Ask Aunt B

Dear Aunt B,

I am afraid of everything. I try to step into new things and then I get frozen in my tracks and can’t move forward.

Afraid of my own Shadow

Dear Afraid of my own Shadow,

So you have recognized that you have a great deal of fear going on. Is this a new thing? Have you always been fearful or this new for you?

The answer here is really important. Any new behavior needs to be looked at differently. I would say if something just shows up you need to get a physical checkup. There are physical conditions that cause changes in our mental states. Always check these out.

If this is long running, then we still need to gather more information. I realize you said that you are afraid of everything. Is that true, everything? Are you afraid of your pet? Are you afraid of food? Are you afraid of your family or loved ones? You get the drift. If the answer to those and similar questions are yes, then you need to get professional help. There is nothing to be ashamed about getting help.

If you are not actually afraid of everything, then better define what you are afraid of and quit saying you are afraid of everything.

The words we say are very important. If you are labeling yourself as afraid of everything, you will have a different response even physically. So it will benefit you if you pull back on the extremeness of your words.

There are many techniques that can help you deal with fear. Have you ever heard of EFT? It is Emotional Freedom Technique.

There are a plethora (I love using that word) of Youtube videos explaining and offering information on this technique. I am very fond of EFT for a multiple of issues. The Tapping Solution has an app that is extremely well done. There is a free and a paid version. The free version is very effective.

In addition, prayer and meditation work very well. Any time you spend quieting your mind and relaxing will decrease a fear response.

Breath work is important. As we have discussed earlier in Aunt B columns, most of us don’t breathe very well. There are many different types of breath as well. Again, Youtube is your friend. Look up diaphragmatic breathing.

The thing about fear, when left untouched or unaddressed it does often increase and spread to other situations and objects. So it is important to get a handle on it as early as possible.

Remember, getting outside help is not something to be ashamed about. You are worth it.

Love,

Aunt B

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