As the seasons are changing, October is bringing back the best time of the year: spooky season. The idea of getting spooked usually comes from nail-biting horror movies or scary ghost stories. However, there is a greater connection of fear that runs from deep within. According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, Fear is defined as “an unpleasant often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger.”

What exactly happens when our bodies experience this fear? In some instances, our breathing picks up as our heart rates increase. In an instant, our palms may start to sweat, and our lungs can expand in order to increase our oxygen intake. The phenomenon of fear ignites the human “fight or flight” response. Whether its when you have an unexpected jump scare in a movie or have to make a split decision about college, our brains don’t know the difference when it comes to releasing chemicals that ensure our survival. The same thing comes when experiencing anxiety; it is just a manifestation of our fear within everyday situations.

There are two ways to determine how to approach our fears: Forget Everything And Run or Face Everything And Rise. When dealing with difficult situations, such as how to approach a hard topic, or speaking up for one’s self, many might prefer the easy way out. However, running away from fears, like not wanting to talk in front of a large group of people or having an idea but not wanting to share it, will cause some regret. One day you may wish that you could’ve spoken up and made a difference for at least one person. One thing is for certain, avoidance of your fears will get you nowhere.

Truly, there is nothing you can lose by facing and conquering what scares you the most. It could be even learning how to drive, starting a club, or even opening yourself to those who care. By facing everything, you are able to be more than you ever thought you could be! Encourage yourself to take that step because it is never too late to be who you want to be!

Sources:

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/what-happens-brain-feel-fear-180966992/#targetText=The%20fear%20response%20starts%20in,the%20brain%20called%20the%20amygdala.&targetText=This%20leads%20to%20bodily%20changes,rate%20and%20blood%20pressure%20rise.

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