Chero, which translates as "rejoice, have fun" and Phobia, which means "fear." Thus, herophobia is an uncontrolled, inexplicable panic fear that accompanies all situations associated with joy, fun, and happiness. Thoughts about future events, not just current events, trigger horror.
Symptoms of Herophobia
Distinctive symptoms of herophobia are panic fear of fun, regular withdrawal from situations associated with manifestations of joy. If it is impossible to avoid such events, symptoms characteristic of all types of phobias appear: panic begins, accompanied by suffocation, palpitations, trembling, weakness, fainting, cold sweat, upset stomach, cramps in the throat, and a feeling of horror.
It happens that the symptoms subside when a close person is found, to whom the herophobe fully trusts.
Causes of Herophobia
The causes of herophobia are carefully studied, but have not yet been fully elucidated.
Herophobia can occur even after a single but unsuccessful prank or banter in childhood. After all, sometimes children arrange very cruel jokes. Although harmless banter can also lead to sad consequences if the victim is overly impressionable. Fear again will be in a situation where you feel bad, but everyone around is funny and fun, constantly haunts a person and makes you avoid fun people and positive emotions.
Another reason may be the tragic incident that followed immediately after the joyful event, or during it. For example, the death of a loved one on his birthday.
Mental disorders and a genetic predisposition are also common causes of this condition.
Who runs the risk of becoming a herophobe?
In most cases, any phobia develops in children of anxious parents. Raising a child, they form in him a dangerous attitude towards what they themselves are afraid of. In the case of herophobia, these are holidays, fun, joy, happiness.
It is noticed that this condition often develops among introverts, this is due to the fact that they do not feel comfortable surrounded by a large number of people, especially strangers. Therefore, any events, including entertainment, cause discomfort to introverts.
There are two more categories of people prone to manifestation of herophobia - these are people with a very rich imagination and emotional, too sensitive people.
Herophobe portrait
Herophobia is characterized by isolation, isolation from the outside world. They are more comfortable living completely immersed in their experiences. They can plunge into their work, just so as not to notice how others are happy and having fun.
They are afraid to be happy because they think that something terrible will necessarily follow happiness. Because of this, they do not at all strive to improve their lives. And some believe that they simply are not worthy to be happy and enjoy life.
With herophobia, a person during the holidays experiences great anxiety, anxiety, insecurity, panic fear. They force him to avoid any entertainment, and if it is impossible to refuse to participate in such events, they try to find a secluded safe place for themselves.
They avoid not only holidays, but also funny people who try to make them laugh, cheer them up or start telling funny stories from life. Herophobes do not understand why fun is needed, why people celebrate holidays, have parties, gather for birthdays and have fun on every occasion.
Herophobia Treatment
Not knowing that the way out of this difficult condition is quite simple, people sometimes suffer for years. But it turns out herophobia - this is one of the phobias that can be safely treated. You can do this by contacting a specialist who works with various phobias. The treatment is carried out using psychotherapy. The choice of a specific treatment technique is selected individually after the conversation.
When exposed to the underlying cause of fear with the help of hypnosis, psychoanalysis and cognitive-behavioral therapy, the ability to not lose one’s temper when meeting a phobic situation, as well as being in it, gradually develops. So, step by step, he realizes that joy and fun cannot harm him.
Herophobia alone can be cured only if a person consciously decides to meet his fear. Fully plunge into the atmosphere of fun and joy. But not every herophobe will decide on this. Therefore, it is better to seek the help of a therapist. After all, getting rid of herophobia is a huge happiness.