The brain is crucial in the process of fear contagion. When a person experiences fear, a message travels from the anterior cingulate cortex to the amygdala, where it triggers a defensive response. This automatic and unconscious process evolved in social animals, such as humans, to protect genes that we share with others. But the problem is that fear has no set cause and can be triggered in anyone, regardless of age.
People develop phobias when they experience an unfamiliar or frightening situation. In a traumatic situation, a person's amygdala warns them of danger by producing a fear response. When this trigger occurs, they will experience a traumatic reaction. This may result in a shrill roar from a person. Or a heart attack from a stranger. These triggered reactions lead to anxiety.
While we are wired to feel fear, if we choose to ignore or rationalize our fears, they will consume us. When we rationalize our fears, we will eat them or fight them. It is better to eat the real fear than to fight it. We should also recognize that certain fears are normal during childhood. It is normal for us to be afraid of something new or unsure, which is why our natural response is to be afraid.
In fact, our amygdala forwards this signal to the hypothalamus and other brain stem areas that control our defense responses. These are fright, freeze, flight, and fight. These automatic unconscious responses are shared by all animals, including humans. The difference is that fear contagion goes a step further, beyond the individual's control. This process is called the 'Fear of Coronavirus Questionnaire' and consists of eight questions.
As a species, we have a genetically programmed fear of a particular type of animal. When we encounter an animal that causes fear, the amygdala sends a signal to the hypothalamus. This signals the brain to launch a defense response. This instinctive response enables survival in many animals. However, the same mechanism can trigger panic attacks in humans. If a disease is spread to multiple people, the risk is even greater.
We are born with the same biological processes as other species. We have the same amygdala. When we perceive something that is not normal, we become afraid. We are scared and unable to act rationally. It is our instincts that govern our actions. If we are able to manage fear, we can protect ourselves and others. But we must also make it work for us. If we are in danger of a disease, we need to fear it.
We are hardwired to share threats. That's why we are so afraid of the COVID-19 virus. If you're not aware of any symptoms of this disease, you'll likely live in a state of fear and become anxious. It's impossible to be free of fear, and it's the result of our emotions. Fortunately, we can learn to control our fears by focusing on the good things in life.