What is one way to help someone overcome their fears?

Helping someone overcome their fears can be a nuanced process, and one effective approach is to assist them in realizing how to utilize their safety net. A safety net may involve personal support systems, coping strategies, or resources that provide a sense of security and stability as they confront their fears. By focusing on these supportive elements, individuals can feel more empowered and confident in managing their anxiety, making it easier to engage with or face their fears directly.

Utilizing a safety net encourages the development of skills and resilience, allowing individuals to recognize their strengths and support systems that can help them navigate challenging situations. This empowerment is central to the peer support model, emphasizing self-efficacy and personal growth in the face of adversity.

In contrast, other options, such as encouraging avoidance of the fear, making decisions for the individual, or ignoring their fears, do not foster growth or empowerment. Avoidance may temporarily alleviate anxiety but can lead to increased fear in the long run. Making decisions for someone can undermine their agency and ability to confront challenges independently, while ignoring fears can invalidate feelings and prevent meaningful progress in dealing with those fears.