Children may often feel scared of the big, bad world, but even as adults, sometimes, we can’t seem to shake off certain “irrational” fears. Such fears crop up from nowhere and leave us paralysed to function. Kiara Advani also seems to have one such fear — of lights dropping when working on a film set.
In conversation with film critic Anupama Chopra, the new mum shared: “Honestly, my biggest onset fear is the light falling. I’ll tell you why. The set environment is the most dangerous. You have so many cables and lights and spots, so many people above your head. Despite all safety measures and norms, I am constantly scared that what if something happens?”
“When I am in a dance sequence and people are hanging above my head, I’m like, ‘God, please don’t let anyone get hurt. That’s why we always pray and start working,” she added.
Story continues below this ad
Dr Rahul Chandok, senior consultant and head of psychiatry at Artemis Lite NFC, New Delhi, said that irrational fears 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.
“Honestly, my biggest onset fear is the light falling,” she said. (Source: Instagram/@kiaraaliadvani)
What is an irrational fear?
Dr Ambarish Ghosh, consultant psychiatrist at CMRI, said that trauma—such as abuse, neglect, bullying, or parental separation—can leave lasting emotional scars, creating fears that persist into adulthood. “Manipulative or overly strict parenting can also instill irrational fears and trust issues in children,” 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.
Dr Ghosh said that these fears, if not addressed during childhood, can resurface in adulthood due to psychological regression, where unresolved emotions from early years return.
Story continues below this ad
“Therapies such as psychotherapy and regression therapy allow individuals to revisit and process their experiences, identifying the root causes of their fears. Psychotherapy provides tools to reframe traumatic memories, while regression therapy guides individuals to confront and release their pain,” he explained.
Can you ever get over these fears?
Dr Ghosh also said that 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.
Story continues below this ad
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.