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Anxiety

Anxiety disorder

When anxiety no longer protects us

Fear is a natural, healthy, and protective response. It warns us of danger and allows us to survive. But sometimes, fear no longer responds to actual danger, but rather "gets stuck in action mode" even when there is no threat. This is the moment when fear no longer protects us – but becomes anxiety.

Anxiety is a persistent feeling of threat that is accompanied by physical tension, disproportionate worry, and sometimes even impairment in daily functioning. In Israel in recent years, with a tense reality, uncertainty, and accumulating emotional burden, more and more people are experiencing anxiety to varying degrees. According to recent reports, there has been a tens of percent increase in inquiries regarding anxiety.

When does fear turn into anxiety?

Anxiety differs from momentary fear in that it is persistent, occurs even in the absence of actual danger, and affects general well-being, physical health, relationships, and functioning at school or work. It may be expressed in:

  • Recurring worries that cannot be "turned off"
  • Difficulty falling asleep or restless sleep
  • Feeling of distress or physical restlessness
  • Avoiding certain events, trips, or places
  • Tendency to have outbursts of anger or crying for no apparent reason

Common types of anxiety

  • Generalized anxiety: Constant worry, without a clear trigger
  • Social anxiety: fear of criticism or interaction with others
  • Panic attacks: sudden bouts of intense fear, including physical symptoms (such as rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, feeling of choking)
  • Specific phobias: extreme fear of a specific trigger (such as flying, elevators, blood)
  • OCD - Obsessive-compulsive disorder: intrusive thoughts and repetitive rituals aimed at reducing anxiety
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): A response to traumatic events, including flashbacks, increased arousal, and avoidance of stimuli associated with the trauma.

Warning signs

Anxiety is not just an emotion. It concerns the body, thoughts, and behavior:

  • Physical: muscle tension, rapid pulse, nausea, dizziness
  • Mental: Catastrophic thinking, uncontrollable worry
  • Behavioral: avoidance, withdrawal, increased use of screens or alcohol
  • Emotional: feeling of fear, emotional distance, lack of control

If symptoms last for more than two weeks, impair functioning, or worsen, it is time to seek professional help.

How do you treat anxiety?

Not all anxiety requires long-term treatment. Sometimes, proper mediation and professional guidance can make a huge difference. There are a variety of approaches available today, with the possibility of combining several of them:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): Identifying and processing patterns of thinking and behavior, considered the first line of treatment for anxiety.
  • Mindfulness and stress reduction tools: including conscious breathing, meditation, and guided imagery.
  • Biofeedback: A technology that teaches physiological regulation and body awareness.
  • Dynamic therapy: Suitable for situations where anxiety stems from deep patterns or unresolved relationships.
  • Medication: Prescribed if necessary by a psychiatrist, and can be combined with emotional therapy.
  • Online treatment: Innovative approaches like Taliaz's allow for professional follow-up and personalized treatment - in an accessible, discreet, and fast manner.

In conclusion

Anxiety is not a character flaw – but an overreaction of a natural system. When treated properly, it is possible to return to functioning, calm, and a sense of control. If you feel that something is no longer normal – don’t be alone with it. Treatment is available, and there is a way out.