How To Overcome Common Fears

How To Overcome Fears

Fear is an uncomfortable, but all too common, part of life. Some of our fears will simply create a little uneasiness, while others may cause severe anxiety disorders. Not learning how to overcome common fears can make it difficult to complete tasks at work or even participate in social activities.

But even worse, chronic fear can have serious negative effects on our health such as:

• Weakened your immune system
• Create ulcers
• Damage your memory
• Impair brain processing functions
• Cause clinical depression
• Accelerate aging

Learning how to overcome common fears will go a long way in improving your life socially and physically. If you suffer from any of the common fears that are listed below, hopefully, this will help you get past them.

Death

There is nothing as certain as death. Everyone and everything will leave this earth at some point in time. Having a fear of this inevitable event can make our time here insufferable.

However, as certain as death is, you are certainly living today. Don’t focus on death, but on life. Make the most of the time that you do have. Take control of your life and stay occupied with things that make you happy and bring you satisfaction. Embrace life and chase your dreams.

Public Speaking

If you suffer from a fear of public speaking, you’re not alone. Speaking in front of people may be the most common fear in the world; even more than death.

One of the most important ways to overcome a fear of public speaking is to be fully prepared. Not having notes and poor planning will only increase your anxiety levels and make things more difficult.

Besides being organized, Brian Tracy (a leading authority on personal success) states some of the following as ideal ways to overcome a fear of public speaking:

• Practice in front of a mirror
• Eliminate your fear of rejection
• Record yourself and learn your voice
• Practice your breathing
• Take a speaking class
• Exercise before speaking
• Sip warm water to lubricate your throat
• Focus on the material, not the audience
• Don’t talk too fast

Needles

We have been conditioned to fear needles since we were young children. Even as adults, we turn into our 5-year old self when it’s time to get a flu shot.

You know that the pain from the needle will be short-lived, so really focus on that. Don’t stare at the needle and work yourself into a frenzy. Try explaining to the nurse that you have a fear of needles and they will be glad to distract you with polite conversation. They’ve seen this before.

Heights

Heights can be terrifying to anyone that is not used to them. Taking things slowly and focusing on your breathing are two important keys to overcoming this fear.

Before you get too high, visualize a successful scenario. One which you get high above the ground and return safely. Finally, don’t be too hard on yourself. Your fear will pass, but it may take time.

Germs

The fear of germs is known as mysophobia. This can be a tricky fear to overcome and may often time require professional treatment. However, therapy’s that designed to treat mysophobia are sometimes capable of being performed in your own home.

Exposer therapy, cognitive restructuring, and relaxation training are all viable options to getting over this common fear. There are some things to keep in mind that could help relieve your anxiety without the assistance of a professional.

Remember that not all germs are bad. In fact, many of them are actually important to keep us in good health.

Learning how to overcome common fears is important in allowing us to live fulfilling lives. A good way to accomplish this is to self-educate yourself and learn as much as possible about your fears.

Sources 

Use these to support claims about fear, coping strategies, and exposure techniques:

1. Research on changing fear responses and behavior change using fear appeals. PMC
   https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5789790/

2. Harvard Health Publishing on ways to manage fear and worry including recognizing triggers, cognitive methods, and mindfulness. Harvard Health
   https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/overcome-your-fear-factor

3. NHS guidance on fighting fears and phobias including exposure and gradual confrontation. NHS Inform
   https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/mental-wellbeing/fears-and-phobias/10-ways-to-fight-your-fears/

4. APA resource on overcoming specific fears and phobias through exposure methods. American Psychological Association
   https://www.apa.org/news/podcasts/speaking-of-psychology/overcoming-phobias

5. Wikipedia overview of systematic desensitization as a method to reduce fear. Wikipedia
   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desensitization_(psychology)

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FAQs 

These match the content and intent of the article and can be added as a quick reference section:

Q: What is fear?
A: Fear is a natural emotional response to danger or the perception of threat.

Q: Why do people fear things like public speaking or heights?
A: Fears can form from past experience, lack of exposure, or our brain’s instinct to protect us from harm.

Q: What is exposure therapy?
A: Exposure therapy involves gradually facing fears in a controlled way to reduce anxiety over time.

Q: Can practicing fear make it go away?
A: Repeated safe exposure to what you fear can lessen the intensity of the fear response if done consistently.

Q: How does breathing or relaxation help overcome fear?
A: Slowing breathing and using relaxation techniques can calm your nervous system and reduce anxiety symptoms.