yes it's very true that the switch for one turns controls the other. Specifically, the amygdala (at the very back of our brains - a very ancient, "reptilian" part) is the fear centre and it's incredibly powerful. This is to preserve us from harm - pure survival! So it SLOWS DOWN the "thinking" part of the brain - the neocortex in the front (a partunique to human beings).


HOWEVER, the good news is that the neocortex CAN INDEED control the amygdala, ...it just takes a long time. This is why treatment for phobias actually works - if you keep at it and are willing to invest the time. The trick is not to overwhelm the brain with so much fear that it can't learn anything. So little by little, the brain can be RE-TRAINED to learn something new (i.e., vomiting is NOT scary!)


All the best!