Actions of fear

The possible actions resulting from any of the aforementioned states/intensity of fear are shown in the following figure:

We will see what each of these represents:

• Avoid: This involves either physically staying away from the threat or keeping yourself from thinking about it
• Freeze: This is when you become incapable of acting or speaking
• Hesitate: This is when you hold back in doubt or indecision, often momentarily
• Ruminate: This is when you obsessively think about a past emotional experience
• Scream/yell: This is when you lose control of your speech and cry out in a loud and high voice
• Withdraw: This is when you physically or mentally leave the scene of the threat.
• Worry: This is when you anticipate the possibility of harm