Many people want to pursue a beautiful and happy life, but some people not only don’t want to pursue happiness, they are even more afraid of feeling happy themselves. Some scholars call this psychological feeling ‘happiness fear’, which refers to people’s irrational aversion and fear of ‘feeling happy’.
Note: Fear of happiness is not yet listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), but it is increasingly being discussed and studied by psychologists.
What are the symptoms of fear of happiness?
People with happiness phobia are not necessarily sad people, but they avoid activities that may lead to happiness or joy. Some scholars have listed some possible symptoms:
- Feeling anxious about attending social gatherings that would make you happy
- Refuse to participate in any opportunity to make your life happy because you are worried that something bad will happen.
- Refusing to participate in activities that most people find fun
Scholars have also listed some common thoughts of people with fear of happiness:
- “Being happy will mean bad things will happen to me.”
- “Feeling happy makes me a bad person.”
- ‘Being happy on your own is not good for you or your family and friends.’
- ‘Making yourself happy is a waste of time and energy.’
Why are people afraid of happiness?
Many people’s fear of happiness comes from their inner thoughts: ‘If something good happens to me, or my life goes well, then something bad is bound to happen.’
Therefore, they arouse fear whenever they feel happy and believe that bad things can be avoided by not feeling happy. People who have experienced some kind of physical or emotional trauma are often more likely to have such irrational thoughts.
How to treat fear of happiness?
Because the fear of happiness has not yet been classified as a disease, there are currently no very detailed and certain treatments. However, some psychologists recommend the following methods to deal with the fear of happiness:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Help people face their fear of happiness by correcting some of their misconceptions that they cannot be happy.
Learn relaxation techniques
For example, relaxing themselves by taking deep breaths, writing in a diary, or doing exercises can help them face their fear of happiness.
Try to feel happy and think rationally
Try engaging in activities that make you happy to help yourself understand that feeling happy doesn’t necessarily mean something bad will happen.
Interestingly, this does not mean that every fear of happiness requires treatment. Unless the fear of happiness seriously affects your personal life or ability to work, some people will be happier and more secure when they avoid feeling happy. However, if your fear of happiness is related to past trauma, you may still need to seek help to treat the trauma.
Everyone has the right to be happy and deserves to be happy. So if you think you may have a fear of happiness or be affected by other traumas or problems, please don’t hide it and seek professional help as soon as possible!
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