About Login Home

Upside

S c a r e d

Examine Fear
Causes of Fear

Things that could be causing your Fear

x
"... Fear is ancient and, to a certain extent, we can thank fear for our success as a species. Any creature that doesn't run and hide from bigger animals or dangerous situations is likely to be removed from the gene pool before it's given the chance to procreate."

Read More: Medical News Today

"Fear is incredibly complex. Some fears may be a result of experiences or trauma, while others may represent a fear of something else entirely, such as a loss of control. Still, other fears may occur because they cause physical symptoms, such as being afraid of heights because they make you feel dizzy and sick to your stomach."

Read More: Very Well Mind

  • Change
  • Failure
  • Losing someone
  • The uncertainty of the future
  • Public Speaking
  • Taking a test
  • Job Interviews
  • Changing schools
  • Planning for the future
  • Feeling unprepared
  • Fear of missing out
  • Stress
    •
    Effects of Fear

    Effects of Fear

    x
    "When someone confronts an oncoming car or other danger, the eyes or ears (or both) send the information to the amygdala, an area of the brain that contributes to emotional processing. The amygdala interprets the images and sounds. When it perceives danger, it instantly sends a distress signal to the hypothalamus. When someone experiences a stressful event, the amygdala, an area of the brain that contributes to emotional processing, sends a distress signal to the hypothalamus. This area of the brain functions like a command center, communicating with the rest of the body through the nervous system so that the person has the energy to fight or flee. "

    Read More: Harvard Health

    "Fear is a natural emotion and a survival mechanism. When we confront a perceived threat, our bodies respond in specific ways. Physical reactions to fear include sweating, increased heart rate, and high adrenaline levels that make us extremely alert. This physical response is also known as the "fight or flight" response, in which your body prepares itself to either enter combat or run away. This biochemical reaction is likely an evolutionary development. It's an automatic response that is crucial to our survival."

    Read More: Very Well Health

    "Fear is regulated by a part of the brain within the temporal lobes known as the amygdala, Brownlowe told Live Science. When stress activates the amygdala, it temporarily overrides conscious thought so that the body can divert all of its energy to facing the threat -whatever that might be. "The release of neurochemicals and hormones causes an increase in heart rate and breathing, shunts blood away from the intestines and sends more to the muscles, for running or fighting" , Brownlowe explained. "It puts all the brain's attention into 'fight-or-flight.'" "

    Read More: Live Science
    Coping with Fear

    What to do to feel better

    x
  • Face your fears
    • "Repeated exposure to similar situations leads to familiarity. This dramatically reduces both the fear response and the resulting elation, leading adrenaline junkies to seek out new and bigger thrills. It also forms the basis of some phobia treatments, which depend on slowly minimizing the fear response by making it feel familiar"

    Read More: Very Well Mind

  • Exercise
    • "Increase the amount of exercise you do. Exercise requires some concentration, and this can take your mind off your fear and anxiety."

    Read More: Mental Health

  • Stay scared
    • "Allow yourself to sit with your fear for 2-3 minutes at a time. Breathe with it and say, “It’s okay. It feels lousy but emotions are like the ocean—the waves ebb and flow.” Have something nurturing planned immediately after your 2-3 minute sitting period is completed: Call the good friend waiting to hear from you; immerse yourself in an activity you know is enjoyable and engrossing."

    Read More: Psy Com

  • Make the worst scenario funny
    • "Use humor to deflate your worst fears. For instance, what are some ridiculous worst-case scenarios that might happen if you accept an invitation to deliver a speech to a crowd of 500 people? I might pee in my pants at the podium ***I will be arrested for giving the worst speech in history *** My first boyfriend (girlfriend) will be in the audience and heckle me."

    Read More: Psy Com

  • Limit Your social media use
    • "There have been studies and data that say we are more unhappy when we spend lots of time on social media versus out in real life. Why? Because when people post their fantastic times online, it gives you glimpses into a world that you're not a part of. Hence the term the "fear of missing out," or #FOMO. "

    Read More: Psych Central

    Community FAQ Guidelines