Fear and anxiety are two of the most common emotions that people experience. Do you know the difference between them? Many people don't, and the two are often confused. In this article, we will discuss in detail what fear and anxiety are, and their mental and physical symptoms to better understand their key differences. As a bonus, you will also find 7 tips on how to control them.
What is the meaning of fear?
Fear is a survival mechanism that is hardwired into our brains. It is a very primal emotion that is essential to our health and survival. Fear is triggered by a perceived threat and results in the release of hormones that prepare our bodies for fight or flight response mode. In some cases, fear can be helpful, such as when it helps us to avoid dangerous situations.
However, fear can also have negative effects on our health. When we live in constant fear, our bodies remain in a state of high alert, which can lead to chronic stress. Fear can also cause us to miss out on opportunities and experiences.
Ultimately, the meaning of fear depends on the individual and the situation. For some people, fear is a motivating force that helps them to achieve their goals. For others, it is a debilitating emotion that prevents them from living their best lives.
It is important to understand the meaning of fear in order to manage it effectively. Only by understanding its purpose and what triggers our fears can we learn to control it and use it in a healthy way.
What is the meaning of anxiety?
Anxiety is a feeling of unease, such as worry or nervousness, that can be mild or severe. This emotion is triggered by worrying thoughts of the unknown or of something negative happening in the near future. Anxiety is often accompanied by physical symptoms, such as a racing heart, sweating, and difficulty breathing.
The purpose of experiencing anxiety is to help us survive future potential threats. In the past, this emotion would have helped our ancestors avoid danger by thinking ahead and preparing for the worst. Nowadays, we don't face the same dangers as our ancestors did, but we still experience anxiety.
While anxiety can be a positive thing when experienced in small doses and in the right situations, it can become a problem when it is constant and starts to interfere with our daily lives. When this happens, your body starts to experience what is known as "fight or flight response" (FFR), which is when the body's sympathetic nervous system is activated. Unfortunately, when the anxiety is so intense or continually happens over a long period, the person’s autonomic nervous system gets stuck in fight-or-flight mode causing the brain to produce chemicals that only promote more anxiety on autopilot. When this happens, it can lead to mental disorders and anxiety disorders.
Although occasional anxiety is normal, anxiety disorders are more than just an occasional bout of nerves. People with anxiety disorders often have difficulty controlling their worry and may experience physical symptoms such as sweating, heart palpitations, and difficulty breathing. When left untreated, it can lead to health problems such as high blood pressure and ulcers. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health condition in the world affecting millions of adults, especially women.
Signs and symptoms of fear
When we are in danger or experiencing fear, our bodies go into fight-or-flight fear response. This means that our sympathetic nervous system is activated and we release stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. This can lead to a number of physical and mental symptoms, including:
- Rapid heartbeat
- Sweating
- Tense muscles
- Shallow breathing
- Trembling body
- Butterflies in the stomach
- Dizziness
- Negative racing thoughts
- Sense of dread
Anxiety symptoms and signs
Anxiety symptoms will depend on what caused it and how severe it is. For example, one of the most common causes of anxiety in the United States is work and money. This can lead to a number of physical and mental symptoms, including:
- Persistent worry and rumination
- Negative thoughts about the future
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Muscle tension
- Fatigue
- Difficulty sleeping (falling or staying asleep)
- Memory loss
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Headaches
- Unexplained pains
Causes of fear
Fear is an emotion evoked by danger or the perception of threat. Some of the causes are:
Extinction
It is the extreme fear of being completely eradicated or forgotten. Some examples include; suddenly being placed in the dark, flying through strong turbulence, and being diagnosed with a terminal illness.
Mutilation or Bodily Invasion
Few things are more unnerving than the thought of losing a part of our body or of someone (something) invading our bodies without our consent. Some examples include; surgery or a medical procedure, being attacked or assaulted, and insects or animals that could potentially invade your body
Loss of Autonomy
The fear of being restricted, controlled, or limited in some way is known as the fear of loss of autonomy. This fear can manifest itself in many different ways. For some people, it may be a fear of being trapped or confined. Others may be afraid of being controlled by someone else or unable to make their own decisions.
The fear of loss of autonomy can also be triggered by changes in our environment or circumstances that we cannot control, such as losing our job, our home, or the stock market crashing.
Separation, Abandonment, or Rejection
Separation, abandonment, or rejection are all fear-based emotions. They are usually caused by some sort of loss or perceived threat. We may feel abandoned when we feel separated from someone or something we love. This can happen when a relationship ends, or when we are rejected by someone we care about. We may also feel abandoned when we are forced to leave a place that is familiar to us.
