The Biggest Fears People Have and How to Face Them
Fear can be debilitating, keeping you from reaching your potential. It is an emotion that can lead to anxiety, depression and even physical symptoms like a fast heartbeat and tight chest. Fortunately, you don’t have to let your fears keep you from living your best life. This week on The Very Well Mind Podcast, therapist Amy Morin, LCSW, breaks down the biggest fears people have and how to face them.
Whether it’s a scary monster under the bed or a public speaking presentation, fears can cause us to live in a box of self-limiting beliefs and behaviors. If you struggle with fear, know that it is normal and that the more you challenge those fears and push through them, the more resilient you will become.
Our brains are wired to feel fear in order to help us survive. Whether it’s riding a roller coaster or watching a horror movie, phobias are the result of our bodies reacting to certain triggers. These triggers are typically irrational, and they may make us do things we don’t want to do or avoid situations that make us uncomfortable.
According to a new study, Americans’ biggest fears include speaking in front of a crowd (25.3 percent), clowns (7.6 percent), and zombies (8.9 percent). Interestingly, Democrats were more fearful of these phobias than Republicans.
It is not surprising that this fear is at the top of America’s list considering how much of our everyday lives involve speaking in front of others. Whether it is reporting to work or giving a business pitch, the ability to confidently speak in public is a key trait for many career paths. Those who struggle with this fear often feel self-conscious and have a hard time believing that their words will be taken well by others.
This year’s survey also shows a return of environmental concerns, with pollution of oceans, rivers and lakes as the sixth largest fear. This is likely due to the growing awareness of the health impacts caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Some ways to combat these fears are through cognitive and behavioral therapy. This includes practicing to do the thing that scares you, gradually and with support. For example, if you have a fear of dogs, your therapist could slowly introduce you to a dog in a safe setting. They can show you how to interact with a dog without being afraid, and work up to the point that you can pet and walk a dog on your own. You can also try to think more rationally about your fear by asking yourself questions like “What am I really afraid of?” and “Is this fear irrational?”. It’s important to understand that your fears are irrational, and that you can work through them in order to be happy and successful. If you need extra support overcoming your fears, we recommend checking out SANE’s help center for resources and information on how to get help.