I have found to my surprise that trying to avoid recognizing that I am afraid, trying to deny it, actually increases my fear, in the long run. It is only when I can acknowledge to myself that I am afraid, inside my own mind, that I become less afraid.

That was one of the things most hated (and feared) by my mother: to acknowledge fear, to express fear. So we learned to suppress it. Out of the light the feelings grew and grew and grew.

My cats have no problems admitting when they are afraid of something --- they just run. Not always a good strategy, but at least they are honest about their feelings.