Why We Fear

You can probably remember being afraid of the dark, heights, or being alone as a child. Why do so many of us fear these things? It might be hard for us to see in the dark, meaning we don’t know what is in our environment. If we are high up without protection, we could fall and hurt ourselves. When we are alone, especially as a child, we might not have the people around us who usually keep us safe.  

The Benefits of Fear

We have evolved to be able to tell when we might be in danger or at risk of harm from a very young age. Emotions that may arise in the face of danger or uncertainty include fear and anxiety. In many cases, these emotions are helpful cues for us to remember to use a flashlight at night so we don’t trip over something and fall, to stay away from the edge of a building, and to ask for help or find people who can help us when we need it.  

Enjoying the Fright

These emotions of fear and anxiety are associated with physical sensations sometimes referred to as an ‘adrenaline rush’. When we know there isn’t actually any danger, we may, for example, enjoy the sensation of our stomach turning over when we safely take in a beautiful view from the top of a tall building. We may even enjoy getting scared in a haunted house, where we know that even though something seems frightening at first, we are safe.  

Differentiating Fear and Safety

Being able to tell the difference between these fun, safe contexts like getting spooked in a haunted house and real circumstances in which we may be in danger is an important skill. Some people have a hard time telling the difference between those contexts, and some people experience feelings of fear and anxiety so intensely even when they are safe that it becomes hard for them to enjoy being with the people they love and doing everyday tasks.  

Our Work at Ruvvy Resilience Lab

We at the Ruvvy Resilience Lab are working to understand the brain-based differences associated with perceptions of danger, fear, and anxiety to help those who struggle with big emotions.

Want to learn more about how you can get involved in this work? Check out the flyer below! 

Whether you’re watching scary movies, visiting a haunted house, or trick-or-treating with friends and family, we hope you have a fun and spooky celebration in a safe and supportive environment that brings you joy!

Happy Halloween! 

The Greenhouse of the Mind:

Resources to Help You Bloom

Helping Kids Enjoy Halloween Without Fear

Halloween can be exciting but overwhelming for some children, especially those with anxiety or sensory challenges. This resource from the Child Mind Institute offers practical tips for parents to prepare kids for trick-or-treating, navigate costumes, and turn spooky moments into safe, fun experiences.

👉🏻 Click here to read more

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