Is Fear a Bad Thing?

There are so many interesting situations that have come up in relation to the COVID- 19 Pandemic. One of the more troubling ones is the tendency for people to criticize those of us who have chosen to wear masks in public settings and to social distance with others. The criticism has come in the form of, “What’s wrong with you? You shouldn’t be afraid. I’m not going to live in fear. . .” and the vitriol continues from there. Needless to say, the tone is aggressive and bullying. But what about the message itself?

I don’t want to live in fear and mostly I don’t. I live a joy-filled, fulfilling life even during a pandemic. Yet I don’t want to get sick, I don’t want my family to get sick, I don’t want to be a carrier of what could be a deadly virus for some and I certainly don’t want to be part of spreading this virus. Despite the declarations of many, the fact remains that this virus is not a hoax. It is deadly and it spreads easily. These are not issues of agreement or disagreement. They are facts and I won’t agree to disagree on facts. 

With those facts, doesn’t it make sense that having a realistic awareness and cautiousness, and yes even fear, make sense? When I see a car heading straight toward me, am I wrong to feel fear? If I’ve gotten a medical diagnosis that can be deadly, is it wrong to be afraid? Fear is a normal part of the human experience and pretending that we should never experience fear makes no sense at all. Have you ever ridden a roller coaster? Yes, it’s exhilarating and it’s also scary!

The Life-Saving Power of Fear

Fear leads us to make decisions. Decisions that can often be beneficial. Fear of car accidents led to air bags and mandatory seat belts. Fear led to locks on our doors and alarm systems. Fear has led to vaccines, medical developments, and many other things that have saved millions of lives. Fear isn’t a bad thing if we recognize it and feel as part of our experience of life. 

Fear is a normal part of life. It helps us make decisions that ensure our safety and happiness. #COVID-19 #fear #happiness #safety Click To Tweet

Yes, if we get stuck in fear and it keeps us from living a full and enjoyable life, then we might want to work on managing that fear. Yet recognizing fear and using it to make wise and thoughtful decisions is why we have the ability to experience fear in the first place. Chastising people for having fear is both mean-spirited and ultimately ignoring the fact that fear is part of who we are as fully functioning humans. 

I’m going to keep my periodic fear reactions as I buckle my seat belt, don’t smoke, and get my annual flu shot. Being alive is more important to me than being seen as one who never experiences fear. 

Love,

Lisa Kaplin Psy. D. PCC