Originally Posted by
topher110
It's not the speed that scares you, it's loss of direct control.
I think that's it too.
One way to regain a sense of control, is to learn that you can control the bike descending. Go down a hill at the fastest speed you are currently comfortable with. Bring the bike to a quick controlled stop. Then repeat gradually increasing the speed.
If you know you can bring the bike to a controlled stop at the speed you're going, you'll have more confidence in letting the bike gather speed.
Another thing to do is find a helpful volunteer that is a good descender. Work on following them down hills. First at a slow speed, then gradually increasing speed as your confidence grows.