Fear

Paranoia, Phobia

What Causes Fear?

Fear is a vital response to physical and emotional danger which has strong roots in human evolution. If people didn’t feel fear, they couldn’t protect themselves from legitimate threats, which in the ancestral world frequently resulted in life-or-death consequences.

In the modern world, individuals often fear situations in which the stakes are much lower, such as public speaking, but their bodies and brains may still treat the threat as lethal. This can trigger an extreme, although often unnecessary, fight-flight-or-freeze response. As a result, people may find themselves avoiding challenges that could benefit them in the long run or hanging back during social interactions.

When people today do face deadly or extreme danger, it can sometimes cause lingering trauma. Such trauma can trigger a fear response that is hard to quell, even when the risk has passed.

How to Move Past Fear

In the past, our human ancestors correctly feared immediate danger from threats volcano eruptions to hungry predators. Common fears today have more to do with the impression people make on others, as well as how other people's judgments affect their self-worth. This hyper-focus on image may only be exacerbated by the rise of the internet and social media culture.

Managing fears can be confusing when they don't necessarily correlate with a clear or obvious danger. If fear is overtaking an individual's life, seeking therapy can help. A qualified therapist can help a patient find ways to let go of fears, develop coping mechanisms, and look for positivity in fear-inducing situations. In cases of severe trauma, sexual or otherwise, therapy is likely the best option. But formal therapy isn't always necessary; in many cases, gradual exposure to the object of one's fear can be the best way to move past it.

CONNECTED TOPICS

Anxiety, Therapy, Trauma

Essential Reads

Why Do I Fear Success?

By Carrie Barron M.D. on January 28, 2020 in The Creativity Cure

Exploring anxieties that arise with achievement.

Exploring anxieties that arise with achievement.

Top 10 Fears that Hold People Back in Life

By Amy Morin on January 28, 2020 in What Mentally Strong People Don't Do

Acknowledging your fears and facing them head-on is key to reaching your goals.

Acknowledging your fears and facing them head-on is key to reaching your goals.

The Anatomy of Insomnia

By Samoon Ahmad M.D. on January 24, 2020 in Balanced

While sleep problems are extremely common, the neurobiological mechanisms behind insomnia are not entirely understood.

While sleep problems are extremely common, the neurobiological mechanisms behind insomnia are not entirely understood.

How Does Your House Look Through the Eyes of a Burglar?

By Frank T. McAndrew Ph.D. on January 22, 2020 in Out of the Ooze

None of us want to believe that our homes are inviting targets for a robbery, and we think that we have taken adequate precautions. We should think again.

None of us want to believe that our homes are inviting targets for a robbery, and we think that we have taken adequate precautions. We should think again.

Recent Posts

Mastering Panic Without Medication

By J. Scott Fraser Ph.D. on February 05, 2020 in Breaking the Cycle

Learn what works to master panic attacks without the use of medication. Track the 6 basic elements of confronting and mastering some of our worst fears.

Learn what works to master panic attacks without the use of medication. Track the 6 basic elements of confronting and mastering some of our worst fears.

Christine Hemp: Love Lessons from My Horse 

By Jennifer Haupt on February 04, 2020 in One True Thing

What animals can teach us about staying present, facing fear, and accepting joy.

What animals can teach us about staying present, facing fear, and accepting joy.

Six Ways to Reduce Phone Separation Anxiety

By Marlynn Wei M.D., J.D. on February 04, 2020 in Urban Survival

New research shows that many people experience a fear of being without their smartphones, also known as nomophobia (NOMO).

New research shows that many people experience a fear of being without their smartphones, also known as nomophobia (NOMO).

Xenophobia in Response to Pandemics Is (Sadly) Normal

By David J. Ley Ph.D. on February 03, 2020 in Women Who Stray

Xenophobia in response to fears of infection has a long history in human evolution. To combat racism, let’s use facts, not shame.

Xenophobia in response to fears of infection has a long history in human evolution. To combat racism, let’s use facts, not shame.

Sibling Bullying and Abuse: The Hidden Epidemic

By Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT on February 03, 2020 in Toxic Relationships

Sibling bullying and abuse is so common, it's ignored, but is a hidden epidemic. Often mistaken for rivalry, it carries the same trauma as child abuse. Bullying begins in the home.

Sibling bullying and abuse is so common, it's ignored, but is a hidden epidemic. Often mistaken for rivalry, it carries the same trauma as child abuse. Bullying begins in the home.

Pablos33/Shutterstock

Face Your Fears

Fears come in all shapes.

The Neurobiology of Fear

The Panic-Free

The Wondrous Amygdala

Profiles in (Everyday) Courage

Why Isn't Anyone Doing Something? Polyvagal Theory–Frozen

By David Hanscom, MD on February 02, 2020 in Anxiety: Another Name for Pain

Society is deeply divided and manifested by an inability to rationally solve differences. This behavior can be explained by the "shut down" phase presented by The Polyvagal Theory

Society is deeply divided and manifested by an inability to rationally solve differences. This behavior can be explained by the "shut down" phase presented by The Polyvagal Theory

Why Uncertainty Freaks You Out

By Bryan E. Robinson Ph.D. on February 01, 2020 in The Right Mindset

When you don't know what's around the corner, your brain can feel threatened, and you don't know if you're safe.

When you don't know what's around the corner, your brain can feel threatened, and you don't know if you're safe.

The Neuroscience of Gratitude and Trauma

By Odelya Gertel Kraybill Ph.D. on January 31, 2020 in Expressive Trauma Integration

Attempts to be positive do not expand your capacity to endure pain.

Attempts to be positive do not expand your capacity to endure pain.

Black Mamba

The Mamba Mentality

By Stephen Sideroff Ph.D. on January 29, 2020 in Path of Optimal Living

Peak performance lessons for everyday life and everyday people from Kobe Bryant.

Peak performance lessons for everyday life and everyday people from Kobe Bryant.

Birds Hiss Like Snakes to Protect Nests

By Mary Bates Ph.D. on January 28, 2020 in Animal Minds

Some birds hiss like snakes to keep intruders out of their nests, but is it a true case of mimicry?

Some birds hiss like snakes to keep intruders out of their nests, but is it a true case of mimicry?

Meet Psychology Today's Bloggers on Fear

Carrie Barron, M.D., is the Director of the Creativity for Resilience Program at Dell Medical School in Austin, Texas, and is on the faculty of the Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Amy Morin, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist, and the author of 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do.

Samoon Ahmad, M.D. is a Professor of Psychiatry, NYU School of Medicine; Unit Chief, Inpatient Psychiatry, Bellevue Hospital Center; and Founder of Integrative Center for Wellness in New York City.

Frank McAndrew, Ph.D., is the Cornelia H. Dudley Professor of Psychology at Knox College.