Fear of overworking or pain (ponophobia)

Depending on which list you read, ponophobia is either a fear of overworking or a fear of pain. In the first sense it can mean dreading exhaustion and avoiding hard or tiring tasks. In the second it centres on pain itself, which may lead to avoiding movement, so any ongoing pain or tiredness is worth checking with a GP.

About this phobia

The name comes from the Greek ponos, which can mean toil or pain, and that explains the two meanings. It is rarely reported and appears mostly on lists of phobias. The pain side links to algophobia, the fear of pain, while the work side relates to worries about burnout.

What it feels like

• Holding back from effort in case it leads to exhaustion or pain
• Worry before exercise, long shifts or busy weeks
• Paying close attention to every ache or sign of tiredness

Explore more unusual fears in the rare phobias A to Z, or browse the common phobias.

Common questions

Why does ponophobia have two meanings?

The Greek root covers both hard work and pain, so different lists define it in different ways. Either way, the pattern is often avoidance, which can make life smaller over time. A GP can check any physical pain or fatigue, and talking therapies can help with the fear itself.

How can you help?

I use hypnotherapy and NLP to change how your mind responds to the thing you fear, so the old alarm stops going off. Sessions are one to one over Zoom, and you get a recording of the hypnosis to listen to afterwards.

How many sessions will I need?

Many clients notice a real difference after one 90 minute session. If the fear goes back a long way, three sessions gives us room to make the change stick.

Ready to start?

Book a £49 consultation call and we’ll talk through your fear, or take the free suitability test first.

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