stigma of mental illness ( Archived) (130)

Hi Bode

I'm not sure I agree that we shouldn't have fear. During the Persian Gulf War, General Schwarzkopf said he expected his men to be fearful. That if they weren't afraid, they wouldn't be on edge and ready to handle the unexpected. I think fear raises our adrenaline to keep us safe.

Hi monte,

There is a difference between fear and anticipated danger. To asses the risks and danger is one thing but you don't need fear to avoid unnecessary danger. You won't put your hand in a fire because you fear, it's because you know you'll get burned.
Fear is an emotion, probably our strongest, and in almost all instances when someone feels fear it's unjustified. It causes so much pain and misery but our ego loves it. The ego tries at all times to be in control and it does this mainly by fear.
On top of that we have psychological fear, unease, worry, tension, anxiety and all kinds of mental unease. From this quite often comes dis-ease or a general malaise including the number one illness in the Western world...depression.
In fact depression is really fear, we have become consumed with fear and dread, but most of the time we don't know why. But should we as pedro seems to have done and say I won't be bullied by my own mind any more, I won't be fearful, a more peaceful and joy filled road lies ahead.

A good friend of mine is a life coach and she explained to me the difference between good and bad fear. Fear is a perfectly normal emotion and can be beneficial in decision making, but it can get the better of us and then it becomes a problem, in effect ruling and limiting our lives.

I have been fearful on a number of occasions when travelling alone to countries never visited before to take up job offers. Russia was probably the scariest for me as I had to start up the teaching project alone with all my back up in the UK and of course a completely alien culture and language along with the commitment of a 2 year contract. With hindsight I see that fear I felt as good fear.

Pedro has mentioned psychotic incidences in his life when he was hospitalised for quite lengthy periods. As far as I'm aware the ability to conquer fear as Bodleing has discussed is not remotely possible during serious psychotic periods as experienced by Pedro as there is a total loss of contact with reality.

I do believe though that banishing that bad fear, or dealing with it effectively, may be a great help in maintaining stable mental health.

Serious psychotic periods are borne out of fear, it's just that the condition has become extreme. As with any extreme illness we need to seek medical help.
I was talking about psychological fear which has no foundation in real danger, just a perceived danger which you experienced before your trip to Russia.
Why did you see that fear as good and how could it have helped you?

Yes I understand now that you were talking about psychological fear rather than psychosis.

The reason I believe the fear I felt was "good" is because "bad" fear would have prevented me from taking the risk and going to Russia which ultimately turned out to be an amazing experience.

Perhaps it was just apprehension you felt rather than true fear.

Good to see you back on here J...