THE PSYCHOLOGY OF SURVIVAL-FEAR

Fear is our first emotional response to dangerous circumstances that we believe have the potential to cause death, injury, or illness. Fear is not just limited to physical damage; the threat to one's emotional and mental well-being can generate it as well. For anyone trying to survive, fear can have a positive function if it encourages him to be cautious in situations where recklessness could result in injury. Unfortunately, fear can also immobilize a person. It can cause him or her to become so frightened that he or she fails to perform activities essential for survival. Most of us will have some degree of fear when placed in unfamiliar surroundings under adverse  conditions. There is no shame in this! Each of us must train him or herself not to be overcome by fears. Ideally, through realistic training, we can acquire the knowledge and skills needed to increase our confidence and thereby manage our fears.