During this unprecedented time of COVID-19 many are experiencing one of the oldest reactions, also known as an emotional response, known to humans, FEAR.

FEAR of going out in the public…

FEAR of being in close proximity of others…

FEAR of contracting and/or being diagnosed with COVID-19…

FEAR of the potential consequences of contracting and/or being diagnosed with COVID-19…

FEAR of potentially infecting others with the virus, unintentionally…

FEAR of being asymptomatic and not knowing one has the virus…

FEAR of family members, especially those who are elderly and/or have significant medical concerns, contracting COVID-19…

FEAR of losing loved ones, close friends, and/or co-workers due to complications from COVID-19…

FEAR of what will happen to the world and its people…

FEAR of not being able to pay one’s bills…

FEAR of losing one’s job…

FEAR of not having enough money to buy food and/or necessities…

FEAR of going to the store and there are no necessities left for one to purchase…

FEAR of just about any and every things that is associated with this bleak time in our country’s history…

So where does one’s emotional response, more specifically FEAR, to COVID-19 originates?

Fear, according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, is an unpleasant and often strong emotion caused by the anticipation of danger (Merriam-Webster, 2020). It often initiates in the brain and extends throughout one’s body making adjustments for what it considers to be the best way to defend oneself.

The most common defense is known as the flight or fight response. This response originates in the region of the brain called the amygdala. The amygdala is an almond shaped cluster of nuclei located in the temporal lobes of the brain has several functions.

One of those functions is the processing of and controlling one’s emotional responses. Therefore, the amygdala not only processes the fear one may experience but is also controls the fear being experienced, which has been associated with most emotional disorders.

Now I am sure you are trying to figure what all of that means and if I was you, I would too.

Ultimately, COVID-19 has triggered a fear response in the amygdala of many, activating several areas in their brains needed to prepare the flight or fight motor functions responses.

As a result of the amygdala experiencing a response to the fear associated with COVID-19, several bodily reactions can, have, and will take place.

Those reactions include the following: dilated pupils, increased breathing as the bronchi begins to dilate resulting in an elevated heart rate and the potential for one’s blood pressure to rise, sweating, inability to sleep and/or restlessness, goose bumps, digestive issues, and many more physical responses.

Fear, as an emotional response, can be very taxing on one’s. However, it is important to note the response is different among individuals.

While it may seem and even feel scary, fear is one of the most important emotions one can experience as it influences how one may respond to situations that could potentially cause harm to you.

How has the FEAR you are experiencing due to COVID-19 influenced your daily routine?

Be on the lookout of Part 2: Understanding One’s Cognitive Response as a Result of their Emotional Response in the coming weeks!

References:

Amen, D. G. (2000) Change Your Brain, Change Your Life: The Breakthrough Program for Conquering Anxiety, Depression, Obsessiveness, Anger, and Impulsiveness. New York: Times Books.

“Fear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fear. Accessed 27 Apr. 2020.