What is Fear ?

Fear is a natural response to threats and danger. There are said to be different types of fear for different stimuli which make the body react differently in terms of heart rate and blood flow.

The body goes through tremendous changes during the state of fear. The facial features go in different directions such as the eyebrows and lips. The heart rate jumps up and muscles tighten preparing for the fight or flight aspect of fear. The salivary glands do not act normal and sweating begins. These symptoms, so to speak, vary depending on the state of fear. For instance, the type of fear that one may feel during a time of mistrust toward a stranger or a swing set with rusty chains can be far different than being face to face with an 800 pound wild lion. Feelings of mistrust can cause a person to be cautious and wary rather than running in fear for their life. Face to face with a lion can also be different than a feeling of paranoia or panic in terms of the body’s response, because as terror can make the people react without much thought, panic is a feeling of anticipation which can help with a planned response. Nonetheless, definitions vary accordingly as do each individual’s response. When surveyed, people have reported that they fear such things as insects, terrorism, gangs, and the future, among many others. While different people fear different things, the capacity to fear is human nature.

It is thought that those who fear certain things are more likely to live longer and reproduce. This, to scientists, is known as natural selection as often times, the fearless are not ready for what might happen and perish as a result.