Fear

How does it feel?
Fear usually feels sharp and urgent, it is a sudden surge of alarm, a strong urge to escape or protect yourself, and intense physical reactions. You may experience a racing heart, rapid breathing, sweating, trembling, tunnel vision, or a rush of adrenaline. Mentally, fear narrows attention onto the threat, heightens startle responses, and can cause immediate, strong avoidance or defensive behavior. For some people, fear can also produce a freeze or inability to act.

How to overcome fear?
To reduce or overcome unhelpful fear, start with safety and gradual exposure. First, confirm whether the fear is proportionate to real danger; if it is, take appropriate safety actions. If the fear is excessive, persistent, or interferes with life, use controlled, gradual exposure to the feared situation in small, manageable steps so the nervous system learns the situation is not as dangerous as expected. Use cognitive strategies to reappraise the threat; ask what evidence supports catastrophic beliefs and generate more realistic predictions. When fear is not extreme, explore our online gallery for emotional solace, come to discover Edvard Munch’s paintings that capture the essence of loneliness.