It’s Time To Face Your Fears

It’s Time To Face Your Fears

Being Humans, we all have some fear or the other. Fear is one condition that can deeply affect us inside. Fears vary from person to person and so does its effect on our lives.

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It’s probably true to say that we all have fears which may seem a little illogical to others. This, ironically, is perfectly normal and is part of the human condition. But problems arise when we allow these fears to become bigger and less rational than they deserve to be. And the psychologists tell us that avoidance makes these fears worse – which is when they develop into phobias.
To combat such spiralling fears, the psychologists say it is necessary to face our fears. But what are our fears, and how do we really begin to face them in order to help set ourselves free?

Well, according to research provided by Voucherbox, some of our biggest fears include personal failure along with the fear of insects, which affects more of us women than men. On the other hand, the males of the human species most fear being judged by others, apparently.
The research also found that over 37% of people surveyed in the UK try to meet those fears head on, most commonly by the use of self-help books or psychological therapy of one form or another.
Some of the most common human fears around the globe are the fear of flying (which is said to be due to a lack of a feeling of control), the fear of public speaking, along with ophidiophobia, the fear of snakes, acrophobia or fear of heights, agoraphobia or the fear of open spaces, and even cynophobia, which is the fear of dogs.

“Aeroplane” (CC BY 2.0) by George Alexander Ishida Newman

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Sometimes, however, your fears may be more subtle, such as a fear of spending money even when you can well afford it, or fear of abandonment or being alone etc. Almost all fears have a logical starting point and have developed over many millennia of human evolution.
But whatever your fears may be – the worst thing you can do, according to psychologists, is to avoid them, even though this seems a perfectly logical thing to do.
So for example, if you have arachnophobia which you have never come close to facing, it may have burgeoned over time into completely illogical territory – such as the reluctance to even say the world “spider” or to look at a picture of one etc. The “cure” then begins by taking small steps towards, ultimately, being able to hold a spider in your hand, for example.

“The Monster from under the telly!” (CC BY 2.0) by Capt’ Gorgeous

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Whatever your fears are – you will be well aware of them. And most of us try to avoid facing them; so don’t be too critical of yourself. The important thing to remember is that by facing your own fears gradually, you will also be able to set yourself free from them.
There are a number of steps we can take which can overcome your deepest fears. Just remember to make that resolution with yourself that you will fight and face your fears – then take “baby” steps towards doing so. Remember, too, to take real action and to repeat it. Fear can only be conquered through direct action to face it – however gradual your progress may be. So if fear of flying is your big fear – begin to think a little about the very possibility of getting on a plane, for example.
Remember to keep trying, to not get disheartened, and maybe to look for help from a family member or friend, or a professional psychologist as you take those first steps towards conquering your fears and setting yourself free from their yoke. You won’t regret it.