2023-05-03 15:51:09
The work phobia, also known as ergophobia, goes far beyond animosity towards certain colleagues, laziness or even stress when approaching an important professional deadline. The people who suffer from it can no longer mobilize on a file and even less to go to their place of work or look for a new job when they find themselves unemployed. How to identify this phenomenon with certainty and take care of it for no longer suffer the consequences ? Responses from Mélissa Pangny, occupational psychologist, and Sylvie Chauvin, liberal psychologist and practitioner at Moka. Care.
Definition: ergophobia, an invasive occupational phobia
The term “ergophobia” comes from the ancient Greek “ergon” (work) and “phobos” (fear). As its etymology indicates, it designates an exaggerated, paralyzing and uncontrollable fear of the world of work. In other words, it is not so much the fear of work in itself that takes over, but rather the fear of the professional world.
“In concrete terms, people who suffer from ergophobia can experience great anxiety and a feeling of panic at the idea of working or looking for a job: fear paralyzes them and pushes them to adopt avoidance strategies “, explains Mélissa Pangny. A vicious circle then sets in: the more you run away from your colleagues, managers and/or workplace, the less you want to confront them.
People who suffer from ergophobia may know that their fear is irrational, they are unable to face it, underlines the psychologist.
You should know that ergophobia can have serious consequences on professional life, but also on personal life : it can limit opportunities for employment and professional success, reduce a household’s income and cause serious tension with those around it. That’s why it’s better consult a qualified professional as soon as possible : an occupational physician or a psychologist.
There are no precise figures on this phenomenon. often difficult to diagnose. And all the more so since ergophobia can be difficult to assume.
Warning symptoms: how does this fear of going to work manifest itself?
The symptoms of ergophobia can be numerous and occur at any time of the day, weekdays and weekends (in the morning when you wake up before going to work, or on Sunday evening before returning to work, for example). They vary according to the people concerned and can sometimes be very violent:
- a feeling of “ belly lump » before going to work;
- a feeling sick accompanied by dizziness ;
- of the chillsof the cold sweat or on the contrary of hot flashes ;
- a chest tightness ;
- a increased heart rate ;
- of the digestive disorders or some back pain ;
- of the anxiety attacks or some panic attacks ;
- a chronic fatigue and an exacerbated irritability ;
- of the ruminations ;
- of the sleeping troubles ;
- of the appetite disorders ;
- etc.
“On paper these symptoms seem very suggestive: the whole body is on high alert. But in reality it is sometimes difficult to associate these reactions with a phobia of work, indicates Sylvie Chauvin. Most often it is their temporality which puts us on the track. »
Causes of ergophobia: why can’t I go to work and work anymore?
Ergophobia – like all phobias – is linked to the personal history of each. The triggering factors can therefore be very varied:
- and lack of self-confidence or self-esteem ;
- of the beliefs regarding work inherited from childhood ;
- a too much workloadassociated with a hierarchical pressure ;
- and trauma or emotional shocka humiliation or one professional failure ;
- etc.
Mélissa Pangny: This phobia can therefore manifest itself following a specific triggering event, such as burnout or aggression, but can also be the symptom of generalized anxiety that invades all spheres of the patient’s life.
And her colleague, Sylvie Chauvin, adds “situations of harassment, repeated humiliations and attacks suffered at work can sometimes be at the origin of a post-traumatic stress which generates uncontrollable anxiety, flashbacks and avoidance of the workplace”.
Are some people more at risk of developing ergophobia?
Contrary to appearances, everyone can be affected by ergophobia one day (regardless of age, experience or field of activity). But as indicated above, certain psychological profiles are more prone to being won over by the uncontrollable fear of the world of work:
- The people who lack confidence and find it difficult to assert themselves ;
- people who have a exacerbated need for recognition at work
- or people who suffer from impostor syndrome.
So many “problems” that can be worked on in a session with seasoned professionals.
Overcoming ergophobia: what to do when you are afraid to work?
“Coming to terms with the symptoms of ergophobia is not enough,” insists Mélissa Pangny. To get better, you have to be able to identify the origin of this phobia and its implications : where is she from ? Why does it show up at such and such a time? What does that mean ? Etc. Thus we can determine if this fear has gradually set in and associates the personal sphere, or if it follows a traumalike a burn-out that would have left scars.
The goal of care is for patients to be able to express their anxieties and fears without feeling stigmatized or isolated.
And the psychologist continues: “The sessions will consist of go back in time to take an interest in their personal history: do they have a complicated family history in relation to work? Did their parents or those around them transmit to them professional anxieties that would have ended up becoming invasive? If so, then you need to deconstruct fears and fantasies ».
And when the phobia is born from a bad professional experience or a trauma, the therapeutic work also consists in “reprogramming” the traumatic experience using various therapeutic tools, such as CBT or EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) which give good results for to be able to consider a professional life once more. “We are looking for long-term exits,” explains Sylvie Chauvin. And if the person is still employed, the goal is not to strive to stay at all costs in an anxiety-provoking situation. »
Drug treatment, a crutch sometimes essential to get by
And her colleague continues: “when you feel that the discomfort is too deep and does not subside following a few sessions, you can redirect patients to psychiatrists who will be able to prescribe anxiolytic drugs or antidepressantsfor a given time”. This chemical crutch allows patients to find an emotional balance to be able to continue their therapeutic work.
Also, alternatives like meditationsome relaxation techniques or herbal medicine help manage anxiety symptoms.
In video: “How to be happy at work?”
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