How to Stop Being Afraid of Growing Up

Growing up can be very difficult for some people because of the fear of taking on more responsibilities that come with being an adult. Human beings generally have two types of fear, instinctual and learned. The fear associated with growing up is a learned fear and can be overcome. However, for some, learned fear can have crippling effects, such as severe anxiety or depression. But growing up is a wonderful thing to embrace because you experience new and exciting things that only come with adulthood.

Instructions

• 1

  Change your perception of growing up. Instead of looking at it as a fearful, overwhelming experience, look at it as a new and exciting time in your life. Embrace the new opportunities that you will have as you get older. With age also comes the chance to do new things such as driving, voting and having a job. Driving gives you freedom from having to ask your parents for a ride or having to take public transportation. Voting gives you a say in who gets elected into government, and having a job gives you money to obtain things you want.

• 2

  Take on more responsibilities. You can gradually ease your way into growing up by adding more responsibility to your life, a little bit at a time. For example, if you have never had a job, consider working part-time. If you live with your parents, offer to pay a monthly bill such as the gas bill or contributing to food expenses. The more you handle, the less afraid you will be as you start to see that growing up isn't something to fear.

• 3

  Get rid of anything that makes you cling to your childhood. Many people have a special toy or something from their childhood that is a keepsake and holds good memories. However, if you have a fear of growing up, getting rid of those items might be helpful. Redecorate your bedroom to look more adult if it's still decorated the same as when you were little. Keep reminding yourself that growing up will be fun and exciting.

• 4

  See a therapist. If your fear is becoming overwhelming, consider seeing a therapist who can offer you tools to deal with your fears. Many people benefit from seeing therapists and psychologists when dealing with long-standing fears, issues and anxieties. The fear of growing up is not an instinctual fear, and a counselor or doctor will be able to help you understand your fears and overcome it.