Ananya Panday lists out her favourite superstitions, and why she believes in them: ‘I don’t walk under a ladder’

Dr Rahul Chandok, senior consultant and head of psychiatry at Artemis Lite NFC, New Delhi, said that irrational fears like these can stem from a variety of sources, including developmental milestones, temperament, traumatic experiences, or modeling others. “As people grow, they encounter new experiences and concepts that can be overwhelming or frightening. For example, the fear of the dark is often linked to a developing imagination and the inability to distinguish between fantasy and reality. Some are naturally more anxious or cautious than others. This can make them more prone to developing fears,” he said.

Irrational fears are those that are disproportionate to the actual threat posed by a situation or object. They may be based on unrealistic beliefs or distorted thinking patterns.

Many believe a black cat is a bad omen (Source: Freepik)

Can you overcome these fears?

He added that these fears, if not addressed during childhood, can resurface in adulthood due to psychological regression, where unresolved emotions from early years return. Overcoming irrational fears requires a combination of parental involvement during childhood and therapeutic intervention if these fears persist into adulthood. Parents and caregivers play a pivotal role in helping children navigate their fears. It is essential for parents to provide consistent emotional support and observe changes in their child’s behavior.

“Signs such as a fear of specific individuals, avoidance behaviours, difficulty concentrating, or social withdrawal may indicate underlying fears or phobias. Open communication and reassurance can help children feel safe, while professional counselling sessions can address the root causes of their fears,” he said.

Dr Chandok stressed the importance of acknowledging your fears and providing support. “Gradual, controlled exposure to the feared situation, coupled with positive reinforcement, can build confidence and reduce anxiety. Modeling healthy ways of coping with fears also teaches resilience,” he said, adding that building a strong support system and adopting coping mechanisms to manage lingering fears can help. With the right therapeutic approaches, adults can overcome anxiety, panic attacks, and nightmares linked to childhood fears, achieving better mental health and emotional resilience.