/ The benefits of fear

BENEFITS FROM OUR FEARS

At first, superficial glance, fear brings little pleasure to a person - it brings him unpleasant sensations, deprives him of joy, prevents him from doing many pleasant things and can lead to psychosomatic diseases.

But fear, as it turns out, can also be useful. Initially, this emotion arose in the process of evolution in order to protect the human body from all kinds of dangers. primitive life. It was only later, when man radically changed nature and built a new habitat around himself (both technogenic and social), that the reaction of fear began to malfunction and lead to all sorts of troubles. But you will also understand the evolutionary process - after all, when 40 thousand years ago the general outline working on the formation of the human brain, he lived in completely different conditions, in which there was no place for cars, air conditioners and aspirin, and his main companions were cold, hunger and predators. Therefore, demanding that our body ideally suit our current environment is as absurd as trying to boil tea on an iron (which is possible in principle - I had to do this in the army, but it’s inconvenient).

Fear, like pain, is the body’s watchdog, which protects it from harmful influences from the outside, from risky actions and danger, thereby helping to maintain health and well-being. Let us analyze the benefit that the body should have initially derived from the reaction of fear, and see in which cases fear is useful for a person, and in which it causes harm to him.

First, fear saves our lives stopping in front of a dangerous situation. We don't swim far out to sea, don't stick our fingers in electrical sockets, and try not to walk down dark alleys alone. As the ancient Somali proverb says, “A mother of a coward does not lose her son” - and in this regard, fear is useful for human life and health.

Secondly, fear mobilizes human strength for active work , which is often necessary in a critical situation. Former intelligence officer, and now the writer V. Suvorov writes: “Fear is one of the manifestations of the instinct of self-preservation. Fear dramatically increases physical strength, increases clarity and clarity of thinking. In fear, a person is able to undertake what seems impossible to him without fear.” This occurs due to the release of adrenaline into the blood, which improves the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the muscles, allowing them to develop greater power.

Thirdly, fear acts as a regulator of aggressiveness and serves as a statement of social order . Fear of punishment restrains the manifestations of primary biological aggression, and also keeps many citizens within the bounds of the law. Human behavior, like any other living creature, is regulated by positive and negative reinforcement (“carrot and stick”). However, if we look at the criminal code, we will see there only a “whip” - for such and such an offense there is a fine, for such and such - prison, for such and such - correctional labor. It turns out that fear of punishment is the main deterrent for people who intend to harm other people's property or health. An example of this is the outbreaks of looting and violence that accompany almost any extreme event. As an example, we can recall the episode with an electrical substation failure that occurred in New York in the 60s. In an hour and a half, during which a large area of ​​this city was plunged into darkness, a large part of its stores were looted, and the number of rapes amounted to the monthly norm.

Fourth, fear promotes better memory of dangerous or unpleasant events. Fear activates memory and makes its traces especially strong. So, our ancestors remembered places where they were attacked by wild animals or people from a hostile tribe. Another example: a child who gets burned once near an open fire remembers it for a long time.

Fifth important, the meaning of fear - ability to act in conditions of lack of information , when it is not enough to make a comprehensively thought-out decision. Then the behavior strategy is dictated by fear. If the brain does not know what to do in a critical situation, and the mind does not have a balanced and logic-tested recipe, then the body prefers to trust the age-old experience of instincts and emotions. According to academician P.V. Simonov, the creator of the information theory of emotions, fear arises when there is a lack of information necessary for protection. It is in this case that it becomes appropriate to respond to an expanded range of signals whose usefulness is not yet known. Perhaps, at first glance, such a reaction is redundant and wasteful, but it prevents missing a really important signal, ignoring which could cost one’s life.

Another, sixth positive role of fear is exacerbation under its influence of all human senses , which allows you to see or even anticipate the smallest signs of danger. Here is what A. Kempinski wrote about this in his book “Psychopathology of Neuroses”: “Sometimes in some people one can observe the ability to predict an impending danger: there is nothing in the picture of reality that could indicate it, but, nevertheless, anxiety appears, which is accompanied in a dream or in reality by pictures of approaching misfortune. These phenomena belong to parapsychology. It is still unknown to what extent a person can move forward in the four-dimensional space surrounding him, that is, see his future. In addition, subthreshold stimuli that do not penetrate consciousness may signal imminent danger. Judging by the behavior of animals, one can repeatedly foresee impending earthquakes, solar eclipses, severe winters, and, consequently, threatening situations."

