What does it mean when we suddenly feel afraid for ...

Hi Asha, I can not tell you what causes someone to suddenly feel afraid, but knowing you the way that I know you, you are a woman of great faith. I would like to offer up the only solution that I know to defeat fear.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Psalms 27:1 The Lord is my light, and my salvation: whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Psalms 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Psalms 56:4 In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- II Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Be Blessed in the Lord my sister. Fear God only and do good.

You may be suffering from an anxiety disorder or depression. I agree that the Bible is an awesome resource to help you. You should also consider seeing a professional to discuss your feelings.

How strong is the fear, and how long does it last?  Is it a premonition kind of thing or is it a feeling you can't shake?   Are there any other signs besides thinking fear, like strong heart beat, trembling, nervousness and pacing, hair standing on end or prickling feeling?

It could a medical problem of some type.  If I eat the wrong food I wake up in a panic attack and feel scared for no reason for a couple of hours.   Even knowing what causes it isn't enough to stop the anxiety, though it does help a lot.  Otherwise I would feel like I am going crazy for no reason.

   I would suggest that you read this article from the National Institutes of Health about "panic disorder".  

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000924.htm

If you recognize enough of the symptoms, you may want to see a doctor and have a check up.   If this is the case, there are a few things I would recommend before trying any medication, especially long term medication.  An occasional tranquilizer isn't bad, but drugs are a last resort and the side affects can be as bad as the disease.

And another alternative reason for fear, something is there to be feared, but you don't consciously recognize it.  And stress can play a role.  You have been under some strain lately, and this might be your body's way of telling you to ease up a bit.

Whatever it is, let us know how you feel and hopefully we will be here for you at whatever time you are feeling afraid.

Hello I dont know why you suddenly became afraid but from my experience I suggest you see medical attention. I recently discovered I had an anxiety disorder and agitated depression. I was afraid to be social, scared to go to the store, and most of all I had different mood swings. One day sad, next mad, then Id lose patients and yell and yell. My family noticed I was not my self. Didnt like being around large crowds. I used to get very nervous and anxious. Felt suffocated. But now I feel great. Now i have A doctor who takes care of me and a supportive family. Talk to somone for help. Sometimes I practice this maybe it my help. Look into the mirror and say " I am Healthy, Smart, and Beautiful" Every morning. I know you'll get thru this. Stay positive and God Bless.

Dear Asha,

    We all operate within a "web work" of thoughts, beliefs, and expectations. We create and attract our daily situations; either "within" or "without" the body.

   If we think about the way we believe about reality, there will be some beliefs that are more apparent  than others. Some beliefs that we maintain can be described as "hidden." I say hidden because they are beliefs that we have on a very conscious level; however, we do not question them, so in effect, they become invisible. These "hidden" beliefs, however, can have significant effects on our reality. Many of these "hidden" beliefs will have an emotional "tone." Some may involve fears and doubts. We all have these to one extent or another. Some, however, if they go "unchecked" they increase in "energy" and can start to create either psychological, or physical manifestations. If "unchecked," these manifestations will increase with intensity; hence the nature of energy.

    With this having been said, there will be times when certain things will stimulate the essence of one or more of these "unchecked" or "hidden" beliefs. Also, because of the nature of energy, there will be "peaks" and "valley" in relationship to the emotional intensity of these "hidden" beliefs. It is important to understand that because of the nature of a "hidden" belief, the effect, or manifestation can be intense . When an emotional reaction to a hidden belief occurs, it would almost seem as if it came from "no where," out of control, and most frightening. This type of reaction can have an instant affect on the solar plexus, the heart, and the breathing. This reaction can be difficult to deal with, and because of its nature, it can rapidly increase. This would create a classic anxiety attack. It would seem that this "attack" is coming from "no where" and out of one's control.

     Through the exploration of our psyche, we can find the answers to our personal fears. We are not helpless, but it can appear that way when dealing with these "hidden" beliefs and their manifestations.

   A great deal of fear is based on the illusion of "helplessness." While one caters to it, this illusion is very real. There will be actions, or suggestions that will stimulate the "appearance" of one or more of these fears creating an anxiety attack. By paying attention to what has stimulated the attack, one can start to "dig" into their psyche and discover the fears/beliefs that are creating the attacks.

    If the anxiety attack is based on a "rhythm" of energy, with no apparent" point" of stimulation, then one can get the necessary clues from the types of thoughts being entertained. These thoughts will be of a fearful nature; with the basics in doubt. These thoughts, these beliefs, can be changed to positive, creative affirmations. One can, by observing their own beliefs, take charge of their lives, and no longer suffer from the damaging effects of fear and doubt.

                              With Kind Regards,

                                                        Daniel

Sudden fear can be due to a number of factors. It may be caused by a medical condition, eg. mitral valve prolapse can trigger atrial fibrilation. It can make you feel like you're dying but it's usually not life threatening. It may be triggered by sensory events which occurred during a truamatic experience in your past. It could be a symptom of another anxiety disorder, such as Panic Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Phobias, etc. Lack of sleep can make it more likely. You should see a good psychiatrist or psychologist for a thorough assessment.

Hi Asha,

Sometimes when we feel afraid for no reason at all, it could be a defense mechanism or a warning. Sometimes our senses or conscientious mind indicates danger is near and that could be the reason for the fear. For instance, if you smell something burning (sense of smell) that could indicate a fire and fear can be ignited.

Of course there are spiritual reasons, as well. We can sense (spiritually) that something is not right that might cause us to be fearful. It could be a blessing of the discerning spirit that the Lord has given. In that case, there is nothing to fear, as the Lord is in the midst.

Tippy gave you some great scriptures. I'd like to add Psalms 91. God bless

Sweetie, look at your marriage, your finances, all those stresses that you have going on right now.  You can tell yourself that everything is going to be okay, but that doesn't always mean your body is going to believe you.  You are afraid, afraid of making the wrong decisions ~ of not making any decisions and getting sucked deeper into the muck.  Your body is reacting to that stress.  If there is any way you can talk to a professional, then you should, and not for the reason you are thinking.  You need to make some big decisions in your life.  Stay or go.  I believe that your body is reacting to the uncertainty of you not making a decision, and a counselor might help you to make the decision and take the first steps you need to take.  Medications might work, but honestly, choosing a path and taking some proactive steps to get your life back in control would help a lot more.  I love you, Asha.