In today’s podcast we will be venturing into the realm of fear, a powerful and often perplexing emotion that's been with us since the dawn of humankind. It's a feeling as old as humanity itself, a primal response that has kept us safe from countless dangers throughout our evolution.
But fear isn't just a simple alarm bell. It's a complex tapestry woven from our biology, our experiences, and the stories we tell ourselves. Understanding the intricate dance of neurons firing in our brains when faced with a perceived threat, and how those responses can become deeply ingrained, is the first step in truly understanding its power over us. How many times has that nagging feeling held us back? Our exploration today isn't about some mythical state of fearlessness; rather, it's about cultivating a new way of relating to this fundamental emotion.
About Liz Carruthers
I am joined in this conversation with my friend, Liz Carruthers who is registered Psychotherapist with the UKCP working with patients and couples in a top London cancer centre for many years.
Now we are not experts on fear however we thought it might be worthwhile airing this and sharing our insights personally and professionally.
In this podcast we pose the following questions on Fear?
What is fear? How, in your experience of people facing mortality, can fear be a catalyst for change ?
Neuroscience research over the years has helped us to learn about our Fight/flight freeze responses, but what we probably know less about is our freeze responses and how getting stuck in freeze response can be unhelpful
Sometimes there seems to be some confusion between fear and anxiety. How would you differentiate them, and what's their relationship between them?
Finally, can fear ever be a motivator – perhaps even a positive one – to push us to strive for more, or to take action?"
Resources
There are many books on fear, here is a list of few of them.
One of the most highly recommended books for overcoming fear is ``Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway'' by Susan Jeffers
Fear: Essential Wisdom for Getting Through the Storm by Thich Nhat Hanh
Daring Greatly by Brené Brown
The Confidence Gap A Guide to Overcoming Fear and Self-Doubt by Russ Harris
The Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy
"The Gift of Fear: Survival Signals That Protect Us from Violence" by Gavin de Becker: Focuses on trusting your intuition and recognizing subtle warning signs of danger. While not strictly neuroscience, it's crucial for understanding real-world fear.
"Rewire Your Anxious Brain: How to Use the Neuroscience of Fear to End Anxiety, Panic, and Worry" by Catherine M. Pittman and Elizabeth M. 1 Karle: Provides a clear and accessible explanation of the brain mechanisms underlying anxiety and offers practical strategies for rewiring those pathways.
Befriending and Navigating Fear:
Acceptance and Awareness: Emphasize the importance of acknowledging and accepting fear as a natural human emotion rather than trying to suppress or ignore it. Mindfulness practices can be helpful here.
Cognitive Reframing: Discuss how we can challenge and re-evaluate fear-inducing thoughts. Are they based on reality? What are the alternative perspectives?
Exposure Therapy (Gradual): Explain how carefully and gradually facing our fears in a safe environment can desensitize the fear response over time.
Building Resilience: Explore strategies for developing emotional resilience, such as self-compassion, strong social support, and healthy coping mechanisms.
Understanding the Purpose of Fear: Frame fear not just as a negative emotion but also as a signal that can alert us to potential danger and motivate protective actions.
Mindfulness and Meditation: Discuss how these practices can help us observe fear without judgment and reduce its intensity.
Somatic Practices: Explore how body-based techniques like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or yoga can help regulate the physiological responses associated with fear.
