Fear of Failure (Atychiphobia): Causes & Treatment (2024)

FAQs

Fear of Failure (Atychiphobia): Causes & Treatment? ›

For someone with atychiphobia, this could be either failure itself or the conditions that make them fear failure, such as competition or workplace pressure. The treatment usually involves a form of therapy. Medication may also be helpful for controlling the symptoms while someone undergoes treatment.

What's the prognosis (outlook) for people with atychiphobia? Most people respond well to treatments such as psychotherapy, lifestyle adjustments and medication. In fact, studies show that about 90% of people with a phobia can overcome the condition with exposure therapy.

Risk factors

In general, you may be more likely to develop atychiphobia if: you have past experiences where you've failed, especially if the experiences were traumatic or had important consequences, like missing out on an important job. you've learned to fear failing through different situations. you're a perfectionist.

Shame: The fear of failure often stems from a fear of experiencing shame or embarrassment. Failing can trigger feelings worthlessness, so avoiding trying in the first place can sometimes serve as a way to protect the self from disappointment, regret, and sadness.

Typically, atelophobia treatments involve lifestyle changes, psychotherapy, and medications. Lifestyle modifications may include reducing caffeine, increasing physical exercise, and practicing mindfulness through meditation or yoga.

For example, a person may have atychiphobia if they are: feeling immediately afraid when thinking about the possibility of failure, even if the task is easy or the consequences of failure are mild.

Atychiphobia can be defined as an abnormal, unwarranted, and persistent fear of failing at something in your life. Any mistake you make can lead to ultimate failure. This chronic fear can be so extreme that it negatively affects your life. Atychiphobia affects an estimated 2 – 5% of the population.

Fear of failure can be so strong that avoiding failure eclipses the motivation to succeed. Insecurity about doing things incorrectly causes many people to unconsciously sabotage their chances for success.

Why am I so scared and paranoid? ›

Causes of paranoia

It's likely to be a combination of different things, such as: Difficult experiences in your childhood such as being bullied or abused. Low self-esteem. Having mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety.

Poor self-esteem

Poor self-esteem is a lack of self-respect and self-worth. People with low self-confidence are constantly trying to find themselves rather than creating the person they want to be. Don't label yourself. You might have failed, but you're not a failure until you stop trying.

Feeling like a failure can be caused by a variety of factors, including unrealistic expectations, comparing oneself to others, experiencing repeated setbacks or failures, and struggling with low self-esteem. It often stems from negative thoughts, negative perceptions, and self-criticism.

It falls under the umbrella of specific phobias. This irrational fear of failure can prevent you from trying to achieve goals and can cause paralyzing anxiety. If the fear of failure is impacting your life, it's worth seeking professional help, such as by seeing a mental health professional.

Learning relaxation techniques can help you with the mental and physical feelings of fear. It can help just to drop your shoulders and breathe deeply. Or imagine yourself in a relaxing place. You could also try complementary therapies or exercise such as massage, t'ai chi, yoga, mindfulness techniques, or meditation.