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“Fear is our survival response,” says »ªÌå»á clinical psychologist Zachary Sikora, PsyD. Some people â€� like roller-coaster fans and horror movie buffs â€� thrive on it, while other people avoid it. Have you ever wondered why? And what really happens inside your body and brain when you’re afraid?

1. Fear Is Physical

Fear is experienced in your mind, but it triggers a strong physical reaction in your body.

As soon as you recognize fear, your amygdala (small organ in the middle of your brain) goes to work. It alerts your nervous system, which sets your body’s fear response into motion.

Your body releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Your blood pressure and heart rate increase. You start breathing faster.

Even your blood flow changes. Blood flows away from your heart and into your limbs, making it easier for you to start throwing punches or run for your life. Your body is preparing for a

Adrenaline can also causes:

• Your airways to open wider to send more oxygen to the brain
• Your body to release stored sugars, fats and nutrients to give you more energy
• Muscle tension
• Sweating

2. Fear Can Make You Foggy

As some parts of your brain are revving up, others are shutting down. When the amygdala senses fear, the cerebral cortex (area of the brain that harnesses reasoning and judgment) becomes impaired. This makes it difficult to make good decisions or think clearly. As a result, you might scream and throw your hands up when approached by an actor in a haunted house. You are unable to rationalize that the threat is not real.

This temporary impairment of our rational mind in the face of perceived threat highlights just how powerful and sometimes overwhelming fear can be. But the brain also has ways to help regulate intense fear responses.

»ªÌå»á scientists that the brain naturally creates its own calming chemicals, called endocannabinoids, during times of stress. These chemicals are similar in structure and function to the phytocannabinoids in marijuana that alter the state of your mind. In the brain, endocannabinoids may help calm excessive fear, especially in people with (PTSD) and anxiety.

3. Fear Can Lead to Pleasure

Why do people who love roller-coasters, haunted houses and horror movies enjoy getting caught up in those fearful, stressful moments? Because the thrill doesn’t necessarily end when the ride or movie ends.

Through the , your body and brain remain aroused even after your scary experience is over.

“During a staged fear experience, your brain will produce more of a chemical called dopamine, which gives you feelings of pleasure,” says Dr. Sikora.

4. Fear Is Not Phobia

It's normal to feel slightly uneasy about swimming in the ocean. But if the thought of being on the beach makes you unable to function, you might be experiencing more than just fear. You may be experiencing phobia.

The difference between fear and phobia is simple. Fears is a natural reaction to a perceived threat or danger, but it becomes a phobia when it interferes with your ability to function and maintain a consistent quality of life. If you start taking extreme measures to avoid water, spiders or people, you may have a phobia.

5. Fear Keeps You Safe

“Fear is a natural and biological condition that we all experience,” says Dr. Sikora. “It’s important that we experience fear because it keeps us safe.” For example, a healthy fear of heights prevents you from carelessly approaching cliff edges.

Fear is a complex human emotion. It can be positive and protective, but when it becomes overwhelming or disruptive, it can have negative consequences. If fear or phobia is interfering with your daily life, talk with a medical professional to get help.