Your biological responses to fear are at the core of depression, anxiety, failed relationships and much of human misery. But you can change how your body reacts to threats – some steps are as simple as adjusting your breathing. Fear has evolved as a set of powerful physical reactions for surviving predators. In modern life we face very different threats, but the same ancient, automatic fear responses are triggered. And that doesn't end well. It has a huge impact on our physical and mental health, our behaviour, our capacity to think clearly and our ability to relate to each other.

Reflections on Fear, Anxiety and Depression was provided by the York Festival of Ideas. The Festival is led by the University of York, UK

Speaker

Michael GuildingPsychotherapist and trainer

Further information

Michael Guilding's articles on complex trauma