Ways to Overcome Fear

Anyone who suffers from a fear or phobia knows what a terrifying ordeal it can be. Many anxiety disorders are associated with fears and phobias. Some people even panic when facing a fear, which can sometimes be mistaken for a heart attack. There are a few different ways to overcome fears, especially under the guidance of a therapist or psychiatrist.

Therapy

You may need to seek the help of a therapist who is qualified in treating phobias and anxiety disorders. A common approach in therapy is called exposure and response. Exposure and response therapy slowly introduces you to your fear with the intention of eventually desensitizing you, making the fear much more manageable or even enabling you to overcome it completely.
An example would be a person who is afraid of spiders. Therapy may start with the person imagining being near a spider. He may progress to visiting an insect exhibit and viewing a spider through glass. The goal would then be going near a spider and controlling the fear response, which should be much more manageable at this point.

Relaxation

Some forms of relaxation could be practiced to keep stress and fatigue at bay or even to utilize during a panic attack when facing a fear. A few popular methods of relaxation include deep breathing, yoga and guided imagery. Chosen forms of relaxation should be mastered when you are not in distress, as you are more able to utilize this coping technique when you need it the most.

Medication

Medication is often used in conjunction with therapy to help control anxiety or phobias. Antidepressants may be used on a long-term basis to treat pervasive fear or moderate-to-severe anxiety disorders. Benzodiazepines are sedatives that can be given to take when facing an anxious situation or to control panic attacks after onset. One may choose to take a benzodiazepine before boarding an airplane if they are afraid of flying.

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes can be made to help reduce anxiety triggers or to prevent them from worsening, especially those who suffer from an anxiety disorder. A healthful balance between work and free time can help keep stress at bay. Adequate exercise, sleep and diet can also lessen vulnerability to fear and anxiety.