Conquering fear

Nearly half of all Canadians are afraid of heights and 38 per cent are afraid of germs, according to a survey by the National Geographic Channel.

In the March 2006 issue of Canadian Living magazine, we asked our readers to share their greatest fears and their methods of overcoming them. Read on for a pair of reader responses and then share your fear and coping mechanism with us by using our Feedback tool, located at the top and bottom right of this page. Then read other reader responses in the feedback section at the bottom of the page.

For still more help, learn how to overcome your fears in 5 simple steps by clicking here.

Reader responses

Claudette Barnes wrote:
I am 31 years old and allergic to pain! Prior to donating blood, I had visions of giant needles slowly piercing my skin! Luckily, greater than my fear of needles is my fear of living life without a purpose.

This desire to overcome my fear became stronger as I learned more about the importance of giving. I resolved to give blood because a close friend is a cancer patient and Canada needs 80,000 new donors, up to three lives can be saved with one donation and it only takes one hour! Moreover, a co-worker donated blood just one time and helped save the life of another co-worker who had the same blood type!

Inside the clinic, Judy Burton (manager of donor services at Canadian Blood Services) took my hand, talked to me gently and before I knew it, the needle was out and my donation was complete!

A comfortable bed, delightful conversation and snacks -- Canadian Blood Services should change their name to CBSS: Canadian Blood SPA Services!

Claudette Barnes
Radio Personality
St. John's, Newfoundland

From Carol Lynn:
I think my greatest fear is being too intense sometimes and having people I come in contact with misunderstand me. I find it hard to communicate on these occasions. During these times I try to remember what my intentions are and let go of the worry cycle.

Having two lovely grown daughters with families and a husband who tries to understand me, helps me deal with this. They love me unconditionally. I would love to have the confidence to not always worry about what I say.

Sincerely,
Carol Lynn

Read on for more reader responses.