Writing this brings to my mind the year 2020. My neighbour’s child had just overheard that bathing with salt and very hot water appeared to be the best approach to avoid contracting Corona. This little girl, out of fear and love for her dear mother, did as she had eavesdropped the next day. You can imagine how her mother felt that day in the bathroom.

But one profound question her mother asked her was, “Why do you want to kill me before Corona arrives?”

Fear!

Fear, like all emotions, can range from mild to severe, depending on the event and the individual. Fear can last for a short period or a lengthy period.

It is sometimes triggered by anything shocking or unexpected (such as sighting from afar, a long curled rope), even if it is not genuinely threatening. This is due to the fact that the fear response is engaged instantly—a few seconds faster than the thinking half of the brain can absorb or evaluate what’s going on. When the brain receives enough information to recognize there is no threat (“Oh, it’s just a rope and not a snake!”), it turns off the fear response. This can all happen in a couple of seconds.

People are terrified of items or situations that make them feel unsafe or uncertain. Someone who isn’t a strong swimmer, for example, may be afraid of deep water. In this scenario, fear is beneficial because it alerts the individual to keep safe. This phobia could be alleviated by learning how to swim safely.

Meanwhile, fear can also be beneficial. In this case, it warns a person to be cautious while near something potentially dangerous. Consider not knowing that a snake can kill. Then you come across one. You can probably walk past it without terror. But when you do. Do you laugh at it or run for your life?

Moreso, people tend to avoid situations or things that they are afraid of. However, this does not help individuals overcome their fear—in fact, it can have the opposite effect. Avoiding anything frightening reinforces and strengthens the fear.

To overcome it, you must allow yourself to learn about and gradually become accustomed to the object or circumstance you are scared of. Facing your fears gradually (and safely) helps you overcome them.

What are you afraid of? Are you addressing it or reinforcing it?

Do share your answer with me in the comment box. Don’t forget to also like this.

Do enjoy the weekend.