We all have our monsters. They may not be hiding under our beds or lurking in our closets, but they are terrifying to us all the same. These monsters are irrational fears, those intense and often inexplicable feelings of dread that are our own personal demons. And they are just as impactful as if they were real.
The root of our irrational fear is often tangled up in past experiences, stories we’ve heard, things we’ve seen, or even what we “think” we know. Perhaps you were bitten by a dog as a child, and now you are afraid of dogs and avoid them at all costs. Or maybe you watched a scary movie about snakes, and now you can’t even look at a picture of one without feeling uneasy. Sometimes, these fears are learned behaviors. If you grew up watching your mom scream whenever she saw a mouse, you’ll likely react the same way. Our brains are wired to protect us; sometimes they overdo it, making us afraid of things that aren’t a threat.
Living with irrational fears isn’t easy. They can pop up at the most inconvenient times, turning a pleasant day into a stressful ordeal. You might avoid certain places or activities just to steer clear of your triggers. Or you may fear the arrival of an event, wasting the days leading up to it worrying about naught. This avoidance or dread is limiting and impactful to you and to those you are close with. If you let it, it may keep you from enjoying life to the fullest.
I experienced this a while back. I had a very badly infected tooth that required me to see a maxillofacial surgeon. The idea of the procedure sounded horrible and extremely painful during and after. Friends I spoke to about it told me it would be awful, and internet research only amplified my fear. This surgeon must be a monster, who would want to do this to people?! On the day of the surgery, I went to the appointment with extreme dread bordering on terror. To my surprise, the procedure took 20 minutes, I felt nothing, and the post-pain was about as bad as a slight headache, solvable with an ibuprofen. The procedure was nothing; the terror I built leading up to it was much worse than the event itself.
But there is good news! Irrational fears can be managed and even overcome. It starts with understanding that these fears are usually unfounded and don’t have to control our lives. One approach is to face your fear gradually. Start with small steps. If you’re afraid of dogs, maybe begin by looking at pictures of cute puppies. Then, watch videos of dogs being playful and friendly. Eventually, you might find the courage to be near a calm, well-behaved dog. Each step, no matter how small, is progress. Talking about your fears with friends or joining a support group can also make a big difference. You’ll find that you’re not alone—many people have irrational fears. Sharing your experiences and hearing others’ stories can provide comfort and encouragement.
Irrational fears might seem like unbeatable monsters, but with patience, persistence, and a little bravery, you can conquer them. The journey might be challenging, but each step you take brings you closer to a life free from the constraints of fear. Remember, the monsters under our beds lose their power when we turn on the light.
“Fear defeats more people than any other one thing in the world.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Do you have an irrational fear that you’ve been able to overcome? We’d love to hear your story! Share your experiences in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this blog with someone who might need a little extra courage today. Together, we can face our fears and move forward stronger.
Have a great weekend.
-Vijay