Rejection is similar to abandonment, but it is usually caused by a fear of not being good enough. This can happen in any area of our lives, including our relationships, careers, or hobbies. If we are rejected, we may feel like we are not worthy of love or success. These feelings can be very painful and can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems.
Humiliation, Shame, or Worthlessness
We may fear that we are not good enough and will never be able to achieve our goals. These emotions can be so powerful that they can prevent us from even trying. Some examples include; fear of public speaking or being in the spotlight, fear of failure or making mistakes, or being bullied triggers anxiety.
This can be very debilitating and, in most cases, prevent people from living their lives to the fullest or even trigger social phobia. However, it is important to remember that we are not our mistakes. We are not defined by the moments when we have felt humiliated or ashamed. We are so much more than that. We are strong and capable and worthy of love and respect.
So next time you find yourself feeling humiliated or ashamed, remind yourself of who you really are. You are so much more than your mistakes because you are amazing and deserving of happiness and success.
7 Causes of Anxiety
Anxiety is an emotion evoked by uncontrolled worrying thoughts of the present and future, and some of the causes can be internal or external such as:
1. Changes in brain chemistry
When the levels of certain chemicals in our brain are off, one single non-threatening thought can quickly produce intense anxiety. Some examples of these chemicals are; serotonin, norepinephrine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
2. Genetics
People who have a family history of a parent or sibling with an anxious temperament, anxiety disorders, or mental health conditions are more likely to develop anxiety themselves.
3. Stressful life events
Chronic anxiety can occur after a person experiences or witnesses a disaster or traumatic events, such as a terrorist attack, an accident, a serious injury, pandemics, natural disasters like earthquakes and floods, or a violent attack.
This can trigger nightmares, flashbacks, and intrusive thoughts.
4. Medical conditions
Anxiety can sometimes be caused by other medical conditions, such as heart disease, thyroid problems, diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, or a chronic illness. Uncertainty and being reminded every day of the condition can provoke anxiety. In addition, the medications used to treat some medical conditions can also cause anxiety.
5. Environmental factors
Noise pollution can make it difficult to concentrate and cause feelings of restlessness. Poor air quality can lead to headaches and dizziness, which can trigger anxiety attacks. Additionally, living in a high-crime area can create a sense of insecurity that can lead to constant worry and panic.
6. Work and Money
The pressure to succeed can be immense, and the fear of failure can be paralyzing. Inflation and the high cost of living can make it difficult to make ends meet, and the insecurity of the job market can make it hard to find stability. As a result, it's not unusual for people to feel overwhelmed by work and money-related stress.
Did you know that work and money are the top sources of stress in the United States? The American Psychological Association (APA) reported that Americans' top sources of stress were work (66%) and money (61%).
stress response
7. Poor eating habits
We all know that what we eat can affect our physical health. But did you know that poor eating habits can also cause anxiety? When we don't eat healthy food, our brain can become deficient in important vitamins and minerals. This breaks our brain's chemical balance leaving the door open for fear and anxiety to manifest. Caffeine is a stimulant that can make us feel more alert and energetic. But too much caffeine can also cause jitters, irritability, and restlessness.
Additionally, blood sugar spikes and crashes can also cause anxiety. When we eat sugary or fatty foods, we may experience a rush of energy followed by a crash that leaves us feeling tired and irritable. This can lead to anxiety and make it difficult to concentrate or calm down. So if you're struggling with anxiety, it's important to take a close look at your diet and make sure you're not inadvertently causing your own symptoms. Eating healthy is an important part of managing anxiety and maintaining good mental health.
Now that we know what fear and anxiety are and their causes, let's take a look at the key differences between the two.
Important differences between Fear and Anxiety
A perceived threat or impending danger, real or not real, triggers many emotional and physical reactions in our body known as the fight or flight response. Then, the sudden feelings of fear and anxiety are frequently felt simultaneously making it difficult to differentiate the two.
After examing what fear and anxiety are, as well as their symptoms, it's easier to see how they differ. Here are some important differences to remember when comparing fear and anxiety:
- Fear is the response to an imminent or real danger while anxiety is the response to a future danger or something that might happen.
- Fear is a biological response and anxiety is an emotional response.
- Fear would be characterized by physical symptoms and anxiety would be characterized by psychological symptoms.
- Fear generally passes once the perceived threat has passed. Anxiety, however, can last for extended periods of time and can become chronic anxiety.
