Emotion · Fear family
Fear
noun
The body’s alarm system — a fast, automatic response to danger, real or perceived, that prepares you to fight, flee or freeze.
How it shows up in the body
Racing heart, shallow breath, cold hands, tight stomach, wide eyes, heightened hearing.
What it is telling you
Your system has detected a threat. Your job is to check whether the threat is here, now, and real — or an old alarm going off.
The urge — and the choice
To run, hide, attack first or go still. The choice is to slow the breath enough to check the facts.
One thing to try
Name five things you can see, four you can feel, three you can hear. It tells your body where and when you are.
Practice it: Long-exhale breathing.
Words you can use
I’m scared right now. I need a minute to get my feet under me.
Read more: Trauma and emotional literacy
