The Role of Fear in Depression

    Fear is an unpleasant emotion caused by the threat of danger, pain or harm. Contrary to irrational reactions of objects that pose little or no harm (known as phobias), fear is a rational reaction to potentially dangerous objects or events. It is a natural, primitive emotion that mankind has embraced over the course of history and still plays a role in society today.

HOW DOES FEAR PLAY A ROLE IN DEPRESSION? 

    Fear is a powerful double-edged sword. It goes without saying that fear is a major factor that has ensured humanity’s survival, but it is also linked to depression. Panic attacks are outright examples of the devastating effects of fear. People who think of the future way too much often fall into a state of depression due to the near infinite possible outcomes that might occur. This can have damaging effects on their mental. It gets worse when they are written off as being “childish and not strong enough to survive the real world”. Comments like these won’t magically make them feel better.

   Depression eventually kicks in and its victim is made to suffer alone due to the fear of further rejection.

    Panic attacks are effects of excessive and intense episodes of fear. In severe cases, it can lead to death. Self-destructive tendencies may arise and stress levels will increase at a dangerous pace. Losing focus and interest is also common and if it is not tackled early and effectively, suicide is imminent.  

WHAT CAN YOU AND I DO?

    Probably the worst thing you can do is to avoid a person that has shown signs of depression. You would have successfully done more harm than good in their lives. Have a talk with them. Don’t pressure them to spill all their problems out, let them do it at their own pace. Encourage them and give them reasons to be happy. If this is beyond your ability, then take them to a counsellor or refer them to a therapist.

    If you are a victim, don’t be scared of seek help from counsellors or therapists and if you have not been affected, don’t be scared of associating with victims. Don’t be quick to judge based on what is seen at the surface. At the end, they are just as human as you are.

   I am not sure I should say this but here goes;

     A friend of ours was really depressed and did not have the courage to tell us despite the fact that we asked them to. We were not able to spot their depression for some time despite being very close to them. When we did, we were very worried for them because they felt their problems would affect our relationship with them. We understood them and they eventually got help. At the moment they are doing just fine and are coping well.

      A simple act of concern can go a long way in helping depressed people and with the right mind-set, we can kick out depression and all kinds of fear associated with it.