Why Are People Afraid Of Lizards: Often you must have seen that many girls live with dogs, horses or other big animals without any fear, but as soon as a lizard appears on the wall, they get nervous. It is common to scream, suddenly step back or immediately run away. The question is, why are we so afraid of a small and almost harmless lizard, when it does not even bite us? The answer to this is not just a habit or an illusion, but is hidden in the system of our brain.
Why does this happen?
According to experts, when the brain senses something as a threat, it reacts immediately. In this process, a part of the brain called the amygdala becomes active. This part controls emotions and starts the ‘fight or flight’ response in the body. After this, stress hormones like adrenalin start getting released in the body, due to which the heart beat becomes faster, breathing starts faster and sweating starts. This is the reason why many people start feeling nervous as soon as they see a lizard, even though they know that there is no real danger from it.
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What is the reason behind fear?
According to scientists at Charles University, our brain is not always able to immediately differentiate between real danger and merely perceived danger. Once a fear reaction is formed regarding something, then many times the body starts reacting in the same way even before thinking. The American Psychological Association also believes that in a phobia, the person’s fear is much greater than the actual danger, but he feels this fear to be completely true.
Why does fear arise?
According to psychologists, fear of lizards can develop due to many reasons. In some people, it is related to some childhood experience, while many people learn the same fear by seeing their parents or other family members being afraid of lizards. This is called specific phobia, in which excessive fear is felt about a particular thing or situation. Although this phobia is not as common as the fear of snakes or spiders, the process of its formation is almost the same. The study has also revealed that the human brain is more alert towards those creatures which suddenly move rapidly. The sudden running of the lizard, its different physical structure and its appearance without any warning can create a feeling of danger in the mind.
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Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.
