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What is the function of fear and anxiety?
The main function of fear and anxiety is to act as a signal for danger or threat.
Our body is adapted to trigger certain responses aimed at escaping from the source of danger.
According to The National Centre of Biotechnology Information, fear stimulates different parts of the brain compared to anxiety.
Fear is focused on external danger. Fear was critical in keeping our ancestors alive.
Anxiety is a generalised response to an unknown threat or conflict. A characteristic of anxiety seems to be uncertainty. This is probably to do with lack of control, which makes coping more difficult.
Increased anxiety may be due to:
- a genetic disposition and some types of anxiety disorders are linked to specific genes
- traumatic life experiences
- physical conditions, such as thyroid disorders
How can fear make you feel?
Fear sends a signal to the thalamus, and then to the amygdala, in the brain. Neurotransmitters are then released throughout the body.
This causes physical responses including:
- a faster heartbeat
- rapid breathing
- an increase in blood pressure
- skin may sweat to keep the body cool
This response is known as ‘fight or flight’ - fight off the danger or run fast to get away.
Fear weakens the immune system. It can be exhausting to feel intense fear.
How does anxiety make you feel?
Anxiety is what you feel when you are worried, tense, or afraid. You may have these feelings about things that are about to happen, or which you think could happen in the future.
Anxiety is a natural human response when you think that you are under threat. It can be experienced through your thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations.
Physical responses to anxiety include the same as those of fear.
You may also:
Have a churning feeling in the stomach
Feel dizzy or feel light-headed
Feel restless
Have problems sleeping
Grind your teeth
Feel nauseous
Have panic attacks
Have low mood
Be irritable
Have poor concentration
Have low energy
Tips to overcome fear and anxiety
There are a number of things that you can try to overcome fear and anxiety. Here are ideas of some of the things that may help:
Allow yourself to sit with your fear for 2-3 minutes at a time. Breathe deeply and say to yourself, ‘It’s OK’.
Start to understand your fear. Note down each time what you were doing or what you were thinking when you started to feel fearful.
Start a gratitude journal. Write down 3 things that you are thankful for at the end of every day. Focusing on gratitude helps to relieve stress and increase feelings of overall well-being.
Exercise on a regular basis. Swimming, biking, brisk walking, or dancing may help.
Try to relax. Yoga is great way to relax. Some yoga classes include meditation, which may also be helpful for overcoming fear and anxiety.
Avoid too much sugar which can cause dips in blood sugar levels. These dips may create anxious feelings.
Some people find complementary therapies helpful. Try homeopathy for anxiety. I have had good results with some clients who have mild anxiety.
A talking therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) may be helpful
Negative fear can hold you back from taking risks.
Positive fear will make you uncomfortable with the status quo, and push you to step out of your comfort zone.
Is homeopathy for you?
Homeopathy is used all over the world for so many health issues, including anxiety. Whether you have a big health issue that is stopping you from getting on with your life, or niggly health 'annoyances', feel free to contact me if you think I may be able to help.
Next steps
If you would like to speak to me about how homeopathy may help I offer a free 30 minute discovery call. During this call, we talk about you, your symptoms, and how they are affecting you. I will ask you some questions to see if homeopathy may be beneficial to you.
I am always happy to hear from you.
Naziana x
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