Fears can come in all different shapes and sizes - from spiders and clowns, to climbing a mountain or asking someone special on a date. 

When you are scared, you get an adrenaline rush that triggers physiological effects. It increases your metabolic rate and blood sugar levels, providing a boost to your muscles; works as a neurotransmitter, amping up your responses and increasing your awareness; and increases your blood pressure and heart rate. Your body naturally prepares to deal with your fear.  

However, repeated, long-term exposure to adrenaline and other stress-related hormones can wreak havoc on your body. You may experience more colds and infections, sexual disorders, aches and pains, fatigue or loss of appetite.

Need help facing your fears? Try these tactics:

• Understand fear. Ask yourself why you are so fearful. Usually insecurity or uncertainty plays a key role. Dig deeper to find underlying issues that may cause feelings of fear.

• Educate yourself. Find out more about your fear. Search trusted websites and learn more about the topic as well as real dangers.

• Visualize fear. Take a kick-boxing class and visualize stomping your fear to death. Or laugh at your fear and turn it into something humorous.

• Talk about fear. Have someone you can talk to listen to issues you’re having. If necessary, see a therapist to identify other ways to overcome your fear.

• Face fear. Jump in and take the risk. You can do it!