How Do People Deal With Fear?

We’ve all experienced anxiety at some point. Fear is a normal reaction that warns us of imminent danger. Anxiety is a fear response, typically focusing on worry about the future rather than the present.

When irrational fear and anxiety become patterns in your daily life, they can disrupt your relationships, career, and personal life. When fearfulness causes harm to your physical and mental health, and you find yourself avoiding things that might trigger your anxiety, mental health treatment can help you live a healthy, fulfilling life.

Whether you’re experiencing social anxiety, a fear of failure, or a diagnosable mental health condition, you can take care of your physical and mental health.

When should you seek mental health treatment for anxiety?

Like all emotions, fear is healthy. Sometimes, anxiety and fear can become debilitating problems when the stress you feel is no longer in proportion to the situation.

An upcoming job interview, video chat, or first date can make you feel anxious—and that’s completely normal. However, if you’re experiencing irrational fear without any real danger, or everyday things make you feel anxious, it might be time to see a mental health professional or look into online counseling.

To know whether your anxiety is manageable, it’s essential to understand the symptoms. Some common symptoms of anxiety include:

• An inability to “turn off” your thoughts, leaving you feeling distracted and overwhelmed in everyday life
• Constantly feeling tired, even if you got enough sleep
• Feelings of hopelessness, anticipation, dread, or emotional distress
• Panic attacks
• Avoiding a feared situation, such as social interactions or phone calls
• Medicating with substance abuse
• Physical symptoms, such as muscle tension, stomachaches, or increased heart rate
• Withdrawing from close friends and family members

How does talk therapy help with fears?

Starting talk therapy might seem overwhelming, but it can be a valuable resource for people with anxiety. Contrary to popular belief, mental health treatment isn’t just for people with a mental health diagnosis. Even if you’re experiencing occasional anxiety or struggling with public speaking, working with a licensed therapist can help you learn about your triggers, build new coping skills, and practice emotional regulation.

Ultimately, overcoming anxiety is all about making your brain a safer place—and that often requires confronting your fears. Each time you face your fears, you show yourself that you’re capable of coping and that it’s not the end of the world.

Some common types of therapy that your psychologist, counselor, or clinician may incorporate into your treatment plan include:

• Psychodynamic therapy utilizes the process of transference, or subconscious association, to help clients address fears and anxieties.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help people work through fears related to anxiety, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health conditions. CBT can also help treat co-occurring mental illnesses, such as bipolar disorder, substance abuse, and depression.
• Eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EDMR) can be especially helpful for fears related to traumatic stress.
• Exposure therapy helps empower people experiencing fears through gradual exposure. For example, if you have a fear of heights, your psychologist might show you pictures taken from high buildings to help you strengthen your coping skills.

Your mental health counselor will provide empathy and emotional support throughout your therapy sessions so you can feel comfortable discussing your fears. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, online therapy services deliver comprehensive online treatment from the comfort of your own home.

Compassionate, Data-Driven Online Therapy in NYC

Living with irrational fear can feel incredibly draining, but you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re experiencing mild anxiety or dealing with painful emotions, psychotherapy can provide a safe space to work through your fears, gain insight into your mental health, and learn healthy coping strategies to deal with challenging situations.

No matter where you are in your mental health journey, it’s crucial to find the right therapist. Psychotherapy is hard work, but the right match can make your therapeutic process so much smoother. When you build a strong therapeutic relationship with your psychotherapist, you’ll feel comfortable sifting through mental health problems, finding the root of your fears, and navigating your specific challenges.

To find the right fit, reach out to a mental health professional through The Therapy Group of NYC. We know that starting talk therapy can feel intimidating, and we’ll connect you with a licensed therapist based on your personal preferences and requirements. One of our experienced psychotherapists will help you work toward positive change and regain your strength so you can live a happier, healthier life.