WHY are we afraid? Why do we dwell on worst-case scenarios and react to minor mishaps as though they are a matter of life and death?
Fear is an instinctive response when our survival is threatened or our belief systems challenged. Healthy fear is an important part of our defence mechanism which keeps us on our toes and alert to danger. But fear, if left unchecked, can grow into a neurotic anxiety that can be paralysing as it leaves us in a state of worry, panic and non-specific tension.
Constant fear
undermines relationships, increases stress levels and causes unfavourable
physical signs such as insomnia, exhaustion, heart palpitations, shortness of
breath and dizziness.
We are routinely
altered by fear during the course of a normal day - from simply feeling nervous
about a new experience to repeatedly rethinking a critical comment. Like a
chameleon, fear takes on disguises in the form of jealousy, anger, sadness,
irritation and doubt.
