Being scared is a natural body response to danger, and it happens to everyone. When you are scared, you are more alert. We are programmed to react to danger by a mechanism called “flight or fight response.” When this mechanism is activated, it enables us to run or escape from danger or prepares us to fight to protect ourselves. The same mechanism is involved that helps us focus better when we have to study to pass an exam. As soon as the brain senses danger, we react without thinking about it. This activates a series of physiological reactions that prepare our bodies to react for example an increased heart rate, sweating, tensed muscles, increased blood flow to the muscles, sharpened sight and hearing, heightened alertness. In short, being scared helps us to react more quickly to a dangerous situation.

Likewise, being afraid or feeling worried when we are about to experience a new situation or challenge is completely expected. For example, taking a test and talking in front of a group are situations that can cause us to be a little on edge—this is a positive body reaction; we become more alert; we are on our toes and perform better.

So, what’s the difference? Isn’t being afraid or scared the same as feeling stress? If it is, how can you tell the difference? Well, for starters, stress is caused by external pressures. So, for example, the pressure of taking a test is the pressure put upon you by the other students and your teacher to perform well. Anxiety, on the other hand, is an internal body feeling—you are afraid of the dark. Is it slightly clearer now?

Clarification

Being scared of a situation where you could be in danger is also positive. For example, you wouldn’t cross the street without looking both ways; you want to be sure that there are no cars coming. Why is that? You learned to be scared when something can be dangerous. So, feeling scared can be a natural, positive body reaction that we all have for different reasons. And, while adults often call being scared “anxiety,” this feeling of anxiety, in the right amount, is natural and healthy.