Why Do We Fear?
One of the most fundamental human emotions is fear. We possess the survival instincts essential to react in fear when we see danger or feel insecure starting when we are newborns.
We are protected by fear. In certain circumstances, feeling terrified is perfectly normal and even beneficial. Fear can act as a signal or warning, telling us to exercise cautiousness.
Fear can range from moderate to extreme, like all other emotions, depending on the circumstance and the individual. Fear might persist for a short while or it can last for a while.
How Fear Operates
The brain responds quickly to danger by producing messages that cause the nervous system to become active. This results in physiological reactions such a quicker heartbeat, shallower breathing, and a rise in blood pressure. In order to prepare the body for physical action, blood rushes to the muscles (such as running or fighting). To keep the body cool, skin perspires. Sensations in the legs, hands, chest, head, or stomach may be felt by certain persons. Fear can manifest physically in moderate or intense ways.
The body is getting ready to either fight against the threat or flee away quickly, which is why this reaction is known as "fight or flight." Until the brain gets an alert, the body remains in this fight-or-flight mode.
People's Fears
We refer to our emotional response to anything that appears harmful as being in fear. However, the term "fear" is also used to describe anything that a person frequently feels fearful of.
When something or someone makes them feel unsafe or uncertain, people become afraid. As an illustration, a weak swimmer can be afraid of deep water. In this situation, the dread is advantageous since it warns the person to be cautious. By mastering safe swimming techniques, one may be able to get over this anxiety.
If a fear serves as a warning to avoid potentially risky situations, it might be beneficial. However, there are situations when a concern is unwarranted and leads to greater care than is necessary.
Public speaking is feared by many people. Speaking in front of others is one of the most prevalent phobias individuals experience, whether it be presenting a report in class, speaking at an assembly, or reading lines in the school play.
The events or things that frighten people are often avoided. But doing this doesn't make people more fearless; in some cases, it might make them more afraid. Avoiding frightening situations makes a phobia stronger and more persistent.
By giving oneself the chance to learn about and progressively acclimate to the object or circumstance they're scared of, people can get over unfounded concerns. People who fly despite their dread of flying, for instance, may become accustomed to strange sensations like turbulence.
Overcoming Phobias
By progressively confronting their worries, people can learn to overcome phobias. At first, this was difficult. It needs boldness and willingness. People may require a therapist's assistance to help them navigate the procedure.
Making a comprehensive list of the person's concerns and ranking them from least to worst is typically the first step in overcoming a phobia. When someone has a dog phobia, for instance, the list may begin with the things they are least scared of, such as gazing at a picture of a dog. It will then progress to the most extreme scenarios, such as walking a dog, caressing a dog when it is on a leash, or standing next to someone who is doing so.
The person attempts each fear circumstance on the list one at a time, beginning with the one they are least afraid of, gradually and with assistance. The individual works through each fear until he or she feels comfortable, taking as much time as necessary.
A therapist might also demonstrate how to approach, touch, and walk a dog to a client who has a dog phobia and encourage the client to give it a try. The individual could anticipate horrible things to occur while around dogs. Speaking about it can also be beneficial. It may be quite relieving for someone to learn that their fears are unfounded.
Additionally, a therapist could impart relaxation techniques such certain breathing techniques, muscular relaxation exercises, or calming self-talk. These can provide folks the confidence and courage they need to tackle their anxieties.
The brain changes how it reacts when someone becomes accustomed to a feared object or circumstance, and the phobia is removed.
Starting to overcome a fear is frequently the most difficult step. It might be astonishing how quickly fear can go if a person makes the decision to go for it and receives the necessary coaching and support.