My Biggest Fear

Growing up, a kid always feels on top of the world. Standing on a tall chair can make them feel unstoppable. So why does that feeling go away so suddenly as we mature? 

It all starts in the amygdala, the part of the brain where fear is stimulated. According to Smithsonian Magazine, “A threat stimulus triggers a fear response in the amygdala, which activates areas involved in motor functions involved in fight or flight.” This stimulus also triggers the stress hormones and the nervous system. Each individual has their own set of fears and boundaries. Common fears include heights, snakes, spiders, and even the pattern of holes, trypophobia. 

My biggest fear is thalassophobia, the fear of deep bodies of water. Oceans, seas, and large lakes create intense internal anxiety in me. Growing up, I never traveled very far, especially to the beach. As a child, I took swim lessons and as I reached the level where I could practice in the deep end of the pool, the realization of my fear came to life. It was the deepest pool I had ever been in. I eventually swam in an even deeper pool, reaching the 20ft mark. The lining was black, therefore I couldn’t see the bottom and it was terrifying for 10-year-old me. Ever since that day, I have avoided deep pools and lakes. 

This past summer, I had the opportunity to venture on Geist with friends. I was having fun listening to the music on the boat. My friends dared me to get into the water and I was instantly shaking and extremely nervous. I jumped into the green, murky water. It wasn’t as bad as I had anticipated until the thought of something under the water grabbing me popped into my head. It made me shiver and I had to get out of the water as fast as I could. The panic I feel when large bodies of water may never go away but fear is just a response to what your body can handle. 

Psychotherapist Richard Schaub gives insights that when we acknowledge our vulnerability, we adapt more courage and peace in our minds. We can work through our fears. Some will face their fears in a state of courage, others avoid what scares them most. Out of sight, out of mind. Fear is simply a reactant we have in our brain. It is normal to fear. It is good to fear.