Fear of Falling Explained

From the very moment we begin to walk and explore the world around us, we develop a natural fear of falling. The fear of falling is one of the most common fears experienced by humans, and it is not surprising given that falling can cause serious injuries or even death. While some may argue that this fear is learned and can be overcome, it is important to understand that there are both evolutionary and societal reasons why we fear falling.

Born with the Fear of Falling

One reason why humans fear falling is that it is an innate, instinctive response that has been developed over time through evolution. According to Dr. Karl E. Friedl, a researcher at the U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, “Humans have an innate sense of danger that is programmed into their brains” (Friedl, 2011). This sense of danger helps humans to recognize potentially hazardous situations and respond appropriately. Falling is one such danger that our brains are wired to recognize and avoid.

In fact, studies have shown that even newborn babies show a fear of falling. Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, found that infants as young as six months old display a fear of heights, even if they have never fallen before (Adolph & Kretch, 2015). This suggests that the fear of falling is hardwired into our brains from birth.

Evolution into Fearing Falling based on Society and its Imprints

While humans may be born with a natural fear of falling, society and its imprints also play a role in the development and intensification of this fear. For example, in Western cultures, there is a strong emphasis on safety and the avoidance of risk. This is reflected in safety regulations, warning labels, and the widespread use of safety gear such as helmets and safety harnesses.

According to Dr. Tim Kasser, a professor of psychology at Knox College, “Many people have learned to be afraid of falling because they have been taught that it is dangerous and they should avoid it at all costs” (Kasser, 2019). This cultural emphasis on safety and avoidance of risk can lead to an intensification of the natural fear of falling, making it even more difficult to overcome.

How to Overcome the Fear of Falling

While the fear of falling can be intense, it is possible to overcome it. One approach is exposure therapy, which involves gradually exposing oneself to the fear in a controlled and safe environment. According to Dr. Michael Otto, a professor of psychology at Boston University, “By gradually facing the fear of falling, a person can learn to tolerate the discomfort and ultimately reduce the fear response” (Otto, 2020).

Another approach is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which involves identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to the fear of falling. According to Dr. Michelle Craske, a professor of psychology at the University of California, Los Angeles, “CBT has been shown to be effective in reducing the fear of falling, both by changing negative thinking patterns and by increasing the sense of control and self-efficacy” (Craske, 2019).

The fear of falling is a natural response that has evolved over time to help humans recognize and avoid potentially hazardous situations. However, societal factors can intensify this fear, making it even more difficult to overcome. Fortunately, there are effective approaches to overcoming the fear of falling, such as exposure therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy. By facing the fear and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors, individuals can learn to tolerate the discomfort and reduce the fear response, ultimately improving their quality of life.

Here are 3 strategies/tactics you can utilize to overcome your fear of falling:

Firstly, it's important to understand that fear is a natural response to perceived danger. It's our body's way of protecting us from harm. However, in some cases, our fear response can be triggered unnecessarily, and we can become overly fearful of things that are not actually dangerous. One way to overcome the fear of falling is to understand that the likelihood of falling is often much lower than we think it is. In fact, studies have shown that people are often more afraid of falling than they need to be.

Another strategy to overcome the fear of falling is to practice exercises that improve your balance and coordination. This can include simple exercises like standing on one foot, walking heel-to-toe, or doing yoga or tai chi. By improving your balance and coordination, you can reduce your risk of falling, which can in turn help to reduce your fear.

It's also important to take steps to make your environment safer. This might mean installing grab bars in your bathroom or adding non-slip mats to your floors. By creating a safer environment, you can reduce your risk of falling, which can help to alleviate your fear.

Finally, it's important to address any underlying physical or psychological issues that may be contributing to your fear of falling. For example, if you have a medical condition that affects your balance, it's important to work with your doctor to manage that condition. Similarly, if you're experiencing anxiety or depression, it's important to seek treatment for those issues.

Know that overcoming the fear of falling is a process that requires patience, practice, and persistence. By understanding the nature of fear, practicing exercises that improve your balance and coordination, making your environment safer, and addressing any underlying issues, you can regain your confidence and overcome your fear of falling.