Cherophobia is the fear of happiness or being happy, and it is often a trauma response.

Learn the causes and how to stop being scared of joy.

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But with cherophobia, theres actually a full-blown fear of happiness itself.

What are the symptoms of cherophobia?

What causes cherophobia?

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licensed clinical psychologist and phobia specialist, Thriving Center of Psychology

In particular, sexual trauma among women was correlated with high scores of fear of happiness in the study.

People who have cherophobia are often hyper-aware of their trauma and experience dissociation as a result.

A common phrase that many study participants agreed on was that cheerfulness may result in a bad thing.

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Is cherophobia a mental illness?

Is cherophobia a trauma response?

Can cherophobia be cured?

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As its name implies, exposure therapy exposes people to stimuli related to happiness, Dr. Alvarado adds.

How do I stop fearing being happy?

Some people may have a milder experience of cherophobia.

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licensed clinical psychologist and phobia specialist, Thriving Center of Psychology

One example is perfectionists and people who are self-critical.

and practice focusing onstaying positiveinstead of the fear of what may happen next.

They can help you gradually get back into a routine where happiness can be part of your daily life.

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Sar, Vedat et al.

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