Managing Our Fears: Embracing and Moving Through Them
Dominica Young
Fear is a natural part of the human experience. It can serve as a protective mechanism, warning us of danger and helping us make cautious decisions. However, it is often said that fear is not of God, and while faith can provide strength and courage, it doesn’t necessarily eliminate the presence of fear in our lives. From time to time, we deal with fear, and the key is to move through it rather than be paralyzed by it.
08 August 2024
"Some fears are rational, like the fear of a dangerous situation, while others may be irrational, stemming from anxieties and past traumas."
The Nature of Fear
Fear can manifest in various forms and intensities. Some fears are rational, like the fear of a dangerous situation, while others may be irrational, stemming from anxieties and past traumas. Understanding that fear is a normal and sometimes necessary response can help us manage it better.
Different Types of Fear
- Rational Fear: This fear is based on real threats and dangers. For example, the fear of touching a hot stove is rational because it prevents us from getting burned. Rational fears can be useful and protective.
- Irrational Fear: Also known as phobias, these fears are often disproportionate to the actual threat. For instance, a person might have an intense fear of spiders (arachnophobia) even though most arachnoids are harmless.
- Fear of the Unknown: Fear that arises from uncertainty and lack of control. It can include fears about the future, such as worrying about job security or health. This fear often requires us to develop coping strategies to manage uncertainty.
- Existential Fear: Deep-seated fears about the meaning of life, death, and our place in the world. Such fear can be profound and require philosophical or spiritual exploration to understand and manage.
Recognizing Fear
Recognizing the type of fear we are experiencing, is the first step in managing it. Here are some signs to look out for:
- Physical Symptoms: Increased heart rate, sweating, trembling, or shortness of breath can indicate fear (Northwestern Medicine, 2020).
- Emotional Responses: Feelings of dread, anxiety, or panic are common emotional responses to fear.
- Behavioral Changes: Avoidance of certain situations or places, or changes in behavior patterns, can be a sign of fear.
Moving Through Fear
- Acknowledge Your Fear: Denying fear only gives it more power. Acknowledge, that you are afraid and understand that it is okay to feel this way.
- Understand the Source: Identify what is causing your fear. Is it a rational fear that serves a purpose, or is it an irrational fear that can be challenged?
- Develop Coping Strategies: Techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and positive self-talk can help manage fear. Facing fears gradually, rather than avoiding them, can also reduce their power over time.
- Seek Support: Sometimes, talking to a friend, family member, or therapist can provide the support needed to overcome fear. Sharing your fear can often lessen the impact.
- Strengthen Your Faith: For those who believe in a higher power, choosing prayer or spiritual practices can provide comfort and strength. Faith can be a powerful tool in managing and moving through fear.
Conclusion
Fear is a complex emotion that everyone experiences. While it can sometimes be seen as a lack of faith, it is important to recognize that fear is a natural part of being human. By understanding and managing our fears, we can move through them, and not be held back. Embracing fear and learning to navigate it allows us to grow and live more fully.
References
Northwestern Medicine. (2020, October). 5 things you never knew about fear. Retrieved from Northwestern Medicine.