What is ergophobia, the fear which can throw our careers off track?

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What is Ergothobia? The fear which can throw our careers off track.

Thanks for asking.

Many of us have joked in the past about being allergic to work or afraid of it. But did you know that there's actually a real phobia of work? Have you ever felt anxious or stressed about going to work? Do you dread the thought of facing your boss, your colleagues or your tasks? Do you avoid applying for jobs or quit them easily? If you answered yes to any of those questions, you might have Ergophobia. It's an extreme, irrational and debilitating fear of working and of the features of work, such as specific tasks, social relationships or speaking during meetings. It's considered a form of social phobia or performance anxiety, and is also recognised as a derivative of burnout, due to constantly feeling pressure or excessive expectations at work. How do people develop Ergophobia? There's no single cause, but there are a number of possible factors. These include past traumatic experiences at work, like bullying, harassment, discrimination or abuse. Perfectionism or a fear of failure can result in excessive worrying or procrastination, as you'll remember if you listened to our recent episode on the subject. Other causes include negative beliefs or attitudes about work, low self-esteem or confidence, and a lack of control over one's work environment or schedule. It's worth noting that generalized anxiety can often manifest as fear or discomfort, as noted by Viv Groskop writing for the Financial Times in April 2022 She referenced a warning from the World Health Organization, which stated that the prevalence of anxiety and depression had increased 25% worldwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic. What are the symptoms of Ergophobia? Some common signs are anxiety or panic attacks before or during work, avoidance of work-related situations or activities, difficulty concentrating or performing tasks, irritability, and mood swings. There are also more obvious physical symptoms, like a rapid heart rate, dry mouth, and excessive sweating. Can Ergophobia be cured? The good news is that yes, it can be treated through various types of therapy. choosingtherapy.com suggests that the most effective types for Ergophobia are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, known as CBT for short, Exposure Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy, or EMDR. Relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, or massage may also help as they reduce stress and calm the nervous system. You can get medication such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs, but this is only a temporary fix really, and shouldn't be used as a long-term solution.

If you think you have Ergophobia or know someone who does, don't hesitate to seek professional help. You don't have to suffer in silence or let your fear hold you back from living a fulfilling and productive life. Remember that work can be enjoyable and rewarding if you find the right fit for your skills and interests. And most importantly, remember that you are not alone. There are many people who share your struggle and who can support you along the way.

There you have it.

Now you know what Ergophobia is. In under three minutes, we answer your questions and help you understand the true meaning behind the trends, concepts and acronyms that are making headlines. Listen along and you will really know for sure.

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Does checking your bank statements feel like digging through a dusty attic full of forgotten subscriptions and old free trials?

Experian can help take the pain out of canceling by handling it for you. Think of it as, operation, get your sanity back. Over 200 subscriptions are cancelable. So get started in the Experian app and see how much you could save. Results will vary. Not all subscriptions eligible. Savings not guaranteed. Paid membership with connected payment account required. See experian.com for details.