Fear is a feeling that everyone experiences at some point in their lives. It can be caused by many different things, such as an upcoming interview or presentation, a dangerous situation, or even something as small as spiders. While fear response is normal and can sometimes help keep us safe, it can also prevent us from doing things we want to do or achieving our goals. In this article, we will be defining fear and sharing four facts to help you overcome it!
What is fear?
Fear is a natural and powerful emotion that humans experience in response to a perceived threat. It is the body's way of preparing to protect itself from harm. It is a natural and primitive survival mechanism that has evolved over time to help us avoid danger. Fear can be caused by a variety of things, including environmental threats, personal experiences, and even imaginary dangers. When we are afraid, our heart rate increases, our muscles tense up, and we may start to sweat. These physical changes help us to either fight or flee from the source of our fear.
When we are faced with a threat, our bodies go into "fight or flight" mode. This is when the body releases hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, which increase heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure. This emotional response prepares our body to either confront the threat or flee from it.
While fear can be unpleasant and even debilitating, it also serves an important function in keeping us safe. Fear response can be helpful in some situations. It can help us stay alert and aware of our surroundings. Without it, we would be less likely to take precautions against potentially harmful situations. In other words, fear can be seen as a kind of survival instinct. It can also motivate us to take action to protect ourselves from danger. However, fear can also be debilitating. When we constantly live in fear, it can take a toll on our physical and mental health. It can cause us to miss out on opportunities and prevent us from living our best lives.
Now that we have defined fear, let's discuss the different types of fear and how it limits success in life!
There are only 5 types of fears that can hinder our success in life
Dr. Karl Albrecht, a psychologist who is best known for his work on memory and cognitive processing, identified five primary types of fear that he believes are hardwired into our brains. He also developed several theories that have helped to explain how the mind works. His work has had a major impact on psychology, and he is considered one of the most important psychologists of our time.
1. Extinction
The fear of extinction is a fear that has been with us since the beginning of time. It is the fear of being completely eradicated, of leaving no trace behind. The fear of extinction is the fear of being forgotten. This fear haunts us because it is the ultimate reminder of our own mortality. We are all destined to disappear one day, and everything we have built will be gone. This fear can be paralyzing, but it can also be motivating. It can push us to do more, to be more, to create something that will last long after we are gone. The fear of extinction is a powerful force, and it is one that we must learn to embrace if we want to leave a lasting legacy.
What triggers the fear of extinction? There are many potential causes, but one of the most common is a fear of change. When something in our environment changes rapidly, it can trigger an emotional response. This may be particularly true if the change threatens our survival in some way. Some examples include; if we are suddenly placed in the dark, if we are flying and suddenly there is strong turbulence, or we are just diagnosed by our doctor with a terminal illness.
2. Mutilation or Bodily Invasion
Few things are more unnerving than the thought of losing a part of our body or of someone (something) invading our bodies without our consent. The very idea of having our skin pierced or our flesh cut is enough to send a shiver down our spines. And yet, for some people, the fear of mutilation is a very real and constant fear. Mutilation phobia, also known as body dysmorphic disorder, is a condition characterized by an intense fear of bodily injury or disfigurement. In severe cases, the fear of mutilation can be so debilitating that it interferes with everyday activities and prevents sufferers from living a normal life.
What triggers the fear of mutilation or bodily Invasion? There are a number of things that can trigger the fear of mutilation or bodily invasion. For some people, it may be a fear of surgery or medical procedures. Others may be afraid of being attacked or assaulted. Still, others may be afraid of insects or animals that could potentially invade their body. Whatever the cause, the fear of mutilation or bodily invasion can be a very real and debilitating fear. Symptoms may include anxiety, panic attacks, sweating, and heart palpitations.
3.Loss of Autonomy
The fear of being restricted, controlled, or limited in some way is known as the fear of loss of autonomy. This fear can manifest itself in many different ways. For some people, it may be a fear of being trapped or confined. Others may be afraid of being controlled by someone else or unable to make their own decisions.
