How to Overcome People’s Biggest Fears
People often bundle their biggest fears into one giant scary package of nerves and anxiety. But that’s not necessary – each of these fears can be broken down and overcome with some daily practices and mindset shifts.
Whether it’s an irrational fear of spiders or the fear of public speaking, we all have some big obstacles standing in the way of our personal and professional growth. But the good news is that with a little work and dedication, you can conquer these fears and move on to your next step in life.
According to the results of a recent survey, Americans’ biggest fears are:
People’s most common fears range from irrational fears like clowns and job-stealing immigrants to more legitimate concerns such as terrorism, climate change, and political corruption. However, it’s important to remember that the specific fears people have depend on their political beliefs and their individual experiences. For example, conservatives were more concerned with the threat of socialism and communism as well as political and societal corruption, while liberals were more worried about police brutality and hate crime.
While some of the fears on this list are quite irrational, many people struggle with them because of past experiences or genetic predisposition. For example, the fear of snakes (Ophidiophobia) is a common phobia that might be tied to evolutionary roots. Since snakes were capable of delivering poisonous bites, it was important for our ancestors to avoid these creatures in order to survive and pass on their genes.
Another irrational fear on this list is a fear of heights (acrophobia). This could be due to negative experiences with falling or simply the fact that we live in a world full of tall buildings and cliff-top lookouts. People with this phobia often find it hard to go on hikes or spend time outdoors because of their fear.
The number three fear on this list is a fear of flying. Despite the fact that planes fly thousands of miles each day and the chances of being in a crash are very slim, there is something about the sound of thunder and lightning that causes people to panic. Those with this fear may become very anxious and even develop a full-blown phobia, which can make them completely avoid air travel.
The last fear on this list is a fear of enclosed spaces, also known as claustrophobia. This is probably the most common phobia and it can cause people to feel uncomfortable in small spaces where they don’t have an easy way out, such as an elevator or a packed subway train. Those who suffer from claustrophobia often have nightmares of being trapped in a small space and may experience physical symptoms such as nausea and panic attacks. They may also develop an intense avoidance of certain places or activities such as going to a restaurant or concert. For those with this phobia, therapy can be very helpful.people’s biggest fears
