Someone could overcome this fear by learning how to swim safely.Ī fear can be healthy if it cautions a person to stay safe around something that could be dangerous. In this case, the fear is helpful because it cautions the person to stay safe. For instance, someone who isn't a strong swimmer might have a fear of deep water. People fear things or situations that make them feel unsafe or unsure. But the word "fear" is used in another way, too: to name something a person often feels afraid of. page 1 Fears People Haveįear is the word we use to describe our emotional reaction to something that seems dangerous. As soon as the brain gets enough information to realize there's no danger ("Oh, it's just a balloon bursting - whew!"), it turns off the fear reaction. That's because the fear reaction is activated instantly - a few seconds faster than the thinking part of the brain can process or evaluate what's happening.
Sometimes fear is triggered by something that is startling or unexpected (like a loud noise), even if it's not actually dangerous. The body stays in this state of fight–flight until the brain receives an "all clear" message and turns off the response. This response is known as "fight or flight" because that is exactly what the body is preparing itself to do: fight off the danger or run fast to get away. These physical sensations of fear can be mild or strong. Some people might notice sensations in the stomach, head, chest, legs, or hands. Blood pumps to muscle groups to prepare the body for physical action (such as running or fighting). This causes physical responses, such as a faster heartbeat, rapid breathing, and an increase in blood pressure.
When we sense danger, the brain reacts instantly, sending signals that activate the nervous system. A feeling of fear can be brief or it can last longer. Like all emotions, fear can be mild, medium, or intense, depending on the situation and the person. Fear can be like a warning, a signal that cautions us to be careful. Feeling afraid is very natural - and helpful - in some situations. It makes us alert to danger and prepares us to deal with it. From the time we're infants, we are equipped with the survival instincts necessary to respond with fear when we sense danger or feel unsafe.įear helps protect us. It is programmed into the nervous system and works like an instinct. What Is Fear?įear is one of the most basic human emotions. It's time to hang onto the handrail, palms sweating, heart racing, and brace yourself for the wild ride down. You know what's about to happen - and there's no way to avoid it now. The roller coaster hesitates for a split second at the peak of its steep track after a long, slow climb.