Fear
What Is It?
Feeling scared is a natural reaction to something that seems dangerous or unsafe. We can fear something which makes us feel unsure or unsafe.
Fear can be a good thing. It can be a warning sign to help us avoid danger.
Fear, like any emotion, can be big or small. It can last for a short or longer time. Sometimes, our fear can be really intense or unnecessary compared to the situation.
Phobias are intense fear of a certain thing, like public speaking or spiders. When someone has a phobia, their reaction is extreme for what it is. For example, throwing a book with a picture of a spider across the room and screaming hysterically. Many people have phobias.
It is possible to overcome phobias and fears.
What Does It Feel Like?
Feeling scared can feel different for everyone.
Fear can feel like:
- You are ready to spring into action
- Your breathing might chance
- Your heart starts pounding
- You might feel angry or sad
- You might want to cry
- You could start shaking
- You might feel like you have a pit in your stomach
- You could feel frozen in place
- Your mind might go blank
What Can You Do to Calm Down?
It is okay to be scared. Everyone gets scared. It is not okay to hurt someone else or yourself because you are scared. There are healthy ways to deal with your fear.
Things you can do to calm down:
- Take slow, deep breaths or try relaxation techniques
- Scribble on a piece of paper
- Yell into a pillow
- Play a game
- Go outside
- Get active
- Listen to music
- Dance
- Play an instrument
- Write it out
- Take a break
- Watch a funny movie
- Think of what is bothering you and think of solutions to deal with it
- Talk with a loved one
- Play with a pet
- Ask for help
- Read a book
- Go for a walk
- Think of things that make you happy
- Safely face your fears
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