Fear (excessive)
Synopsis of Fear (excessive)
Excessive fear refers to a heightened, persistent emotional response to perceived threats, whether real or imagined, that is disproportionate to the actual danger. Unlike healthy fear—which serves a protective function—pathological or excessive fear can disrupt daily life, lead to avoidance behaviors, impair decision-making, and cause chronic emotional and physical stress.
Excessive fear can present in several forms:
-
Generalized anxiety or free-floating fear without a clear source
-
Phobias, where fear is tied to specific triggers (e.g., heights, crowds, animals)
-
Panic attacks, with sudden, overwhelming fear and physical symptoms
-
Post-traumatic stress, where fear is linked to past trauma
-
Hypervigilance, common in anxiety and trauma-related disorders
Physiologically, fear activates the sympathetic nervous system, triggering the "fight or flight" response. Chronic activation leads to elevated cortisol, adrenal fatigue, poor sleep, digestive issues, and immune dysregulation. Excessive fear is often linked to amygdala hyperactivity, low GABA, high glutamate, and neurotransmitter imbalances (e.g., serotonin, dopamine).
When to see a doctor or therapist:
If fear significantly interferes with work, relationships, or personal function—or is accompanied by panic, intrusive thoughts, or physical symptoms—it’s essential to seek mental health support. Therapy, lifestyle interventions, and, when needed, medication can provide relief and long-term healing.
Natural remedies for Fear (excessive)
Breathing Exercises: Slow, deep breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system and reduces fear intensity.
Mindfulness and Meditation: Helps retrain the brain's fear response by creating a sense of present-moment safety.
Journaling: Writing out fears can help identify patterns and reduce internal overwhelm.
Limit Stimulants: Caffeine and sugar can heighten the stress response and worsen fear.
Create a Safe Routine: Predictability can reduce feelings of helplessness and restore a sense of control.
Ingredients
These raw ingredients are often used in alternative medicine to treat Fear (excessive)
ashwagandha
GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid)
L-theanine
magnesium
omega-3 fatty acids
passionflower
rhodiola
valerian root
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
zinc
St. John's Wort
Cherry Plum
Gelsemium
Mimulus
Purple Monkeyflower
Rock Rose
Sceletium
Water Violet
Additional Help
Free Consults with Dr. Shannyn
Struggling with chronic symptoms? Get real help.
Many health concerns are complex—and what works for one person may not work for another. Talk with Dr. Shannyn, our licensed naturopathic doctor, to get personalized guidance on which herbs, nutrients, or lifestyle shifts could support your healing.
Book a Free Consult →
Compassionate, root-cause care at no cost.
At-Home Lab Testing
Get to the root of what’s really going on.
Symptoms like fatigue, bloating, skin issues, or mood changes often point to deeper imbalances. Our at-home lab tests make it easy to investigate hormone health, gut function, food sensitivities, and more—no clinic visit required.
Explore Lab Testing →
Test from home. Review with an ND.