It’s natural to be afraid of the unknown. After all, the unknown can contain potentially almost anything — which makes it impossible to prepare for. It is the uncertainty that is so scary.
Uncertainty, however, is part of life, which means that knowing how to handle fear of the unknown is something everyone must try to do. Here are five practical tactics for better dealing with this kind of fear.
- Look on the bright side. A more balanced view will reveal that there is as much reason for optimism as pessimism. Recall your past experiences — weren’t there plenty of times a scary situation turned out fine? And how about the instances when you had unexpected good fortune? Life has its difficult moments, but don’t let that cloud your view of the good things that also happen.
- Get specific. Ask yourself what it is you are most afraid of happening. Try to dig deep. What feels like a vague, generalized fear may have some specific basis. A vague worry about the future may really be a worry about not having enough money for retirement. Next, ask how likely it is for such an outcome to occur. Questioning fears can make them deflate.
- Become better informed. Once you’ve gotten some specificity about your fear, learning more about the thing making you afraid can make the situation better. A concrete, well-defined fear is something about which you can gain knowledge. Let’s say you are afraid of flying. Looking up statistics on air tragedies or reading about how airplanes work may help your fear. Try to consider your fear from a rational perspective.
- Take practical action. Passivity is the friend of fear. Anxiety, stress, and fear are associated with feelings of powerlessness. The more you feel in control of your life, the less a formless, undefined fear of the unknown will bother you. Do anything that will make your life a little better — exercise, clean your home, get some work done, talk to a friend, or try a new hobby. While these actions may not directly address the cause of your fear, they will move your focus to something else, which will improve your mental state.
- Talk to someone. Discussing what is bothering you with another person is always a good way to deal with worry, anxiety, and stress. Talking with someone you respect and trust — or even just an acquaintance — is a natural way to improve your mental health. Another person may be able to give you concrete advice as well. Failing that, simply lending you a listening ear is worth a lot. You may also consider seeking professional help from a therapist, especially if your fear is causing serious trouble in your life.
The unknown is always present before us. Nothing can change that. Since the unknown is never going away, becoming better at dealing with the fear the unknown generates is worth doing.
