Patient SM (or S.M.), an American woman with a rare genetic condition called Urbach-Wiethe disease, is famous in neuroscience for having no, or almost no, ability to experience fear. Damage to her amygdalae—the brain's fear-processing center—prevents her from feeling fear or anxiety, even in life-threatening situations.
S.M., sometimes referred to as SM-046, is an American woman with a peculiar type of brain damage that physiologically reduces her ability to feel fear. First described by scientists in 1994, she has had exclusive and complete bilateral amygdala destruction since late childhood as a consequence of Urbach–Wiethe disease.
True fearlessness actually does exist, however. It's an effect of an extremely rare disease called Urbach-Wiethe. Only about 400 people have ever been recorded with the condition. Symptoms include a hoarse voice and small bumps around the eyes, as well as calcium deposits in the brain.
A person who isn't afraid of anything can be called fearless, intrepid, dauntless, bold, or courageous, with "fearless" being the most direct description, though these words imply different nuances of bravery and lack of apprehension.
How can I manage fear and anxiety?
Muted fear responses have been mentioned in the literature, principally associated with medical conditions affecting the physiological fear pathways, including Urbach-Wiethe disease. Amygdala damage provokes abnormal fear reactions and reduced fear experience.
Steps to help you overcome your fears
They're good at transmuting fear
Fearless people are often seen using fear as a channel to knowledge. Knowledge about what's scary and why, and what can be done to make it less so. They actively practise transforming their fear into an instinct to warn and protect, rather than subdue and prevent.
synonyms: fearless. unapprehensive. not recognizing or slow to recognize danger. unblinking, unflinching, unintimidated, unshrinking.
In SM's case, she stopped feeling fear when Urbach-Wiethe disease destroyed her amygdala. "What's remarkable is that it is specific to fear – her ability to process other types of emotion are mostly intact, whether that be happiness or anger or sadness," says Feinstein.
To release fear from the body, use grounding techniques like deep belly breathing, shaking/tremoring exercises (like TRE or simple full-body shakes), and mindfulness to calm the nervous system, alongside physical activity, nature connection, talking it out with trusted people, maintaining routines, and seeking professional help if needed.
And, this primal fear with which we are all, I would say, endowed, which is also vital, otherwise we would not move carefully through life, out of which, out of this primal feeling, basically all kinds of fears arise, so there is no life without fear.
synonyms: audacious, brave, dauntless, hardy, intrepid, unfearing. bold. fearless and daring.
Some men, and not only figures like Socrates and Spinoza, have no anxiety in the face of death. Men have believed that there are many things which could happen to them that are far worse than death. Any sensitive person can think of a variety of circumstances that would make death a happy release, almost a privilege.
We can become fearless. But it's important to understand that becoming fearless isn't about having no fear because we all have fear and will always have fear. It's a package deal when we come to an Earthly life. So, fearlessness isn't the absence of fear.
Here are seven benefits that fearless people experience:
Here are some potential signs of fearlessness:
Examples of Iconic Courageous Leaders
This rare abnormal condition is either owed to some disease or some brain damage following an accident that affected the brain circuitry associated with the fear response. However, that doesn't make their life stories any less astonishing.
Fearlessness is a practice, not a personality trait
Do you think that fearless people are born that way? Trust me; fearlessness is not a prerequisite for pursuing your dreams. It's something you can cultivate through practice.
They believe in themselves.
These women take a good look at their history and all they've overcome, and are proud of their growth. They know they can take care of themselves, come what may. If they feel they can't, they do what they need to do in order to acquire the skills and support they need to feel safe.
Fear Is Physical
It alerts your nervous system, which sets your body's fear response into motion. Your body releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Your blood pressure and heart rate increase. You start breathing faster.
In addition to behavioral tools, healthy eating, and lifestyle choices, drinking tea can also help with stress and anxiety relief.
Breathe through panic
Stay where you are and let yourself feel the fear, even though it will be uncomfortable. Place the palm of your hand on your stomach and breathe slowly and deeply. The aim is to get your mind get used to coping with panic, which takes away the fear of feeling panicky.