People respond to fear in different ways. Some may externalize the feeling as anger and act out with aggression or blame. Some may internalize the feeling as anxiety or depression, seeking escape and distance from what they see themselves powerless over. Others (for whom ‘fight’ or ‘flight’ is not an option) may freeze, numb out, or become fixed in outright denial of the situation.

Fear can help us to survive in unfamiliar or threatening circumstances by making us more aware of the actions we need to take for our well-being. Fear can mobilize us. But it can also paralyze us.  If we are destabilized too much or too often, the feeling may take over to haunt our waking lives as a constant sense of unease or impending doom. If we are stuck in this state for too long, the very biological system that was designed to ensure our well-being can turn on its head as our bodies and minds start to break down from being on alert 24/7.

If our environment or lifestyle actively feeds our fear, we may revert back to basic survival needs and focus solely on immediate and short-term concerns. If our main priority becomes seeking comfort and safety, we may resort to addictive substances and activities to soothe and calm ourselves.

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