One more, seventh, positive value fear is that through overcoming it, human improvement can occur. As Fritz Riemann wrote, “if we understand our painful fear also as an indication of the need to look for errors in our own behavior or as a fear of new demands of life, as a result of which we do not dare to take a new step in our development, we must accept and understand it as an invitation to enter a new stage of our development, as a call for new freedom and, at the same time, for a new order and new responsibility. In this sense, we must view fear in its positive, creative aspect, as an initiator of change."

So, dear readers, if you intend to completely get rid of your fears, think - maybe you will leave yourself a small amount of this faithful guard that protects your life, health and property? After all, we won’t kill an inappropriately barking dog, whose only fault is that it is too zealously guarding its owner’s property?

At first glance, it may seem that fear has a negative effect on the human psyche. Thanks to it, unpleasant sensations appear, the joy of life disappears, and psychosomatic diseases develop.
However, in many cases, the state of fear is useful, as it protects the body from negative impacts from outside. That is, we can talk about the positive component of this important function of our psyche.

The first and most important thing is saving and protecting life. Fear protects us from reckless and dangerous actions. When swimming in the sea, we do not swim far from the shore, do not jump down from the 10th floor, try to avoid dark streets when returning home at night, etc.

Secondly, the state of fear mobilizes the body in critical and dangerous situations, that is, the instinct of self-preservation is fully manifested. A person begins to think quickly and clearly. Physical strength increases noticeably and reaction speed improves. This all happens due to adrenaline, which is released into the blood. It improves the supply of internal tissues with oxygen, and they are mobilized to the maximum.

Thirdly, we should not forget about social functions. This is the suppression of aggressiveness and the maintenance of law and order. It is precisely because of fear that some citizens are afraid to break the law. What stops them is a prison sentence or a large fine. If no one is punished, then looting, robbery and violence will begin to dominate the world. When laws do not work, then the kingdom of crime sets in, and there are a huge number of such examples in history.

Fourthly, memory function is activated. Dangerous and unpleasant events that have ever happened in a person's life. If someone received serious burns in childhood, then he will remember this in old age.

Fifthly, fear provokes a person to take decisive action when there is not enough information to make a balanced and carefully considered decision. When the mind does not have a logical recipe, the body begins to act in accordance with its instincts and emotions. In other words, the lack of information is transformed into a state of fear. This is the body's natural defense. And it focuses on visual, auditory, tactile signals. The mind does not take any part in the actions of a mortally frightened person. And it often happens that this very condition saves lives.

Sixthly, intuition awakens, and, consequently, it becomes possible to predict dangerous situations. Everything around is quiet and peaceful, but in a person’s soul there is a feeling of inexplicable restlessness and anxiety. This can already be attributed to the field of parapsychology. It is still poorly understood, but it can be argued that in some critical situations people are able to move from three-dimensional to four-dimensional space. This means that you can see your near future. This is to some extent possible for animals that can sense earthquakes, solar eclipses, cold winters.

Seventh, by overcoming their fears, people improve themselves. In this case, this means looking for mistakes in one’s behavior and fighting the fear of new demands of life. If you don’t fight this, it’s impossible to develop and keep up with the times. You definitely need to move to a new level, and this can only be done by suppressing your uncertainty and fear of everything new and unknown. In this case, the state of fear affects creative aspects personality and is the initiator of change.

Thus, the conclusion suggests itself that getting rid of all your concerns and fears is irrational. You definitely need to keep a certain number of these faithful and reliable guards so that they protect life, health and property. There is no need to scold a loudly barking dog, whose only fault is that it is extremely diligent in guarding its owner’s property.

Many people strive to get rid of fears, which occurs due to discomfort, shame, possible development. But in fact, nothing is created in nature without a reason, and if something exists, it matters for the life of each of us. The article provides various examples manifestations of fear. The benefits of fear and the harm of fear are integral companions of this feeling, so whether it is worth getting rid of it depends only on the individual perception of events.

Fear in evolution

Fear is actually not as bad as it might seem at first glance. It arose in the process of evolution to protect people from environmental danger. But gradually man managed to protect himself from possible natural troubles that threatened him during the primitive system. These could be threats from predators, wind, rain, snowfall, poisonous plants and other examples of fear.

The benefits of fear and the harm of fear are seemingly opposite phenomena, but in fact they protect the body from possible negative external factors. Now the dangers of the primitive world do not threaten people, but the “watchdog” often helps maintain health and even material well-being. For example, someone who is afraid to leave the house and leave the iron on will check several times whether the cord is unplugged from the socket. As a result, this person will protect himself from material damage that may occur due to forgetfulness.

