Fear is one of the most basic and useful emotions we can experience, throughout history it has allowed us to face or escape dangerous situations, making it easier for us to survive, people learn valuable information after facing a threatening situation: we take into account what the main danger was and how we overcome it; however, there are fears that are based, specifically, on the lack of this information, such as fear of the unknown.
Fear of the unknown is a universal and intrinsic feeling, according to the experts, this is a fundamental fear. Uncertainty is part of life, because we generally don’t know what’s going to happen or how, there are people who are better at dealing with that feeling, who come forward and consider possible solutions, yet others find it harder to get ahead. this situation and are emotionally blocked.
- “Humanity’s oldest and strongest emotion is fear.
- And the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown.
- “Lovecraft?.
Among psychology experts, this fear is also known as intolerance to uncertainty and is defined as the tendency to be afraid of a situation or object over which information is missing, so it is perceived as a danger. , to be afraid of a situation or encouragement that we do not know what it will bring us, accompanied by the perception that it will not be pleasant.
The origin of this fear, given certain individual differences, is evolutionary, our ancestors were exposed to many dangers and, although they learned from many of them, the risk they took when entering unknown areas could be very great. The brain seems willing to fear the unknown.
Apparently, uncertainty is encoded in the brain in its own neural system. Also, when we come across something new, one of the first filters through which the information passes is whether that object or situation is threatening or not. To determine if something is threatening, Our neural networks access some kind of repository for memories of past experiences. If no prior information is found, the novelty is listed as threatening.
Some research on the fear of the unknown has shown that it increases the activity of the amygdala and hippocampus, increases the negativity related to error and activates the system of inhibitory behavior, that is, uncertainty causes us fear, negativity and paralyzes us, forcing us to flee. new situations.
This fear was and is adaptive in the sense that it forces us to act with caution against possible dangers, however, the intensity of fear can compromise other activities, such as finding new opportunities or meeting new people.
This paralysis caused by fear of the unknown and its consequent disadvantages leads people to accept the negative consequences rather than tolerate fear and deal with it. In addition, according to a new study, it seems that this fear is related to other psychological disorders: anxiety, social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, addiction, depression, etc.
Intense fear of the unknown can be the source and consequence of other psychological disorders, preventing a normal life in the personal, professional and social spheres, in this case it would be advisable to perform psychological therapy with a professional. -Behavioral therapy would be the best option, as it helps identify and modify thoughts that cause discomfort.
However, if fear is not too high, you can follow a number of guidelines to overcome it and start exploring unstopped terrain:
Fear of the unknown is a natural emotion that can save us from certain problems, however, it can also prevent us from achieving certain goals or being surprised by life itself, so intelligent emotional management will allow us to take advantage of this emotion for the benefit of our own interests.