What triggers the fear of loss of autonomy? Situations, where we feel helpless or powerless, can trigger the fear of loss of autonomy. This may include being in an abusive relationship or held captive. The fear of loss of autonomy can also be triggered by changes in our environment or circumstances that we cannot control. For example, losing our job or our home, the stock market crashes and our 401K shrinks. For most families, the parent will lose their freedom from time to time when they are overwhelmed or restricted by family obligations they can't give up.
4. Separation, Abandonment, or Rejection
Separation, abandonment, or rejection are all fear-based emotions. They are usually caused by some sort of loss or perceived threat. We may feel abandoned when we feel separated from someone or something we love. This can happen when a relationship ends, or when we are rejected by someone we care about. We may also feel abandoned when we are forced to leave a place that is familiar to us. Rejection is similar to abandonment, but it is usually caused by a fear of not being good enough. This can happen in any area of our lives, including our relationships, careers, or hobbies. If we are rejected, we may feel like we are not worthy of love or success. These feelings can be very painful and can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems.
5. Humiliation, Shame, or Worthlessness
Dr. Albrecht called this type of fear, "Ego-death". Humiliation, shame, and worthlessness are all emotions that can be debilitating. They can cause us to feel paralyzed, and unable to move forward in our lives. We may fear that we are not good enough and will never be able to achieve our goals. These emotions can be so powerful that they can prevent us from even trying. Whatever the cause, the fear of humiliation, shame, or worthlessness can be very debilitating, preventing people from living their lives to the fullest.
However, it is important to remember that we are not our mistakes. We are not defined by the moments when we have felt humiliated or ashamed. We are so much more than that. We are strong and capable and worthy of love and respect. So next time you find yourself feeling humiliated or ashamed, remind yourself of who you really are. You are so much more than your mistakes. You are amazing and deserving of happiness and success.
What triggers the fear of humiliation, shame, or worthlessness? For some people, it may be a fear of public speaking or being in the spotlight. Others may fear social situations or activities where they feel they could be judged or scrutinized. And for others still, it may be a fear of failure or making mistakes. Another common one I relate to is bullying, affecting millions of school kids. Victims of bullying often feel humiliated, ashamed, and worthless. But it's important to remember that the bully is the one with the problem, not you. You are not defined by their words or actions. You are so much more than that.
Fact 1 To Overcome Fear: Knowing yourself is Self Empowerment
Awareness of and understanding the type of fear you face is the first step in overcoming it. When you know what you're up against, you can develop a plan to conquer it. So if you're feeling afraid, ask yourself what kind of fear it is. What is triggering it? Is it a fear of failure? A fear of rejection? A fear of humiliation or shame? Once you identify the type of fear, you can begin to develop a plan to overcome it.
No matter what has triggered these emotions, it is important to remember that we are not our mistakes. We are worthy of love and respect.
Fear response triggers our autonomic nervous system unconsciously
The fear response is a complex process that involves the activation of the autonomic nervous system. This system is responsible for controlling all of the body's involuntary functions, such as heart rate and respiration. When we experience fear, the autonomic nervous system kicks into gear and prepares our bodies for flight or fight. Fear helps us react quickly to dangerous situations and can even help us avoid potential future dangers. While the fear response is essential for survival, it can also be triggered by less-than-life-threatening situations. In fact, anything that we perceive as being threatening can cause the fear response. It's important to remember that the fear response is a normal and natural reaction that is meant to protect us. However, if we're constantly living in fear, it can take a toll on our physical and mental health.
The fear response can be triggered by either a physical or a psychological experience. For example, a physical experience would be triggered when any of your five senses perceive a potential threat. Let's say you are about to cross the street and see a big car coming your way. The message received through your eyes is sent to the visual cortex and processed by the brain which in a fraction of a second will assess the threat and determine how to react.
