Fear is one of the most basic human emotions. It is programmed into the nervous system and works like an instinct. From the time we are babies, we are equipped with survival instincts necessary to respond with fear when we sense danger or feel unsafe. Fear helps to protect us.

However, sometimes our fear can do more harm than good, causing us to avoid doing something that we should or causing us to do something that makes the situation worse. Not all situations or dangers faced warrant running away from it. Similarly, sitting on the sidelines and doing nothing out of fear of what could happen can be just as bad.

Fear makes people cash out their investments when markets take a downturn or when they fear that it might take a downturn- these individuals are dubbed the ‘doomsday preppers’.

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sunday-finance/staying-the-investment-course_198761