Fear can take many forms and can be experienced for many different reasons. Common fears are when people fear something specific like having an accident or losing their job. Others are not fearful for themselves, but are overly worried about their loved ones and fret unnecessarily about other people. Sometimes though, there are no clear reasons for experiencing fear and some people can have episodes where they become nervous for no specific reason. Rarely, this can cause them to become fearful in turn about their own behavior, causing a vicious cycle. Whatever the reason, fear can be a very inhibiting and damaging emotion that can have a negative impact on the lives of the person experiencing the fear and their loved ones.
Fear of known things
Sufferers fear things or events that can easily be named such as illness, accidents, the dark, animals, public speaking, financial difficulties etc. Sufferers are often artistic, yet shy and may suffer from blushing, stammering and nervous laughter.
Fear of unknown things
This type of fear seizes people for no apparent reason and can make them nervy. Sufferers can have an attack of fear during the day or night, when the fear manifests itself in the form of a bad dream. This kind of fear comes on suddenly and can occur in company or whilst alone and can be accompanied by trembling.
Fear for others
Sufferers of this type of fear experience selfless over-concern for close friends and family. They fear the worst that a minor complaint will turn into something serious, that a child at play will fall or that there will be car accident etc. They also fret and worry about others problems. It is often a temporary state among parents and people in a position of care for others.
Fear of losing control
When people are on the verge of a breakdown, they often fear losing control of their own behavior. They are aware of the social ramifications of giving way to their violent impulses and fear behaving hysterically or being abusive towards friends and family.
Terror
Feelings of terror can occur after an accident, having a near escape, or from being under acute personal threat. A similar state of terror can occur as the result of nightmares.
Natural remedies can be very useful in tackling all kinds of fear.
(Always read the label.)
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Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 75% of people are able to overcome their phobias through this type of therapy.
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Learn relaxation techniques. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and muscle relaxation are powerful antidotes to mild anxiety, panic, and fear. With regular practice, you will develop the ability to calm yourself down quickly. You can call on these techniques when you’re facing your fears.
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Measure your fear and you’ll find that the feeling goes up and down. Make a note of what increases and decreases your fear and you will find what triggers it.
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Learn about your fear. Understanding your fear is the first step to overcoming it. It’s important to know that fear is common, highly treatable and that you are capable of overcoming it.
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Challenge negative thoughts. The anxious thoughts that trigger and fuel fears are usually negative and unrealistic. It can help to put these thoughts to the test. For example, instead of thinking “that dog will bite me” to “That dog is tied up and can’t get away”.
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Exercise can burn off the excess adrenaline you produce when you fear something.
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