Fear

Fear accompanies humans more often than joy or happiness. From the moment a child is born, their cry may reflect an undefined feeling, possibly fear of life. Throughout life, various fears persist, never fully leaving us.

In childhood, we fear basements and darkness, real or imaginary beings. Later, we fear bad grades, breaking a window, staining clothes, or returning home late. We fear the first dance, and the first sexual experience is even more daunting. Feelings, desires, and fears intertwine.

We eagerly want children but fear the responsibilities and burdens. Wives fear husbands, husbands fear wives, and both fear their parents or relatives. At work, we fear superiors, tasks, and responsibilities. Later, we fear our children. A panorama of fears unfolds endlessly. Fear is so prevalent that many philosophers consider it a fundamental existential issue.

Despite its commonality, language lacks precision to describe fear. We use terms like fear, intimidation, apprehension, unease, dread, panic, or terror. Some languages have more expressions, but no single word fully captures the type or intensity of fear.

What happens when we’re afraid? It’s not just a sense of threat or danger. Fear triggers physical reactions, particularly autonomic symptoms: flushed or pale face, rapid heartbeat, cold sweat. Shocking news can make legs feel “cut off,” leading to collapse or fainting. Blood flow disrupts, and insufficient blood to the brain causes loss of consciousness.

Nervous signals from the body’s surface and brain become uncoordinated, leading to illusions, hallucinations, trembling hands or legs, shaky voice, inability to speak, or uncontrolled, incoherent behavior. Fear affects the entire body and mind.

Fear is most intense in critical situations, such as earthquakes, armed conflicts, or unexpected events, manifesting as shock-like panic. There are also vague feelings of discomfort or apprehension we hesitate to call fear. Between these extremes lies a wide range of reactions.

The intensity of fear depends not on the actual cause but on the perceived experience. A child doesn’t fear a lion because they don’t know the danger, while an adult may fear walking through a graveyard at night, despite no real threat. Everyday life includes normal, rational fears, distinct from imagined fears without objective causes.

If real or imagined causes of fear persist, chronic changes occur. Fear is present in many mental disorders and can be the primary symptom. The simplest form is stage fright, linked to exams or public performances. Stage fright often diminishes with repeated exposure.

The first time speaking publicly, we feel intense anxiety. With repetition, it gradually fades. However, in some cases, fear intensifies with each occurrence, accompanied by symptoms like flushed face, shaky voice, stuttering, or trembling hands.

Fear becomes a disorder when stage fright is so severe it prevents normal work or social interactions. Early treatment is crucial, as prolonged fear worsens recovery prospects. Without help, individuals may isolate themselves, develop feelings of inferiority, withdraw, or quit their jobs.

If fear is not too intense and we’re ashamed to admit it, we can overcome it. This can be practiced by deliberately facing fear-inducing situations. If someone realizes there’s no reason to fear, the fear may subside. However, knowing there’s no reason isn’t enough; the individual must emotionally process and eliminate the perceived cause, often requiring psychotherapeutic help.

While fear is primarily a sense of threat, it can also be positive, spurring action. Many heroic deeds arise from fear-driven situations, where fear becomes an ally. Modern medications can reduce fear, but they are not all-powerful.

Fear can only be resolved by addressing its cause. Through collaboration between the patient and doctor, the true reasons for fear are uncovered, leading to its gradual or sudden cessation.