Detroit Today: How do we convert fear into strength?

Can we manage fears differently and turn them into a source of strength?

Stock photo of a person hiding under pillows on a couch.

The things that scare us defines the boundaries of our imaginations and adventures — and it often holds us back from realizing our best selves or potential.

But does it have to be that way? Can we manage fears differently and turn them into a source of strength?

Detroit Today host Stephen Henderson spoke with scientist and author Arash Javanbakht, who wrote a new book about how we can harness the power of our fears and anxieties.


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Arash Javanbakht is a psychiatrist and serves as the director of the Stress, Trauma, and Anxiety Research Clinic (STARC). His is also the author of the new book “Afraid: Understanding the Purpose of Fear and Harnessing the Power of Anxiety.” He says focusing on things that give our lives meaning can be helpful when facing fears of existential threats.

“I think it’s extremely important to have a fulfilling life — to be able to make sense of things on my own,” says Javanbahkt. “Because a lot of times, those who feed me something are looking for something else — something for themselves — when it comes to fear of death.”

Listen to Detroit Today with host Stephen Henderson weekdays from 9-10 a.m. ET on 101.9 WDET and streaming on-demand.

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  • Detroit Today
    Dynamic and diverse voices. News, politics, community and the issues that define our region. Hosted by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Stephen Henderson, Detroit Today brings you fresh and perceptive views weekdays at 9 am and 7 pm.