We start from an idea: fear It can appear in our lives in many ways. Let’s call him Anxiety, uncertainty, stress, pain…or simply the fear of losing our peace of mind and the security we trust in. Similarly, the impact of fear on our health can also manifest itself in different ways. He reflected all this in his book “Fear hurts”, Dr. David PonsPhysiotherapists and osteopaths, who in its pages explore fear (learning to embrace it) and physical pain from different perspectives, try to understand their nature and how they affect our lives.
How can fear hurt?
Fear, like many other emotions that can last for a long time, even years, can create a general feeling Anxiety, sweating and tachycardia or weaken the immune system so much that we can be sure that it can lead to chronic and serious disease.
You are talking about two closely related experiences of fear and physical pain, why do you think this is the case?
Our prefrontal brain includes the amygdala, thalamus, and hypothalamus, which is the area where We perceive emotions and feelings. That’s where our autonomic nervous system sends signals from any part of the body that expresses pain.
What should we do if fear can actually block us?
It depends on what kind of fear and how long it stays in the body. This fear will need us for something Psychological therapy to reveal them And to be aware of them and to be able to know how to deal with it by changing things and bad habits in our lives for others.
© Getty ImagesHow can fear affect our health, both physical and mental?
Fear can affect health in several ways. On an emotional level, it can be Anxiety, depression and sleep disorders. Physiologically, fear activates the fight or flight response, which increases heart rate, blood pressure and muscle tension, And cortisol levels (the stress hormone) increase. If experienced chronically, it can contribute to problems such as cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disorders and, as we have said, a weakened immune system.
One of the problems with fear is when does it become pathological?
If it becomes a disproportionate or persistent response to a real or imagined threat, it can A person’s daily life is limitedMakes daily activities difficult and has a negative impact on your well-being.
Do you think fear is a necessary emotion?
Yes, fear is a basic and necessary emotion. Its job is to protect us from dangers and threats, help us make quick decisions in risky situations. Without fear, we can put ourselves in dangerous situations without properly assessing the consequences.
What is good fear management?
Good fear management allows people to deal with their fears in healthy ways, preventing them from interfering with their lives. Proper fear management can be greater Mental well-being and a better quality of life.
And what can we do to achieve it?
There are many possibilities to improve it
- Breathing and relaxation techniques: They help reduce anxiety.
- Gradual exposure: Confronting fear in a controlled manner can desensitize a person.
- MindfulnessMeditation and sports: These exercises can help focus the mind and reduce emotional reactions.
- Talk to friends, family or professionals Mental health can be very beneficial.
Is it true that pain can be minimized without fear?
of course Fear can intensify pain perception. When a person is afraid of experiencing pain, their sensitivity may increase and, as a result, their experience of pain may become more intense. Therefore, learning to manage fear can help reduce the perception of pain in some situations, even if the pain itself does not go away.
