When Will It Catch Me Next? On Anxiety – The Silent Epidemic

When Ido reached out to me for treatment, he was already completely overwhelmed.

It all started with a routine exam as part of his degree studies. In the middle of the exam, out of nowhere, he felt a choking sensation and a rapid, strong heartbeat, which completely disrupted his focus. He felt he was about to faint, his mouth became dry, and he felt dizzy and unsteady.

He got up and went outside, and did not return to the exam.

From that moment, the anxiety attacks became more and more frequent. His main fear was when the next attack would occur, how and where it would catch him, and whether he would be able to handle it.

Life began to unravel due to the attacks, preventing him from continuing his studies, attending family events, and taking any trips that involved leaving his home area. For a long period, Ido stayed at home, which increased his frustration and feeling of helplessness and instability in life.

Ido felt alone in his experience, with no one knowing or understanding what he was truly going through.

So What Is Anxiety Really? What Are The Symptoms That Appear?
And What Are The Recommended Treatment Methods?

Anxiety is an emotional and mental state characterized by fear, worry, and restlessness that occur even without a defined reason, and without any real threat.

Anxiety is characterized by catastrophic thoughts and even physical sensations that directly affect functioning.

The main symptoms of anxiety attacks include:

• Rapid or strong heartbeat.
• Sweating
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Dry mouth
• Hot flashes
• Body tremors
• Thoughts like: I'm going crazy or going to die.

One of the main reasons for avoiding activities like leaving the house is the uncertainty of when and where another attack might occur. This is the main reason people avoid leaving home or entering situations that might trigger additional attacks.

The absurdity is that the avoidance itself disrupts functioning and increases helplessness in the face of future attacks.

The most effective way to treat and regain a sense of control is to accept the situation without trying to resist or avoid it (based on the ACT approach).

In the process that Ido went through with me, we understood together that the more we try to resist or avoid encountering anxiety, the stronger the sense of helplessness and anxiety would become.

We realized that we have no ability to control situations, emotions, or thoughts throughout life.

The more we internalized that acceptance of the situation and mindfulness to anxiety are what lead to a decrease in the intensity of anxiety, the more calm was achieved. Gradually, we practiced leaving the house while listening to the anxiety and the feelings it provoked. Together, we observed that listening and non-judgment of what happens during an anxiety attack lead to a significant change in the way of dealing with it.

In summary: Anxiety is a natural phenomenon that occurs in close to 20% of the population. Any attempt to calm or reset the feeling of anxiety will not really help and will even increase helplessness.

The more we allow anxiety to flow within our life journey and accept the feeling of discomfort, the greater the chance it will significantly decrease.

Ariel Goldstein is a psychotherapist for youth and adults, specializing in anxiety disorders and OCD and treats in the Chashan Department.

The Chashan Department - Domestic Peace, Children's Education, Peace of Mind offers therapists nationwide. Consultations can be obtained via ZOOM.

The consultation involves a fee.

This is important to me, I want to consult! Call 073-3333-101, or email chayas@htv.co.i