- Fear is a natural stress response. Anxiety is an emotional response evoked by uncontrolled worrying thoughts.
Both fear and anxiety can be debilitating and make it difficult to live a normal life. But knowing the difference between fear and anxiety is an important first step in understanding these emotions and learning how to manage them.
7 Tips to control Fear and Anxiety
There are several things you can do to control fear and anxiety that are scientifically proven to work, including:
- Breathing exercises: Proper deep breathing helps to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the “rest and digest” response. This can help to lower heart rate and blood pressure and promote relaxation.
- Raise your Gaba levels: Gaba is a neurotransmitter that helps to inhibit the fight-or-flight response. Gaba Calming Support supplement will help you turn off the anxious thoughts.
- Brainwave entrainment and Meditation: When you meditate, you help to slow down the brainwaves and bring them into a state of alpha waves. Alpha waves are associated with relaxation and healing. This process is accelerated by using brainwave entrainment, which is a method of using sound waves to slow down neural activity.
- Exercise: Exercise releases endorphins, which are hormones that have pain-relieving and mood-boosting effects. In addition, exercise helps to increase levels of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which are all neurotransmitters that have been shown to be effective in treating anxiety.
- Visualization: Positive emotions and visualizing yourself in a safe place can help to lower anxiety levels and further promote relaxation. This is a powerful tool because your brain doesn't know the difference between what is real and what is imagined. Dr. Daniel Amen's research with SPECT scan proves this with real brain images. Dr. Amen discovered that when an individual does meditation the blood flow to the brain increases. But what's more interesting, is that negative or positive thoughts can also affect the blood flow to the brain and your emotional state.
- Increase blood flow, and oxygen intake: Every morning, drink 24 oz of water and walk 20 minutes like you are late for work to increase blood flow and oxygen to the brain. When you keep practicing this for two weeks, you'll be more optimistic and have a better day.
- Brain health supporting supplements: These include omega-three fatty acids, magnesium, probiotics, and vitamins B6, B12, and D. These nutrients are essential for the proper functioning of the brain and the nervous system.
Team up with a Brain Health Professional Coach
It is important to seek professional help if you are struggling to cope on your own. A brain health professional coach can provide support and guidance as you work to relieve fear and anxiety.
Your coach can help you to understand your thoughts and emotions, work through difficult memories, and develop healthy coping strategies. In addition, your coach can provide support and accountability as you work to make lifestyle changes.
Our Amen Clinics Brain Health Certified professionals can help you with that. We look at fear and anxiety from a holistic perspective, taking into account your diet, exercise, nutritional deficiencies, stress levels, and negative habits. When you follow our proven and time-tested methodology the changes become permanent. You can finally be free and move on with your life feeling energetic, productive, and confident, knowing that fear and anxiety are no longer holding you back.
The first step is always the hardest, but it is also the most important. Taking action is a sign of strength and courage. It shows that you are committed to taking control of your life and your future. So, take the first step today and book your free consultation.
To learn more about our approach to brain health and anxiety, please contact us today. We offer a free 30-minute consultation to discuss how we can help you heal and thrive. Schedule a call now!
Do you struggle with fear or anxiety? What are some things that help you cope? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
I trust you found this information helpful. We are God's highest form of creation, we are spiritual beings living in a physical body. With the right mindset, tools, and proper support, you can TRULY control fear and anxiety.
If you found this article valuable, please share it with your friends and family. Knowledge is power!
Thanks for reading!
Types of Anxiety Disorders & Additional Information
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a mental health condition characterized by excessive worry and fear. People with GAD may find it difficult to control their anxiety, and it can interfere with their daily lives. Symptoms of GAD can include feeling restless or irritable, difficulty concentrating, and muscle tension. Some people with GAD may also experience fatigue, trouble sleeping, and gastrointestinal problems. While the exact cause of GAD is unknown, it is believed to be a combination of biological and environmental factors.
Treatment for GAD often includes therapy and medication. With treatment, people with GAD can manage their symptoms and live a healthy and productive life.
