Thats why God made so many of them.
Koinophobia refers to fear of being ordinary, unexceptional, and average.
It means fear that your life is mundane and unremarkable, lacking significance and meaning.
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While not a clinically recognized diagnosis many people experience anxiety related to this fear.
The term is attributed to the Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows.
Of course,average,ordinary, mundane, and unexceptional are all relative terms.
We are all probably average or below average at something.
Learn about koinophobia and how to cope if you experience fear of being average.
What Causes Koinophobia?
It is a way to be immortal in a way.
People who struggle with lowself-esteemmight fear being average if their self-worth is tied to a certain skill.
Maybe then my parent will be proud of me.
It is unclear how long koinophobia has existed and whether it is on the rise.
Of course, to truly learn what causes koinophobia, we need to research peoples experiences with this fear.
How Does Koinophobia Manifest?
There is no set diagnostic criteria for koinophobia, and even if there were, everyones experience is unique.
When you fear being average or not enough, the associatedanxietycan feel debilitating.
TheInternational Classification of Diseasesclassifies occupational burnout as a syndrome resulting from many things, including over-working.
It includes depression, anxiety, reduced energy, exhaustion, executive dysfunction, and other mental health consequences.
Inevitably, they will not be able to always live up to these standards.
Living a Balanced Life
Koinophobia, like all forms of anxiety, can bemotivating.
The desire to be more than ordinary can light the fire that drives you to do something great.
At the same time, when anxiety rises to the level of a phobia, it is debilitating.
By definition, a phobia goes beyond motivation and crosses into distress.
You deserve to enjoy your life regardless of whether it is average or ordinary.
Give yourself grace, and allow forbalance.
Because relentless pursuit can lead to burnout, koinophobia can actually impair your ability to be extraordinary.
You cannot pour from an empty glass, as the saying goes.
2021;47(2):95-107.
