Coping with fear
Many people are emotionally drained from months of quarantine due to fears of coronavirus, fears of those who are sworn to protect, and fears of what the future may hold for America.
While we attempt to right the wrongs of our past as well as the wrongs of the present, many understandably are anxious about what is to come next.
Anxiety often leads to fear and fear can lead to outward expressions of unacceptable behavior or can have the opposite effect of debilitating some to the point of social withdrawal.
According to Verywellmind.com, “fear is a natural emotion and a survival mechanism. When we confront a perceived threat, our bodies respond in specific ways.”
Physical response to fear is also known as the fight or flight response, during which the mind and body prepare to either fight or run away from the source of fear. The emotional response to fear, on the other hand, is highly personalized, according to the website. Emotional responses to fear can range from mild aggravation to violence, depending on the individual and their circumstances.
As we attempt to cope with the gamut of emotions that many are experiencing, we encourage all to attempt to control negative responses to fear and to empathize with others who are also facing a world of unknowns.
