Fear

Fear

When we read the word fear, most of us can immediately think of a time when we felt it. Fear is an innate human response to a perceived threat. At some point in our lives, we will all experience this powerful emotion. Some of us may try to mask it, others may numb it, and some may feel completely overwhelmed by it. In this blog, we will explore the body’s response to fear and discuss ways to move through it in a healthy way.

Symptoms of Fear

• Sweating

• Increased heart rate

• Feelings of dread

• Nausea

• Upset stomach

• Dizziness

• Looping or racing thoughts

Noticing our body's fear response

When we begin to notice that our body is experiencing a fear response, it is important to become curious about what is happening. Is there an actual threat present? Fear can be incredibly useful in keeping us safe. It activates our fight-or-flight response and prepares us to react quickly. But sometimes our body reacts to perceived threats rather than real danger. So why is our body interpreting this situation as unsafe? Are we under prolonged stress? Are we experiencing anxiety?

Fear becomes unhelpful when anxiety escalates and creates stress at harmful levels. Our bodies are designed to seek safety and security. When we remain in a heightened state for too long, it can take a toll on both our mental and physical well-being.

To address anxiety at its root, we must first approach it with curiosity and compassion. What is it trying to protect us from? Sometimes this exploration leads us to traumatic experiences we have lived through or witnessed. When we endure deeply painful events, our nervous system can become heightened and remain on guard long after the danger has passed.

Healing begins by acknowledging the parts of those experiences that may have shattered our sense of self or challenged our belief systems. From there, we can begin the process of restoring safety within ourselves and soothing the parts that feel they must always stay on high alert.