emotion
Fear
Confidence · high
A present-tense response to clear, imminent threat that mobilizes escape or defense.
There is danger here, now.
01
Overview
Typical triggers
- ·Sudden loud noise
- ·Loss of footing or balance
- ·Predator or aggressor cues
- ·Physical pain or injury
Common metaphors
- “Frozen in place”
- “Heart in my throat”
- “Blood ran cold”
02
Body
- chestPounding heart, breath catches
- skinCold sweat, goosebumps, pallor
- legsTrembling or sudden strength
- stomachDrop or hollow feeling
Sympathetic — mobilization
Arousal5/5
Energy5/5
- Heart rate
- Sharply elevated; blood shunted to large muscles
- Breathing
- Sharp inhale, breath holding, then rapid
03
Mind
Attention
Tunnel vision onto the threat source
Facial expression
Widened eyes, raised upper eyelids, stretched lips, dropped jaw
Typical thoughts
- “Get away”
- “I'm in danger”
- “Where is it safe?”
04
Behavior
- Freeze
- Flee
- Fight if cornered
- Protective posture
Environmental influences
Darkness and unfamiliarity · Crowds or enclosed spaces · Past trauma cues
05
Function
Rapid mobilization to escape or defend against immediate harm.
06
Interventions
- Orient to the room — slowly turn head, name objects
- Lengthen exhale to signal safety to the vagus nerve
- Co-regulate with a calm trusted person
Reflection questions
- · Is the threat current, or remembered?
- · What does my body need to feel safe right now?
07
Relationships
RelatedNeighborOpposite
08
Research
LeDoux distinguishes a fast subcortical 'low road' (amygdala) from a slower cortical evaluation. Defensive survival circuits are not the same as the conscious feeling of fear.
Citations
- · LeDoux (2015). Anxious.
- · Mobbs et al. (2015). The ecology of human fear.