Did you know that there is such a thing as being afraid of being happy? This fear is called cherophobia. This word comes from the Greek word “chero” which translates into “to rejoice.” Have you ever had the feeling that something was just too good to be true? That is what cherophobia feels like, it just has longer effects.

Some doctors say that cherophobia is some form of an anxiety disorder.

“In the case of cherophobia, the anxiety is related to participation in activities that would be thought to make you happy,” writer for Healthline, Rachel Nall, said.

Some signs of cherophobia are; anxiety when going to some social gathering such as a party or concert, etc. Refusing to participate in occasions that could be good for their life because they think something bad is going to come after, etc.

People aren’t really scared of the emotion of being happy, but the things to follow the emotion. Some people are scared that bad things will follow or that it makes them a bad person. They fear the consequences that come from showing joy. People with cherophobia all have their own ways of fearing joy.

Cherophobia is found to be caused by mental trauma in that person’s past. One bad enough to scar that person so much, that they fear it happening again. Introverts are more likely to suffer from cherophobia, could be reason for staying to themselves. Other people who could suffer are perfectionist. They could think that being happy isn’t productive.

Cherophobia has not been a big focus for doctors of the world, so there are no medications to help just yet. But there are other options to help people with cherophobia, such as; therapy, relaxation methods, and finding out what makes them happy and participating in it. They might think it is scary, but it’ll help them.

Everyone has fears. No matter what fear you have, you should try to overcome it. Even if it’s a fear of being happy.

“One of the greatest discoveries a man makes, one of his great surprises, is to find he can do what he was afraid he couldn’t do,” Henry Ford once said.