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Fear HappensBy Linda J. Bagley, M.A., LMFTFear is a basic human emotional response to threats and danger, a basic survival mechanism usually occurring in response to a specific stimulus, such as pain or the threat of pain. People's fears generally fall into two categories: the threat of pain or death, and the threat of social rejection or isolation. Fear is one of the basic or innate emotions, along with joy, sadness, and anger. In a 2005 Gallup poll a national sample of adolescents between the ages of 13 and 15 were asked what they feared the most. The question was open ended and participants were able to say whatever they wanted. The most frequently cited fear was terrorism. The top ten fears were, in order: terrorist attacks, spiders, death, being a failure, war, heights, criminal or gang violence, being alone, the future, and nuclear war. That was before the economic stress we have experienced in the past few years, so I imagine that would be included if the poll were taken today. Fear is different than the related emotional state of anxiety, which typically occurs without any perceived external threat. When we are afraid we often want to escape and avoid, whereas when we are anxious we tend to perceive the threats as uncontrollable or unavoidable. Some of us are more aware of our fears than others, for various reasons. Many of us have been taught to ignore our fears all in the name of being good managers of our emotions! We are admired when we can pretend we aren't afraid! However, when we try to ignore or repress fear our bodies and our emotions still keep score! We develop many physical as well as psychological symptoms and diseases because we ignore or mismanage our fears and anxieties. Fear can be described by different terms varying from mild caution to extreme phobia and paranoia. It can also affect the unconscious mind, where it can be manifested in various forms including nightmares and night terrors. Fear may also be experienced within a larger group or social network. In this way, personal fears are compounded by social influence to become mass hysteria, which we can see happening in our country in many ways today. One of the best prescriptions for fear is to find a safe person and talk about it. It is by facing our fears and processing them with someone who cares that we gain mastery over them. If you are affected by fears or anxiety negatively impacting your life or your relationships, we can help. We have many caring therapists who can assist you in finding the best treatment for your specific situation. Visit our website: www.mfmcounseling.com to read more articles or see which or our therapists would be best for you. By Linda J. Bagley, M.A., LMFT |
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