There are many different types of fear… One of the largest groups are phobias, covering anything and everything from spiders to heights, so whatever you are afraid of, be it snakes or fairground rides, it seems that almost every phobia exists because you are afraid of being attacked. Injured or killed. Basically, fear is an emotion that is there to keep you safe, and to insure your survival… So, how does your body tell you that you are afraid, and what does it do to help you? If you are walking home alone in the dark one evening and think someone is walking along behind you, you may not necessarily hear their footsteps, but for some reason your brain ‘senses’ that something is not right. You may look around and see that there is no one behind you after all or that the person who was behind you has now turned off, meaning everything in you brain and body can calm down. however, if there is someone lurking around or something that makes you feel uncomfortable your body will go into survival mode whereby, your mind alerts your nervous system which sends out stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, your blood pressure and heart rate increases, you breathe faster and your muscles tense up, ready for you to take action (fight or flight). For some reason, if you are walking in a dark or wooded area, you may suddenly be able to see better, because your pupils will become enlarged. Amazing, eh? Almost every part of your brain and body will be fighting in your corner if there is a real threat to your life. Unfortunately, not everyone heeds their body’s communication and warnings, because there are many who know their life is in danger from a partner or friend but will be more afraid to get away than to stay. However, your brain would have picked up on a pending dangerous situation very quickly, therefore, if your body is warning you of future problems, it is better to listen, take heed and get away sooner rather than later.
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