If you are afraid of something that you want to invest in. It is better to stay away. If you are afraid that means you don't really believe in what you are investing and not really well versed with the fundamentals. Unless you understand the fundamentals of the asset you are investing in, there is a big chance that you will panic sell during bear and FOMO during bull. You won't be able to get profits this way.

For your question, most of the altcoins are garbage and not at all worth investing. They have a lifetime of a year or so. 95% is shit. So, choosing a coin that is worth investing is altogether a big task. But if done wisely, there is huge ROI waiting for you in a year or so.