Nothing to Fear Day: understanding fear and building resilience

Our CEO, Jon, writes a monthly thought piece for a local newspaper, here's one on fear.

Did you know there’s an international Nothing to Fear Day? Neither did I… but it’s a great excuse to talk about the nature of fear, how it can help us, and when it becomes a barrier to good mental health.

The day originated from President Roosevelt’s famous words in May 1941: “We have nothing to fear but fear itself.” He meant that while fear is a natural and useful emotion that keeps us safe, sometimes it can stop us from facing challenges that aren’t truly dangerous.

What is fear and why do we experience it?

At Suffolk Mind, we often say that fear arises when something challenges our needs for security and control. It’s a signal, sometimes helpful, sometimes limiting.

We tell a story in schools: a solitary lion sees his reflection in water. Because he’s never seen another lion before, he runs away in fear. A butterfly lands on his shoulder and shows him it’s just his reflection. With this new information, he overcomes his fear and drinks.

This story illustrates that fear helps us learn, especially when paired with information and experience.

How fear can help us learn

When learning anything, we need a balance of fear and positive expectation. Take learning to ride a bike:

• Fear of falling keeps us cautious and attentive.
• Excitement about independence motivates us to keep trying.

This balance helps us develop resilience — we get back up after falling, learning to ride without stabilizers. Fear, in this context, is not the enemy; it’s a guide.

Fear in everyday life and work

Fear isn’t just for children learning new skills. Adults face fear too:

• Making a presentation at work for the first time
• Meeting a new client
• Pitching a bold idea

Key tips for managing fear at work:

1. Ensure there’s a purpose to facing the fear.
2. Avoid overwhelming fear, too much can block learning and progress.

Practical tips for overcoming fear

For individuals, practicing small steps is key:

• Public speaking: Call a radio phone-in on a topic you care about. Use a first name only to reduce pressure.
• Physical challenges: Try Clip ‘n Climb or another safe climbing activity with your family. Kids learn courage through experience, and they often encourage you too.

Start small: Pick a manageable fear that relates to a bigger one. Each small success builds confidence and resilience.

Why Understanding Fear Matters

Fear is a normal, natural emotion. But when we understand it:

• We can use it to learn and grow
• We can face challenges at work and in life more confidently
• We build emotional resilience

By taking small steps, we can transform fear from a barrier into a tool for learning and growth.