Emotion of Fear - 9 Ways To Overcome It - www.selfesteemawareness.com

Fear is an uncontrollable, unpleasant, and irrational emotion caused by a perceived or unexpected danger. It is an aversion created by the foreboding of danger, threat, or a bad occurrence. The threat that causes fear can be physical, psychological, or emotional. The feeling of fear is connected to pain and leads a person to respond with avoidance and escape. Most times, the stimulus behind fear is irrational and an illusion.

What causes emotional fear? Fear can result from several sources, including bad experiences, negative childhood experiences, internalized fear from parents and family members. Most persons fear death, rejection, job loss, dangerous animals, commitment, failure, losing control, etc.

What is the Effect of Fear?

Fear negatively affects the lives of people, as it is a negative emotion. A person who feels fear is often paralyzed and restricted by his fears. Fear can negatively impact every area of a person’s life, stop them from making decisions, having new experiences, and taking chances at life. For instance, a person who fears animals won’t experience the pleasure of owning pets or living amongst animals. A person who fears heights will be unable to travel by plane, go climbing, or ride a hot air balloon. Another person who fears commitment will be unable to build a strong emotional relationship or even start a family. The sad thing about fear is that it gets people in a ‘comfort zone’ mental conditioning that makes them create boundaries.

These boundaries create a false sense of security but are limiting people from stepping outside of that zone. Comfort zones don’t create a sense of risk, which is why they are comfortable for everyone. However, it is healthy to step out of your comfort zone to accomplish something important to you. People who feel fear cannot step out of their comfort one for any reason. Sadly, fear has so much impact that it distorts a person’s consciousness and suppresses their rationality and emotions. Some persons fall into addiction to drugs, alcohol, and other substances as a means of disguising their fears.

How to Overcome Fear

[adinserter name=”Block 2″]

Identify your Fears

The first step to overcoming fear is to identify what you are afraid of. Most times, people have more than one fear, and they can be physical, emotional, or psychological. Conduct a proper assessment of yourself in all areas and discover what you fear. This is the first step to strategizing and getting over them.

Acknowledge your Fears

Most persons face denials when it comes to the things they fear. They would rather pretend like it doesn’t exist, but that isn’t the best choice. A very crucial step to overcoming fear is acknowledging that you feel it. Write down the fear or phobia that you have, as many as it might be. Talk to your close friends and family about how you feel and get their opinions about your fears. You will find help and support from the people you confide in.

Discover the Source of Your Fear

Fears don’t appear out of nothingness; there is often a negative source for every fear we have or a situation that prompts it. Find out the cause of your fears. X-ray your past experiences, childhood memories, family situations, parents’ history, etc.

Learn About your Fear

It might seem weird, but the best way to overcome a fear is to understand it from all angles. Educate yourself about the origin, long and short-term impacts, and how this fear can affect your personal and social life. With knowledge on your side, you will know what steps to take to overcome that fear.