The Psychology of Fear: Understanding What Keeps You Stuck

Fear is something that most humans deal with at some point in their lives. Varying degrees of fear can result in mental and physical effects. It’s natural for people to feel stuck or held back when they are dealing with something they fear. This is because avoiding fear can temporarily relieve anxious feelings. However, avoidance can have more serious consequences if left untreated. Working with a therapist or online counselor can be a helpful way to work through fears in a safe environment.

What Is Fear?

Fear is defined as a natural human response that is aimed at protection. Fear is meant to keep us safe, but not necessarily helpful for growth. Fear can keep us stuck in situations or dynamics that feel safe. Many years ago, fear responses helped protect humans from dangerous predators in the wild. In modern times, our fear may react the same way when we are not in any physical danger. This fear, without the presence of an actual threat, is what can lead to anxiety.

The Link Between Fear and Anxiety

Fear and anxiety are closely linked because they rely on each other to exist. Fear needs anxiety to help drive action, and anxiety needs fear to ruminate over. Over time, people may begin to doubt themselves and lose trust in themselves. If fear and anxiety are left unchecked, they can create a loop of fear, avoidance, relief, and then more fear. Once in this destructive cycle, it can be difficult to break free from it. It’s valid that people would get stuck in this loop because our bodies are always trying to survive, not necessarily grow. By staying stuck, your fear responses are aimed at keeping you safe in the best way it knows how.

Signs Fear May Be Keeping You Stuck

If you are wondering if fear might be keeping you or someone you love stuck, there are some things you can look out for. When someone is being held back by fear, they often struggle with indecision. They also may avoid certain situations, opportunities, or events as a result of their anxiety or fear. In addition to these warning signs, people who are stuck in fear may also struggle with overthinking or ruminating. People also typically have negative self-talk and self-doubt.

Tools to Overcome Fear

Overcoming fear can bring along its challenges, but it is not impossible. Several evidence-based therapy tools can be used to help overcome fear.

Exposure Therapy: Exposure therapy can be used to help people overcome fears by gradually being exposed to their fear without engaging in relief exercises. Exposure therapy should be done under the supervision of a licensed professional.
Behavioral Activation: Behavioral activation is a skill used to engage in a behavior even when the motivation for it is not present. This helps to break the tendency to avoid fearful situations.
Self-Compassion: Self-compassion can be utilized to improve negative self-talk and create a better relationship with oneself. Self-compassion can help improve self-trust and decrease self-doubt.

Overcoming fear is possible for anyone brave enough to explore it. Fear is a powerful emotion that can drive behavior in ways that we wouldn’t normally choose. Working through our fears can improve our physical and mental health.

If you or someone you love is feeling held back from fear, help is available. Reach out to us today if you are ready to start working together.

References

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10888081/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9248771/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5869760/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2018849/

https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.20220003

Keywords: online counselor [Michigan], anxiety, overcoming fear, self-doubt, therapy tools