Panic Disorder
Panic Disorder is a type of anxiety disorder that causes repeated and unexpected episodes of intense fear. These panic attacks can happen at any time, and often occur for no apparent reason. During a panic attack, you may experience symptoms such as a racing heart, shortness of breath, sweating, trembling, or dizziness. The experience can be so frightening that you may feel like you're about to die or lose control of yourself. Panic Disorder can cause significant distress and disrupt your daily life. It can also lead to health problems, such as heart disease if left untreated.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), also known as social phobia, is a mental health disorder that is characterized by an intense fear of social situations. Individuals with SAD may avoid social interactions altogether, or they may endure them with great discomfort. The fear of embarrassment or judgment is often at the root of this disorder. SAD can have a profound impact on an individual's quality of life, making it difficult to work, study, or even maintain personal relationships. While the exact cause of SAD is unknown, it is believed to be the result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, or OCD, is a health condition marked by obsessions and/or compulsions. People with OCD often have repetitive, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that lead them to perform certain rituals or behaviors (compulsions). The goal of these compulsions is to relieve the anxiety caused by obsessing thoughts. However, in most cases, the compulsions only serve to provide temporary relief and can actually make the obsessions worse. OCD can be a debilitating condition that causes significant distress and interferes with daily life.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Among the many health problems that can result from traumatic events, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is one of the most well-known. PTSD can occur after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, sexual assault, or military combat. Symptoms of PTSD can include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and avoidance of people or places that remind the individual of the trauma.
While many people who experience trauma do not develop PTSD, for those who do, it can be a debilitating condition that can last for years. Fortunately, there are treatments available that can help people manage their symptoms and live productive lives.
Phobias
A phobia is an intense, irrational fear of something that poses no real danger. People with phobias go to great lengths to avoid their feared object or situation, even though they know it poses no danger. Phobias can interfere with work, school, and personal relationships. They can also cause panic attacks, which are episodes of fear that can include a racing heart, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, and dizziness. Some people with phobias may even avoid leaving home altogether.
There are different types of phobias, but the most common are agoraphobia (fear of open spaces), claustrophobia (fear of enclosed spaces), and social phobia (fear of social situations). While the exact cause of phobias is unknown, they are believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Treatment for phobias usually includes exposure therapy, which involves gradually exposing the person to their feared object or situation. Medication may also be used to help manage anxiety and panic attacks.
Acute Stress Disorder
If you have ever been in a car accident, or had a close call on the highway, you may have experienced what is called acute stress disorder. This health condition can also occur after other types of traumatic events, such as a natural disaster, robbery, or assault. Acute stress disorder is characterized by symptoms that last for at least three days and up to one month after the event. These symptoms can include insomnia, flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, and difficulty concentrating.
High Functioning Anxiety
High functioning anxiety is a type of anxiety disorder that affects people who are successful in their work or studies but still experience anxiety symptoms. People with high functioning anxiety often feel like they have to be perfect and may have difficulty relaxing. They may also worry a lot about things that could go wrong, even if there is no reason to believe that anything will. Symptoms of high functioning anxiety include feeling restless or on edge, anxious thoughts, feeling like you can't slow down or relax, fatigued and insomnia, bad eating habits, and substance abuse.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is panic disorder?
Panic disorder is a health condition that is characterized by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks. Panic attacks are sudden periods of intense fear or discomfort that occur without warning or apparent trigger. During a panic attack, people may experience physical symptoms such as a racing heart, shortness of breath, sweating, trembling, and dizziness.
Many people with panic disorder also have feelings of impending doom or feelings of anxiety that are so severe that they interfere with daily activities. Although panic disorder can be debilitating, it is treatable. With treatment, people with panic disorder can learn to manage their panic attacks and live healthy, productive lives.
What is the American Psychiatric Association?
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is a professional organization of psychiatrists. Founded in 1844, the APA is dedicated to promoting mental health and improving the lives of people with mental illness. The APA provides resources for practitioners, researchers, and the general public. It also undertakes advocacy initiatives to improve access to mental health care and increase awareness of mental health issues. In addition, the APA publishes a number of journals, including the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), which is used by clinicians around the world to diagnose psychiatric conditions. With over 37,000 members, the APA is the largest psychiatric association in the United States.
What is social phobia?
Social phobia, also known as social anxiety disorder, is a mental health condition that causes intense fear and anxiety in social situations. People may worry about being judged, embarrassed, or humiliated. They may avoid public speaking or other activities that require them to be in the spotlight. As a result, social phobia can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life. It can interfere with work, school, and relationships. Treatment for social phobia often includes exposure therapy, which helps people gradually confront their fears. With treatment, most people with social phobia can learn to manage their anxiety and live a fulfilling life.
Please note: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as medical advice to treat mental health disorders or cure anxiety disorders. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please speak with a doctor or other healthcare professional. Anxiety disorders and mental disorders can be serious, so it is important to seek medical help if you think you may be experiencing acute anxiety disorder symptoms. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any mental health treatment.
