I have Ergophobia

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Ergophobia is fear of work, as in employment.

I've been researching about why I feel so panicky about work all the time, and I was starting to put myself down - until I came across Ergophobia, and it explains literally everything.

So I think I have this. Every time I think about getting up and going to work, I almost have a heart attack. Although I don't like my job, it is still not terrible enough to cause feelings as intense as this. It feels disabling.

It is very frustrating too because this is a thing no-one will understand unless they have it themselves. They just say things like "we all could feel like that but we all have to work", "you're just lazy", and "there is no such thing, you're just making excuses".

But it is real. It is as real as cancer, or autism, or dementia, or a broken leg. My work-related anxiety feelings are very powerful. I have often broke out in panic attacks at work, yelling because of giving a time-consuming and daunting task that I don't usually do. I also get really panicked if I am forced to complete something that will mean I am unable to leave on time. Each day I MUST get out of the building dead on the minute my paid contract ends, and not after.

I think I need therapy. It's more serious than it sounds.

I think I know something of where you're coming from, for 3 decades I dreaded going into work, I would toss and turn at night just dreading the next day, I was always sleep-deprived and it wrecked my health.

Joe, you mean you are not in therapy? Yes, you probably do need it.

My daughter seems to have some big block to gainful employment. It kind of seems like pathological demand avoidance, a desire not to be in a position of being judged. She will attempt to get a job and start working at it, but it never lasts more than just a few weeks. Fortunately, she is on SSI (a low end subsistence financial support for those who can't work).

Anyway, I hear what you are saying about your job. I feel badly for you.

I used to have it myself.

Fear of something and dislike of something are two different things.

I feared it before I ever tried it.

Now that I've tried it I enjoy it.