Fear is salvation from danger

For the most part, people avoid dark time walking through dimly lit alleys and parks for days out of fear of being attacked. Many people are not tempted to swim during a storm or swim behind buoys. Also, the benefit of fear is to not just turn the handle of the gas stove without lighting the burners. Not everyone can walk on high roofs, especially near the edge.

In addition, if a person was frightened by some event, he remembers it well and is guided by this information from negative experience in the future. How does fear benefit? Examples are that we are afraid of losing our apartment keys, our new expensive phone, or not removing a hot pan from the heat without protecting our hands. Or perhaps a child was once chased by a dog. Now this man has grown up and always bypasses owners walking their rather large pets without muzzles.

Mobilization of forces and internal experience

If a person finds himself in a critical situation, his body releases adrenaline into the blood. As a result, the muscles receive more oxygen and nutrients, developing significant power. Strength increases, and thoughts become brighter and lighter. Without fear it would not be possible to enter such a state. To increase adrenaline in the blood, many people have found extreme sports. They like to completely merge with nature, feel only themselves and obey their instincts, experiencing strength in their muscles and sobriety of mind.

When there is not enough information in any critical situation, it is impossible to use logic to resolve it. In cases where the mind is faced with the unknown, fear takes over and the body submits to instinctive behavior. Often the benefits of fear manifest themselves simply in flight, for example, from intruders.

Intuitive perception of the situation, fear of punishment

In a state of fear, all sensations become aggravated: an intuitive animal premonition of the slightest hint of a threat from something arises. It also happens that a person becomes restless in the absence of obvious danger. This indicates signals coming from subthreshold stimuli. Thus, the benefits of fear are manifested, but here it is important not to overdo it with overthinking yourself.

Too many people hold back inexplicable attacks of biological aggression because of the possible punishment. IN modern world It’s not at all difficult to steal an item from a supermarket or a small piece item from a market stall. But the desire to preserve one’s good name greatly inhibits such impulses. Crimes, even small ones, are not deterred because high level awareness, but fear of responsibility.

Personal Development

And the most important meaning of fear is the possibility of personal improvement. Some skydivers noted that they might have been afraid of heights before, but they overcame themselves after making their first jump. In this case, the benefit of fear is to increase the self-esteem of the daredevil, as well as to open new horizons for him.

But a person must be ready for a parachute jump. You can’t force a friend to do this, whose soul sinks into his heels from climbing to the 5th floor of a building. In this case, the person, once in the air, will be very tight and make a mistake. But those people who are seriously involved in extreme sports are more self-confident. Endorphins produced during exercise help them stay in good mood, cope with stress and keep your body in excellent physical shape.

The Harm of Fear

The negative side of fear consists of overthinking what might happen. A person can do without visible reasons begin to fear some disease, animals, microorganisms. These are all examples of the manifestation of fear, the benefit of which is absent in principle, because if there is a fear of absolutely everything, then this indicates the possibility mental disorder. But it’s even sad when an acquaintance does not buy a new and beautiful car, which he has always dreamed of, only because of thoughts about the possibility of an accident. If an adult is afraid to get up at night to go to the kitchen and drink water, then this is also not normal.

The problem is that people are afraid of some diseases or disasters, but they may never happen. And carriers of such fear can expect reduced immunity and even nervous diseases. In addition, such people are capable of rash actions that can cause harm to themselves or loved ones.

The benefits and harms of fear are obvious: one must experience fear to some extent, and when the sensations of fear become too strong, some discomfort arises. But is it really worth getting rid of the "watchdog" that's doing its job completely?

We all, one way or another, encounter unexpected and frightening situations throughout our lives. However, few people take the time to understand the benefits and harms of fear. Nevertheless, experiences associated with fright, fear, horror have a certain positive and negative impact on the human psyche.

Fear is a basic emotion, characteristic of every person from birth, which has specific manifestations on the physiological and psychological levels. It is impossible to unequivocally answer the question of what benefits a person more, fear or the absence of it.

Behavioral reactions

From a physiological point of view, the effect of fear on the body is manifested in the release of adrenaline into the blood, which increases blood pressure, increased breathing and heart rate. At the same time, blood flows to those muscles that control the movement of the body and can provide its protection. In general, the body is brought into a state of readiness for immediate action.

There are three main types of human behavior in response to fear:

a) escape;

The desire to hide, to avoid meeting the source of fear arises most often. A frightened person instinctively presses his head into his shoulders, tries to shield himself, to hide. Often he does not know where to run, since the cerebral cortex, deprived of the usual level of blood supply, does not have time to process information.

