Evolutionary Roots of Fear

As this article suggests I am often paralyzed by fear and panic. The " dark shape in the alley" usually wouldn't effect me. It is the dark shape in my beliefs that would have this effect! It is then that I become paralyzed. But if it involves the safety of another I am propelled to act.
I really love your posts! They always speak to me!

This is easier said than done. I have bipolar, anxiety disorder and I have panic attacks over what would seem to be something simple, like walking through the mall. I will try it though.
Michele

I remind myself, often, that 'avoidance strengthens fear' -- particularly when it comes to doing the things I am fearful of doing. When we avoid doing something, we have a momentary relief -- and fear says -- see, that feels good not to do it -- so that next time I go to do that which I fear, the voice reminds me how good it felt last time not to do it and.... the cycle continues -- except with each, not doing, there is a chemical shift that confirms, how good it feels not to do.... hence, avoidance strengthens fear :)
and you are so right -- doing nothing never gets me anything that I want :) well said Jodi.

Jodi,
I enjoyed your article, and I have read the comments posted, however I think that there is a little more to the roots of fear. There is a reaction between the brain and the nervous system that fear triggers via stress, and adrenalin pours into the body and yes I do believe that thought is pushed back, I don't believe that it is paralyzed, because the body enters a state of hyper sensitivity, the muscles clench, heart rate increases, we start to sweat, and a myriad of other things. The topic in my blog tonight was "Courage and Fear what does it me?" please check it out and let me know what you think. I build upon what you have written and take it a bit further. Your blog is probably better written but I would appreciate your feedback. http://bryanzepp.blogspot.com/2012/08/courage-and-fear-what-does-it-mean.html

I just remembered now that I didn't read that post yet. I smiled when i saw the question at the end. "What do you do when you are panicked?"
I do something, anything. I need to keep busy, to move, to react. Today i panicked, and doing housework, laundry has helped, but when panic became paralyzing and moving became difficult, i kept my mind busy by trying to write.

Talking yourself out of fear is like breaking the wash cycle. The anxiety that propels the unknown potential doom only enforces our brains to choose between fight and flight. This idea of talking ourselves out of why it is we are afraid and eventually coming to the root of the problem, being able to tell yourself you are safe and nothing's happened but your anxiety is taking over, is so huge to letting go of fear. Knowing yourself and what calms you down ( music, self talk, yoga) can always help to build a routine daily for our mental check ins. These then become part of our lifestyle and routine, which help us maintain closeness with ourselves. Great article and wonderful ideas!-PsychedinSF

[...] in response to a dangerous situation is biologically designed to keep us safe. But Anxiety has no point. Anxiety has us feeling like we are in danger when we [...]

I just learned that amygdales play a role in fear and soothing the anxiety. What happens to people like me who have undergone surgery? I have noticed I can be brave, and indifferent to danger. I understand it may be linked to my amygdales loss? Is there a strategy i can work on to compensate to this functional lack ? Thanks!