This blog was written by SJPL Staff Member, Stephanie Budros
What is Fear?
According to Cambridge Dictionary, fear is “an unpleasant emotion or thought that you have when you are frightened or worried by something dangerous, painful, or bad that is happening or might happen.” It’s an emotional reaction to a perceived threat, triggering a ‘fight-or-flight’ response in the body. As referenced by American Journal of Psychology founder G. Stanley Hall, fear is “the anticipation of pain.” Fear increases heart rate, stimulates sweat glands and elevates adrenaline levels. And we know it when we feel it.
Fear Versus Dread
While fear is connected to panic, shock, and sometimes disgust, it is also commonly linked to anxiety. In Greek mythology, Deimos (the god of dread) represents the dread (or anxiety) typically felt before battle. Alternatively, the god of fear, Phobos, (from which “Phobia” is derived) personifies the terror and panic felt during battle. So, the distinction between fear and dread (anxiety) has been examined for years. Basically, while fear is born from an immediate and specific threat of external danger, anxiety is an internalized state of overwhelm, with less tangible worries about future events which may or may not happen.
Types of Fear
What do people fear? The list is endless. The fear of public speaking is among the most common and universal. This fear most dramatically impacts people whose careers require it. Clinical phobias, now classified as anxiety disorders, affect one in four of us. And some disorders, such as agoraphobia (fear of open spaces), can be so acute that they interfere with one’s ability to live a full life. While certain fears are mild and relatively inconsequential, others are deep and haunting.
Just for the Thrill of It
On the other hand, sometimes it is fun to be scared. For proof, ask the billions who flock to amusement parks every year, seeking out haunted houses and roller coasters. Or take note of the 55 horror films released in North America in 2024: the highest number released since the 1990s. Fear, especially in these contexts, can offer an abundance of energy and a natural high. And increased adrenaline, dopamine, and serotonin can even help the brain to work more efficiently.
Finding Balance 
While it is quite natural to be stressed and afraid intermittently, sometimes fear and anxiety stand in the way of our wishes and goals, thwarting our happiness. In more extreme cases, people benefit most from the guidance and support of a professional. In other instances, people may feel relief by following recommended practices: accepting our feelings, engaging in calming or creative activities, connecting with friends, eating nourishing foods, exercising, and enjoying motivating books or media. Through support and education, we can build our resilience and increase our levels of confidence… and courage. As Nelson Mandela once said, “Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.”
Recommended Reading
13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do
Feel the Fear-- and Do It Anyway
Don't Believe Everything You Think (available on Hoopla)
TIROC Blog Series
This blog is part of a series that will focus on being trauma-informed and resilience-oriented as part of the Library's efforts to embrace the TIROC principles in our interactions with you and with ourselves.
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