Why can a frightening film feel thrilling while an unanswered message leaves us anxious for hours? What happens in our brains when we sense danger—and why do we sometimes seek that feeling on purpose? Join David Ammerschlaeger, a brilliant chief psychological counsellor, for a fascinating discussion about the psychology of fear and anxiety. Drawing on neuroscience and evolutionary psychology, we’ll explore how these responses arise, what they do to our thoughts and bodies, and why systems that help protect us can also leave us feeling overwhelmed. When are fear and anxiety useful, and when does our internal alarm become more disruptive than the threat itself?

Together, we’ll examine the difference between an immediate danger and an imagined possibility, and discuss why knowing we’re safe doesn’t always stop us feeling afraid. We’ll also explore the pleasures of being scared: what makes horror films exciting for some people and unbearable for others, and how suspense, relief and a sense of control might shape that experience. No knowledge of psychology or neuroscience, and no love of scary movies, is necessary. Bring your questions and perspectives for an accessible, enlightening conversation that offers a deeper understanding of emotions we often wish away, but couldn’t live well without.

为什么一部吓人的电影让人觉得刺激，而一条没回的消息能让我们焦虑好几个小时？当我们感觉到危险的时候，大脑里发生了什么——又为什么我们有时候会主动去找那种感觉？跟着 David Ammerschlaeger 来聊一场有意思的讨论吧。他是一位很出色的首席心理咨询师。这次聊恐惧和焦虑的心理学。我们会结合神经科学和进化心理学，看看这些反应是怎么产生的、它们对我们的想法和身体做了什么，以及那些本来保护我们的系统，为什么也会让我们觉得扛不住。恐惧和焦虑什么时候有用，又是什么时候，我们内部的警报比威胁本身还更折腾人？

我们会一起看看眼前的危险和想象出来的可能性之间的区别，也会讨论为什么明知道自己安全，还是挡不住害怕。我们还会聊“被吓”的快乐：为什么恐怖片对一些人来说很刺激，对另一些人却完全受不了，以及悬念、松一口气和控制感可能怎么塑造了这种体验。不需要任何心理学或神经科学知识，也不用喜欢恐怖片。带上你的问题和看法，来一场好懂又有启发的聊天，更深入地理解那些我们常常想赶走、但少了又过不好的情绪。