How to address fear of the unknown

Anxiety, worry, stress, dread, panic, and distress - these are just some of the feelings caused by chronic, underlying fear. Fear is a natural response to perceived threats, but when it becomes constant or overwhelming, it can take a toll on both our mental and physical health.

Understanding different types of fear

Fear manifests in various ways, and recognising its form is the first step toward managing it:

1. Fear of the unknown

Maybe you’re too scared to try something new like a new job, move to a new area or date someone new. Fear of the unknown can keep you stuck in your comfort zone, preventing personal growth.

2. Fear of immediate danger

You might be bungee jumping for the first time or you are walking alone in a dark street and are being followed. This type of fear is instinctive - it triggers your fight-or-flight response to keep you safe.

3. Fear of illness or dying

You may be scared of hospitals or leaving your loved ones behind. Maybe you worry you won’t cope financially and lose your home if you’re too sick to work.

4. Fear of a person

Living in fear of someone - whether due to physical, verbal, sexual or emotional abuse - can have a profound and lasting impact on your sense of safety and self-worth.

5. Underlying fear

Many people live with a continuous fear that is always simmering away just under the surface. They may not even be fully aware of it but just have a general feeling of unease.

In recent years, we have been subjected to constant fearmongering about covid and lockdowns. This took its toll on many people not only financially (and all the worries that brings) but emotionally as well. Lately, when we turn on the news there is talk of wars, floods, energy crisis, food crisis and cost of living rises. It is a constant bombardment on our mental health, and many are naturally worried about how they will cope.

The hidden impact of constant fear

There’s a well-known physician and therapist called Gabor Maté. He was born in Hungary during the Second World War to Jewish parents. He tells the story of how his mother took him to the doctor as a little baby as he would not stop crying.

After a thorough examination, the doctor gave him a clean bill of health. He then went on to explain to his mother that many Jewish mothers were bringing their babies to him for the very same reason - constant crying. He concluded that the mothers underlying fear of being captured or killed by the Nazis was so great, the babies could sense it.

Living in constant fear can eventually cause both physical and mental ailments and affect those around you too if not addressed.

How can hypnotherapy help?

When a client experiences a hypnosis session, whether for an addiction or phobia or for confidence or motivation, they all say a similar thing at the end - "That was so relaxing, I feel so rested and refreshed." Hypnosis can help you focus and be in control of your emotions better. We cannot change what is happening in the wider world, but we can change how we deal with it.

During a relaxing, trancelike state, the therapist can guide you to examine your emotions and accept what you can and cannot change. Sometimes we can feel overwhelmed and helpless and feel responsible for things we have no control over. Hypnotherapy can help you clear your mind and look at the situation rationally. This will calm your thoughts and allow you to put everything into perspective.

You will be reminded that you are safe and that the worries you have of what ‘might’ happen may not ever come to fruition. The therapist can redirect that negative energy and allow you to choose a better, more satisfying path to channel it.

Your therapist can give you tools and techniques to use anytime you feel overwhelmed. This will bring you peace of mind and calm any inner negative thoughts that surface.

You cannot change the world, but you can change you.