First, I want to be absolutely clear about this: danger is a real thing; fear does not exist; it only exists in the mind and in our emotions.
This is crucial to comprehend, since facing your fear is the most effective approach to getting over it. However, understanding the difference between fear and danger can mean the difference between you managing your anxiety and you visiting the ER.
So what is fear? It is anticipation of something that may or may not happen. Whereas danger is life-threatening, poses a challenge to your survival, and is a clear and present danger. Basically, danger is a real physical thing, whereas fear is just in our mind, and understanding this distinction is a game-changer for people who struggle with anxiety.
For most people that experience anxiety, they feel a sense of life or death in practically every circumstance. This is the root of the issue. When the mind reacts to a situation and makes it more dangerous internally than it is in reality, our bodies respond to it by becoming more threatening.
Helpful Tip: When you start to feel anxious or fearful about something, stop and take a deep breath and ask yourself, “is there a clear and present danger?” Then, ask yourself, “how do I feel?” Don’t get angry or beat yourself up for how you feel. Take a moment to gather yourself, and see if you can think logically and rationally about the situation. In most cases, you will realize that you are not in a physically dangerous situation and that the fear and anxiety are being created in your mind. Remember, danger is real; fear and anxiety are in your mind and emotions. The mind is powerful, and you have the ability to train it. Take control of your mind. You can do it!