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. When we meet with something we're not familiar with or something frightening, our brain and body start making changes to help prepare us for the unknown. Dr. Kerr says, "For some people, choosing to be scared can be fun. "
What good is fear?
. It tells a person to hide, run away, or defend oneself. Faster heartbeat and breathing send more blood and oxygen to the muscles so they are ready when they are needed. Stress chemicals can make a person more alert.
Our memories also help protect us. We keep a close eye on babies because they don't understand what might hurt them. As babies grow, they learn what's unsafe, and their brains store those memories. Then their brains use fear to warn them of dangers. "We don't want to be fearless, "Dr. Kerr says. "!"
Too much can be harmful
Experiences can lead to long-lasting fears that may stop a person from trying new things. We're born with the ability to feel fear, but a lot of what we're afraid of is learned.
"Being afraid doesn't mean you're weak," Dr. Kerr says. A long-lasting fear can mean you've had a bad experience, and your brain doesn't want you to have it again. . Other people may have no special fear of dogs but may be afraid of other things, such as heights, snakes, or spiders.
How to feel less afraid
Many people have beat their own fears. Here is one method: Instead of listening to their imagination, they learn the facts about anything that seems scary. .
Dr. Kerr grew up on a farm. As a seven-year-old, she was scared of black bears in the woods. Later, she read about them. "Understanding the facts gave me a sense of confidence, "she says." I knew for sure what to do if I ever met with a bear and how to protect myself."
A. Knowledge can help a person feel less afraid
B. Being scared is not always a bad thing
C. Fear is a tool that the brain uses to keep the body safe
D. That is why our brain works faster in time of danger
E. It is good to have a healthy sense of what's dangerous
F. Some people are scared to death by his own shadow at night
G. If a dog bit someone, that person might feel afraid of all dogs