Many who manifest panic disorder symptoms say that overcoming fear seems to be an impossible and turbid path for them to walk through. Well, that could be justified. Those who haven’t been educated on just how to deal with panic do have a difficult time removing such overwhelming fear from their lives.
It’s very unlikely that any of us could ever come up with ways to overcoming fear if we don’t first comprehend it. It’s also quite helpful to first become familiar with a plain definition of it and some correlated terms and issues. Below is a comprehensive definition that discusses fear and phobia.
What is Phobia and How Is It Related to Fear?
“To be defined as a phobia, the fear must cause some level of impairment,” says Dr. Reid Wilson, author of the book Don’t Panic. So basically, it can be easily understood as the severity of the feeling of fear. It’s so severe that it can be disabling to the individual who suffers from it. And thus, “Phobias involve the experience of persistent fear that is excessive and unreasonable,” as said by Dr. Wilson.
However, experts are at a loss when it comes to explaining the underlying cause of phobias. They are considered mental illness. Genetics and social environment are said to also play a role. But the most evident thing is that overcoming fear appears to be impossible for those who suffer from phobias.
Basically, What is Fear?
Fear on the other hand is mainly a negative and strong emotion due to any perceived dangerous stimuli. Areas in the brain namely the amygdala and hypothalamus are ignited instantly, which are said to control the first physical reaction to fear. Adrenalin and cortisol, a stress hormone are then released into the blood stream, which causes responses like fast heart beat and excessive sweating.
Profound psychologists like John Watson have considered fear as belonging to a small set of basic and innate emotions. Fear is associated with the emotional state coined as anxiety. And which takes place commonly without evident external threat.
Yes, Treatments for Overcoming Fear are Possible
Of course, having intense fear is not a hopeless case. There are various treatments that assist a person suffering severe symptoms. You can consult a psychotherapist that can provide you with a treatment plan to fit your own particular needs. This will in many cases involve psychoanalytic or behavioral techniques. A useful exercise covers what is know as the flooding technique, which exposes the individual to prolong exposure to the perceived treat. Other therapies include cognitive and biological approaches.
Phobias cannot be self diagnosed. Symptoms and the intensity vary from individual to individual. If you believe that your apprehension is overwhelming and is disabling you, seek the help of a mental health professional. They can determine your current status and develop a treatment plan that will surely aid you in your journey toward overcoming fear.
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