Stupor is the result of muscle paralysis. It is expressed in a slowdown of all reactions and actions, problems with coordination. May cause fainting.

Aggression, as a response to a frightening situation, manifests itself in increased emotional arousal and illogicality of the actions taken. Sometimes accompanied by memory lapses.

The benefits and harms of fear

The negative impact of fear on a person as a whole is obvious - it is decreasing general activity, a stupor of thoughts and actions sets in. A frightened person is unable to think about anything other than the cause of fear. Perception narrows, breadth of horizons decreases.

With prolonged exposure to the body, fear provokes a general depletion of its resources, since it is impossible to constantly be on combat readiness. To save energy, a person can minimize his activities. The result is a continuous series of gray everyday life.

On the other hand, mobilization of the body under the influence of fear provides the basis for active action and stimulates the desire to transform the surrounding space and conditions. Fear of certain actions or situations becomes a kind of marker of the boundary of the comfort zone, going beyond which contributes to personal development.

Fear also plays a major role in maintaining social order. The rules of the law threaten violators with punishment, which keeps the social system from going into a state of chaos.

Any fear helps to remember the conditions under which it arose. This property can relate to the benefits and harms of fear at the same time. The person begins to avoid repetition similar situation, which often allows him to maintain health and even life.

But in some cases, fear leads to unproductive and objectively incomprehensible behavior. For example, a sharp car horn that frightens a child can cause a shudder, a feeling of anxiety, a desire to run away and hide when any loud sound occurs.

Fear in one form or another is an integral part of our lives. The nature of its impact on a person is different in each case. It is important to remember that the current level psychological knowledge allows you to overcome the negative impact of fear on life and make full use of the positive.

There is probably not a single person in the world who has not experienced a feeling of fear at least once in their life. It is quite natural to feel it and you should not be ashamed of this feeling, since this reaction saves us from various dangers and the benefits of fear have long been a proven truth.

Examples of the benefits of fear

First, let's talk a little about human evolution and anthropology. Scientists working in these fields of science have long proven that it was fear that allowed humanity to survive and develop. Our distant ancestors, when a feeling of danger arose, tried to get as far away from the source of possible troubles as possible, which is why we did not disappear as a species, because otherwise, ancient people would simply have died from the most natural natural phenomena, for example, from the same lightning strike. Experiencing horror during a thunderstorm, our ancestors instinctively sought shelter, thereby saving their lives. It is these scientific studies that are the first and main argument in favor of fear, but let's discuss modern examples and evidence of this axiom.

Many people experience discomfort when they are in the dark, and this is what prevents them from performing potentially dangerous activities, such as walking along the streets at night, or moving around in an unlit apartment. In the first case, there is a fairly high chance of becoming a victim of criminals, in the second, of getting injured at home. But this is just one example of the benefits of fear of the dark or any other phenomenon that causes trembling in the knees; it is no less important that when a feeling of danger arises, adrenaline begins to be produced in the body, which mobilizes all forces, which means that a person experiences an extraordinary sense of his own power . By overcoming ourselves under the influence of adrenaline, we can feel our own capabilities, begin to respect ourselves and even discover new horizons for ourselves.

A good example of the benefits of fear of heights are rather banal stories about how a person, having decided to overcome himself and get rid of his phobia, begins to study with a skydiving instructor. Having overpowered themselves, such people often begin to achieve success in other matters, as they believe more in their capabilities. Just keep in mind that you need to get rid of the fear of heights with an experienced instructor, and not by walking on the roofs yourself, otherwise the matter may end in tragedy rather than triumph.

Another fact of the need for a person to have this feeling can be well illustrated by an example of the benefits of fear of water. Often a sense of danger forces a person to act instinctively, and without relying on logic, for example, we often simply run away from the same attackers. Therefore, imagine that a person who does not know how to swim suddenly falls into a deep river or lake, it would seem that he must drown and there is no chance of salvation. But the produced adrenaline can have an effect on the body that is popularly called “brains knocked out”, and the drowning person will begin to instinctively move his arms and legs in order to stay afloat.

To summarize briefly, the following can be noted:

1. Fear has helped humanity survive.

2. It protects us from provoking various potentially dangerous situations.

3. When ejected large quantity adrenaline into the blood, a person can begin to act instinctively, thereby saving himself.

4. Fear helps us improve ourselves, because by overcoming it, we begin to respect ourselves and believe in our strengths.

Do not be shy own fears, if they do not interfere with your life, then you don’t have to get rid of them at all, because this is a kind of protection system that everyone needs.