Though everyone experiences it as part of life, fear can be stunting when it comes to social or cognitive life. Fear may be treated by a professional in the event it severely affects the daily life of the person experiencing it. When fear limits daily life, it is diagnosed as a phobia, and can be overcome either through medical or behavioral treatments. Other techniques, such as stress management, can help manage light or moderate fears.
Exposure Therapy
Overcoming a phobia, or even a moderate fear, can be accomplished by being safely exposed to the feared object or situation, according to The Mayo Clinic. You can slowly and repeatedly increase your exposure to the feared object to change your fear response to a neutral or even eager response. If you are afraid of snakes, you may start by just thinking about snakes, move up to looking at pictures, and eventually progress to holding a snake.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
According to The Mayo Clinic, "Cognitive behavioral therapy is a more comprehensive form of therapy. It involves working with a therapist to learn ways to view and cope with the feared object or situation differently." The Help Guide advises that by learning what triggers your fear, as well as what thoughts contribute to anxiety, you will have a better chance at isolating and containing fear.
Overcoming Slight or Moderate Fear
Slight or moderate fear is not the same as a phobia and is characterized by less intense, less life-altering effects. Still, generalized fear can be harmful. The Help Guide says that you can challenge your fear by learning about it. Arming yourself with knowledge is the first step in overcoming fear. Next, you can isolate and consider each fearful thought for its logic. If you are afraid of spiders, you can ask yourself whether or not you have ever been bitten by one, figure out a solution in the event you encountered a spider or were bitten by a spider, and consider what you would tell a friend with a similar fear. Finally, consider relaxation techniques. Fear and relaxation cannot exist simultaneously.
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