All humans feel fear at times. It is the necessary part of our evolved brain that keeps us alive and stops us from doing dangerous, life-threatening things. Our brain synapses fire and flood us with an instinct to react and stop us doing the thing we are about to do. This is a (pretty smart) protective factor to keep us safe and trigger defensive decision-making when it is required. Now, if you are standing too near to the edge of a tall building or are about to walk into a hungry lion’s den, it is an exceptionally good idea to feel the fear and immediately stop the action. But our brain doesn’t always fire when it should, and it can miscommunicate the sensation of fear to us when we don’t need to be drawn to a halt.
We may fear spiders, heights, dogs, birds… there are complex names for phobias and fears that you will never have even heard of yet as there are so many. But sometimes, the thing we are afraid of is hard to name. It is walking through the school door in the morning. It is getting out of bed. It is speaking aloud in a classroom. It is looking in the mirror. It is failing. It is trying.
Fear feels like a punch in the gut or like the world may end this very second, but fear is a feeling and feelings always pass. If you are reading this, then your record of overcoming feeling fear is 100%, and that is impressive. We have evolved to feel fear to keep us alive, but sometimes you need to stare down the fear and find your courage to override the feeling. You can do it.
When you feel fear, remember the three Rs
Respiration: Your brain will respond to your body and realise that you probably aren’t in real and present danger if you are able to stand still and control your breathing. The simple act of inhaling and exhaling is an evolutionary marvel to achieve a calmer physical state.
Reassure yourself: Tell yourself that you are safe. Tell yourself that you will be ok. Repeat it and repeat it until it starts to take effect. You are safe, and you will be ok.
Reach Out: Things are easier when we have a hand to hold or a reassuring friend to walk beside us when things feel frightening or overwhelming.
