Fear is a natural and primitive emotion that can be experienced by everyone to some degree. It is one of the seven universal emotions experienced by everyone around the world. Fear arises with the threat of harm, either physical, emotional, or psychological, real or imagined. While traditionally considered a “negative” emotion, fear actually serves an important role in keeping us safe as it mobilizes us to cope with potential danger. Fear is programmed into the nervous system and works like an instinct. From the time were infants, we are equipped with the survival instincts necessary to respond with fear when we sense danger or feel unsafe. Fear helps protect us and makes us alert to danger and prepares us to deal with it.
The family of fearful experiences can be distinguished in terms of three factors: intensity, timing, and coping. Intensity refers to how severe the harm that is threatened is, while timing refers to whether the harm is immediate or impending. Coping refers to what, if any, actions can be taken to reduce or eliminate the threat.
Fear can be like a warning, a signal that cautions us to be careful. Like all emotions, fear can be mild, medium, or intense, depending on the situation and the person. A feeling of fear can be brief or it can last longer. Fear can also be a defense mechanism in the face of potential danger or harm.
Common disorders associated with fear include phobias, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, healthy anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) . Fear can be useful in many situations as it can keep us from harm. However, when fear becomes extreme in certain situations, such as in social situations or towards a particular object, it may be indicative of a more significant issue. Seeking professional help and support can be beneficial in managing and overcoming fear.
