Fear: meaning in psychology

George Alvarez 05-07-2023
George Alvarez

We all carry some kind of insecurity, either about ourselves or about the world, but understanding the meaning of this feeling will allow you to better assess the challenges in your life and have more autonomy in dealing with them. In view of this, we will explain the meaning of fear in Psychology and how to get rid of it.

What is fear?

According to psychology, fear is an insecurity associated with fear of the consequences of one's actions That is, in order to preserve oneself, a person creates a negative idea about a certain experience or event. Although this caution may seem positive, when it is not controlled, it can paralyze the individual's development.

To help you better understand the concept of fear, think about a person who drives and is very apprehensive about the way he handles the vehicle. Because of his fear, such a driver will be more cautious and careful to avoid getting involved in traffic accidents. However, if this fear becomes too great, he might not be able to take the wheel anymore.

See_also: Agrura: what it is, meaning and examples

In case you are wondering how to spell fear - whether fearful or resentful - the first form is the correct one.

Causes

There are several determining factors that lead a person to be afraid in relation to his or her daily activities. For example:

  • insecurity about their own abilities;
  • lack of practice of some activity;
  • anxiety, which leads this person to fear negative situations in advance;
  • traumas, as the memory triggers specific memories about some fear.

Even when it is healthy to think about consequences

It is true that thinking about the consequences of your actions helps in the preservation of your physical, emotional and mental health. However, the problem arises when this excessive worry becomes the target of your actions.

One of the most common examples is a person's decision not to show affection for someone he or she really likes for fear of rejection.colleagues will find them bad.

Know that taking risks is part of anyone's life, after all, no one can control the environment around them, so initiatives should not be seen as scary, nor should fear limit your experiences. Understand that the experiences you experience can be good or bad and your decision making will directly influence your development as a human being .

The Difference Between Fear and Fear

Even though fear and apprehension are similar, they have important differences when it comes to their consequences. Fear makes us analyze a situation carefully, thinking of negative points. Still, it does not prevent us from following through with our desires. On the other hand, Fear can cause us to retreat and even become paralyzed at times .

See_also: Escape from Reality

Fear can be crippling in certain situations, causing a person emotional and moral damage. However, you should not restrict yourself because of the challenges you must face. After all, q hen you believe in your own ability to achieve, you are hardly ever shaken by the fear of failure or the judgment of others .

The role of anxiety

Anxiety is usually a recurring element when a person becomes fearful of something in life. This is because bad situations are anticipated, increasing your fear of your activities. When anxiety is added to the individual's traumas, it becomes very complicated for him to overcome daily fears .

Everything becomes more complicated when the physiological and emotional reactions of this person become more and more altered. This happens because the expectations created are pessimistic enough to generate agony in the mind of the fearful one. In view of this, it is clear how anxiety can be frightening, limiting and stunting a person's actions and thoughts.

Read Also: On Living in the Present: Some Thoughts

Protection

Both fear and fear have the basic function of preserving the life of an individual Thus, a fearful person is capable of analyzing a situation, being able to consciously understand the existing risks. On the other hand, fear can make that same individual retreat before taking action in order to preserve himself.

For this reason, thinking about one's own well-being and integrity always makes a fearful person act with extreme caution. Even if he continues to face the distressing situation, he will certainly think long and hard before making any decisions. This will especially be the case if other people depend on him, such as children or subordinates in a company.

How to overcome the fear?

Even though it is not an easy task, it is possible to overcome the fear and take control of your life. In order to deal with this barrier that acts against your will, start to:

Investigate the source of the fear

Think about it, understand the origins of your insecurity, and find a way to overcome this problem.

I want information to enroll in the Psychoanalysis Course .

Improve your skills

When you feel able to do something, you also feel more confident about yourself, so seek help from a skilled professional, depending on your needs, or from an acquaintance to help you develop.

Think about the benefits of facing your fear

Investigate whether, by facing the problem, you approach something that you think is important. If the answer is yes, proceed toward your target.

Deal with your thoughts

Just because you believe you will have an accident leaving the house doesn't mean it will happen.

Focus on the present

Focus on the present, avoiding giving in to anxious thoughts about your future. A person who focuses on the now is able to better enjoy interactions with other people and personal experiences.

Value your achievements

Be that person who always remembers his successes, so that you can feel secure in yourself. If necessary, create a list of your achievements, recording all the times you have overcome a challenge.

List your fears

Try to put down on paper each of your fears, making an effort when possible to deal with them, but don't rush into this task, pushing yourself to be more autonomous in your decisions. Respect your time and abilities by being patient, and you will be able to deal with the challenges that lie ahead.

Final Thoughts on Fear

Having fear and being "overcome" by it at some point in your life does not make you a weak or incapacitated person Remember that each of us has a unique experience and there are many factors that determine our victories.

Believe me, you are not alone in this goal and you can get support to grow whenever you need it!

With this in mind, we invite you to enroll in our online Psychoanalysis course. We have the structure you need to work on your self-knowledge and your ability to manage your fears and desires. dispel any fears you may have inside.

George Alvarez

George Alvarez is a renowned psychoanalyst who has been practicing for over 20 years and is highly regarded in the field. He is a sought-after speaker and has conducted numerous workshops and training programs on psychoanalysis for professionals in the mental health industry. George is also an accomplished writer and has authored several books on psychoanalysis that have received critical acclaim. George Alvarez is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and expertise with others and has created a popular blog on Online Training Course in Psychoanalysis that is widely followed by mental health professionals and students around the world. His blog provides a comprehensive training course that covers all aspects of psychoanalysis, from theory to practical applications. George is passionate about helping others and is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of his clients and students.