. SELF . The Importance of Fear

Fear is the most basic emotion. It leads people to avoid certain choices in fear of negative consequences. Sometimes, fear can be very useful, as in when something doesn't feel or seem right, like when a stranger offers you chocolate and a ride in his car; fear screams to you to run the hell away!

There is a second way fear can be useful. Fear can lead you to explore yourself and find your true potential. The feeling of overcoming certain fears, such as the fear of heights, can feel very empowering. They also show strength in character and willingness to improve. In my opinion, these non-logical fears, whether it is talking in public or elevators can be overcome and make you a better person in ways you can't even imagine. Fear as an instinct is useful in protecting you from certain harms and fear as an emotion can be a powerful motivator. It can even help fight evil-doers.

As for the science aspect, fear can be divided into two steps. At it's most basic, the brain has the ability to recognize threats and dangers, in other words to be scared shit-less. Whatever scared you is then stored in a segment of the brain called the amygdala as a memory. The next time you encounter whatever scared you, your brain accesses your amygdala and says: "Oh crap, not a bumble bee! It can sting me! That hurts like a bitch!" So, to save your bum, it releases epinephrine and norepinephrine, two hormones or chemicals that tell your heart to beat faster, your lungs to breath quicker and your muscles to get ready to run or kick that bee's ass! Hence, this is why, whenever you get scared, your heart starts to beat faster and you start to sweat and such. Psychologists call this reaction (and you have to hand it to them to give things wacky names) the "fight or flight" response.

Something to think about next time you get scared!