Time to face our fears
17 April 2009
People need to know how to process their emotions better to prevent harm to their mental and physical health. 
Dr Andrew McCulloch, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation
Over three-quarters of the UK population believe the world is more frightening now compared to 10 years ago, according to a report published by the Mental Health Foundation.
The report, entitled 'In the face of fear', also found that over a third of people get frightened and anxious more often than they used to. More than one in 10 people have visited their GP for help dealing with fear or anxiety.
Some of the most common reasons for people becoming more frightened or anxious include fear of terrorism, the loss of a sense of community and the poor economic situation.
However, Professor Frank Furedi from the School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research at the University of Kent, UK, suggests in the report that the media and politics influence people, increasing their fearfulness. He says that focusing on matters that worry people, such as terrorism and the environment, only serves to exaggerate how serious people perceive them to be.
The report says that instead of trying to control things we can't influence, we should try to face our fears. This would make people feel more powerful as they learn that risks can be managed and fears overcome.
Dr Andrew McCulloch, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation said: "This report shows that fear is having a serious negative impact on the mental and physical health of the nation."
He added: "The modern world will test our resilience again and again, and people need to know how to process their emotions better to prevent harm to their mental and physical health."
The results come from a survey of over 2,000 UK adults and their publication coincides with Mental Health Action Week 2009.
The Mental Health Foundation's campaign this year focuses on increasing the public's knowledge and understanding of how fear and anxiety can affect their lives. The Foundation aims to show people that there are ways they can manage their fears and that help is available. Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, eating a healthy diet and stopping smoking can help to reduce anxiety. Breathing and relaxation techniques can also be useful.
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Related information
- Anxiety disorders - health factsheet
- Phobias - health factsheet
- Stress - health factsheet
- Stress in the workplace - health factsheet
- Mental Health Foundation
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