If the brain determines that the big car is a threat, it will send an electrical signal to the amygdala, which is part of the brain that generally processes thoughts and emotions related to fear. The amygdala will then send a message to the hypothalamus to release stress response hormones that will travel to the adrenal glands by activating the sympathetic nervous system. The adrenal glands will then release three main stress hormones: adrenaline, cortisol, and norepinephrine. These hormones will prepare your body for the fight or flight response by increasing your heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration. In addition, they will divert blood from your digestive system to your skeletal muscles so you can either run away from the big car or stay and fight if a loved one or a person is in danger.
As you can see, fear is an emotional response that is a very complex process and happens in a fraction of a second. And it is designed to help us survive in life-threatening situations. But a psychological experience can also activate the fear response, especially when related to work and money.
The 5 different types of fears by Dr. Karl Albrecht mentioned above include both physical and psychological experiences.
If you want to find more Fight or Flight Examples and want to become an Everyday Life Warrior check out our article HERE.
Fact 2 To Overcome Fear: You can consciously control your autonomic nervous system
Science has now proved that you can control your autonomic nervous system. Deep breathing, meditation, brainwave entrainment, supplements for the brain, exercise, and even positive emotions can all help to control the fear response.
When you understand how the fear response works, you can begin to take steps to control it. For example, if you are about to give a presentation at work and start to feel anxious, you can do some deep breathing exercises or take a few minutes to meditate. You can also visualize overcoming the fear. It doesn't happen overnight, but with consistency and the proper mindset, you can focus on overcoming one specific fear in about three to four weeks.
However, the challenge we have is to instill good habits in our life. The good and bad habits we have in our lives are controlled by our subconscious mind. We call these paradigms and they control 90 to 95 % of our daily habits and until we change our paradigms it will be very difficult to change our experiences, results, and health.
To learn more about paradigms, we encourage you to read our article "The Subconscious Mind: 3 Tips to unlock its power for success and happiness".
Fact 3 To Overcome Fear: Fear is useful when we are in control
Fear is a natural response that has evolved to protect us from danger. When we sense danger, our fear response kicks in and helps us to take action to avoid or escape the threat. This might involve running away, fighting back or freezing in place. While fear can be uncomfortable, it can also be useful when we are in control of it. For example, fear can help us to stay alert and aware of our surroundings. It can also motivate us to take action and make positive changes in our lives. When we learn to control our fear, we can use it to our advantage.
For example, fear of uncertainty can motivate us to plan ahead and prepare for the future. Fear of failure can spur us to work hard and strive for success. And the fear of the unknown can encourage us to explore new things and expand our horizons. While fear can be uncomfortable, it is often useful when we are in control of it.
Unfortunately, this kind of information is not taught in schools. And as a result, many people go through life without ever learning about the fear response or how to control it. This can lead to a lot of unnecessary suffering.
This is especially true when it comes to work and money. We are taught that we should never let our fears hold us back from achieving our goals. However, this kind of thinking can lead to more anxiety and stress if we don't understand our paradigms and personal terror barriers when we have finally decided to quit our job to start a new business.
Controlling your fears means knowing yourself, your beliefs, and what triggers you to react or respond the way you do.
If you want to control your fear, check out our article "How to change your subconscious mind for Success".
Fact 4 To Overcome Fear: Our body disintegrates when fear controls us
Our bodies suffer when we live in a state of fear and anxiety. Also known as Biochemical Reaction Fear, it can manifest itself in many ways, from anxious thoughts to physical symptoms like a racing heart and sweating. When we're constantly in a state of fear, our bodies go into fight-or-flight mode, releasing stress hormones like cortisol. These hormones are designed to help us deal with short-term threats, but when they're constantly being released, they can lead to health problems like anxiety, depression, and even heart disease. In addition, living in a state of fear can make it difficult to focus and be productive.
At the cellular level, the body's main funtion or program is to operate within an internal balance known as homeostasis which is present in every organ of our body. Oxygen concentration, pH balance, body temperature, and formation of waste and toxins are some examples. Glucose concentration is another key biochemical process required for enzymes to function effectively in the cell's environment.
The human body uses setpoints, feedback, and regulation to maintain homeostasis. Our body is a complex ecosystem composed of thousands of control systems always looking for imbalances to address the possible disruptor immediately. Setpoints are the ideal or target values for a particular parameter the body is trying to maintain, such as blood sugar levels. Feedback is information about the current state that will tell the system if a setpoint has been reached.
