Overcoming Fear “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself” -Franklin D. Roosevelt

What is Fear? The definition of fear is: “An unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.” Fear is an emotion that occurs when there is a perceived threat. It is a basic survival mechanism that helps us recognize when we are in danger.

How Fear Works Fear prepares us to react to danger. Fear or stress causes our body to release hormones that slow down bodily functions that are not needed to react, such as the digestive system, and increase functions that will help us get out of danger, such as eyesight and blood flow to muscles.

Effects of Fear Increases senses to identify potential threat. Spikes heart rate, blood pressure, and sweat glands because it is preparing you to either fight or run from the threat. It can cause you to either become aggressive or freeze, whether you feel like you can or cannot overcome the threat. It enables you to accomplish something quickly that may normally have taken a long time, because of the immediate desire for survival.

Health Effects of Chronic Fear If you are in constant fear, it can weaken the immune system, cause cardiovascular damage, gastrointestinal problems, and decreased fertility. Constant fear can damage certain parts of the brain and impair long-term memory. Fear can affect how we regulate emotions, process information, and think before acting, which all effects our capability to act appropriately. Finally, long-term fear can cause fatigue, depression, speed up aging, and even early death.

Most Common Fears According to Women’s Health Magazine, the top 10 most common fears are: 1. Critters 2. Heights 3. Tight Spaces 4. Flying 5. Water 6. The Dentist 7. Blood 8. Bad Weather 9. Crowds 10. The Hospital

Ways to Manage Your Fear Change the situation: avoid the situation that causes your fear and occupy yourself with calming activities. Get perspective: imagine the situation happening to someone else and you are just a spectator, to see if it seems as extreme.   Re-appraise or re-interpret what happened: think of the phrase “Look on the bright side” and try to view the situation in a positive way.

Sources http://www.cnbc.com/ http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/ http://www.womenshealthmag.com/