IMO the only way to defeat a fear is to face it and deal with it head on.

When I was hit by a car in June, due to my own negligence, I was afraid to get back on the bike and ride, after I recovered and the bike had been repaired. But I did it. I even went out and rode on the same highway where I was hit. But the fear went away.

It will take some time but you will defeat the fear, but you need to face it and deal with it head on first. Don't just put it aside. And don't give up and let your fear defeat you.