Homeostasis regulation involves the central nervous system, the endocrine system, and autocrine signaling. But the central nervous system is the most important system in our body. It is comprised of the brain and spinal cord and is responsible for carrying electrical signals through the body. The nervous system allows us to think, feel, and move. But when we are afraid, our blood flow shifts to our muscles rather than our brains, making it more difficult to think clearly.
Our emotional response to a negative physical or psychological experience can cause over time a variety of anxiety disorders such as post traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and social phobia to mention a few examples.
Remember when you were a baby or a child, the conditions above did not exist. Your emotional brain was in balance. The only perceived threat was experiencing the unknown which will cause a normal fear response. But as we got older and experience fear, sometimes overwhelming fear and persistent fear, it started to define our personality and affect our mental health. It all started as an irrational fear that was left unchecked.
When we don't listen to our body, living in a state of fear can have significant physical and mental health consequences. Our bodies go into fight-or-flight mode, releasing stress hormones like cortisol that can lead to a range of health problems. In addition, living in a state of fear can make it difficult to focus and be productive.
You can control and overcome any fear with the right mindset and a strong desire to live a happy life. You just need to make a decision!
Do you have any questions or comments about this article? We would love to hear from you! Please leave us a comment below.
If you found this article interesting, please share it with your friends and family! knowledge is power, and knowledge about yourself is self-empowerment.
Please note: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please speak with a doctor or other healthcare professional. When you experience fear for too long, it can turn into anxiety disorders which can be serious, so it is important to seek medical help if you think you may be experiencing severe symptoms. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment plan.
Thanks for reading!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Social Anxiety Disorder?
Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a type of anxiety disorder that causes extreme fear in social situations. People with SAD may avoid social situations altogether or may feel very anxious when they are around other people. SAD can have a profound effect on a person's life, making it difficult to work, go to school, or even leave the house. While the exact cause of SAD is unknown, it is thought to be related to genetics and brain chemistry. Treatment for SAD often includes therapy and medication. With treatment, most people with SAD are able to live normal, productive lives.
What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder?
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that's triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event.
Most people who go through traumatic events may have temporary difficulty adjusting and coping, but with time and good self-care, they usually get better. If the symptoms get worse, last for months or even years, and interfere with your day-to-day functioning, you may have PTSD.
Untreated PTSD can lead to depression, substance abuse, and personal relationships, employment, and overall health problems.
What is anxiety disorder?
Anxiety disorders are a type of mental health disorder that can cause a range of symptoms, including fear, worry, and unease. Anxiety disorders can affect anyone, at any age, and are one of the most common types of mental health disorders. There are many types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorder symptoms can vary from mild to severe and include physical symptoms such as a racing heart and sweaty palms. Anxiety disorders can cause significant distress and can interfere with daily life.
What is panic disorder?
Panic disorder is a health condition characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks. Panic attacks are sudden periods of intense fear or anxiety that can include physical symptoms such as a racing heart, shortness of breath, or dizziness. A person with panic disorder may live in fear of having another attack and may avoid places or situations where an attack has previously occurred. Panic disorder affects around 2.4 percent of adults in the United States and usually begins during adolescence or young adulthood. While the exact cause of the panic disorder is unknown, it is thought to be due to a combination of biological and environmental factors. Treatment for panic disorder typically includes medication and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
What is fear conditioning?
Fear conditioning is a process by which an animal or person learns to associate a particular stimulus with fear. This process usually occurs in response to a traumatic event, such as being attacked by a predator. However, it can also be triggered by more mundane things, such as the sound of a car backfiring. Once an individual has been conditioned to fear a particular stimulus, they will often experience an intense emotional and physical reaction whenever they encounter that stimulus again. In some cases, this reaction can even be debilitating. Fear conditioning is thought to be an important part of survival because it helps us to avoid dangerous situations. However, it can also have a negative impact on health if it leads to anxiety and stress.
