Why It’s Hard to Relax

Anxiety and the Constant “On Edge” Feeling

In-person sessions are provided in Tampa and virtual sessions are available throughout Florida and New York.

The Brain’s Threat Detection System

The human brain is designed to monitor the environment for potential danger. When a threat is detected, the body activates the fight-or-flight response, preparing us to react quickly. In people with anxiety disorders, this system may become overactive, causing the brain to detect threats even in everyday situations.

This can create a persistent sense of tension and hyper-awareness.

Common Signs of the “On Edge” Feeling

People who struggle to relax often report:

Feeling tense throughout the day
Difficulty slowing their thoughts
Trouble falling asleep because the mind won’t stop thinking
Constantly anticipating potential problems
Feeling restless or unable to sit still

These experiences can make relaxation feel unfamiliar or even uncomfortable.

Why Relaxing Can Feel Difficult

For individuals with chronic anxiety, the mind may believe that staying alert helps prevent problems.

Relaxing may feel risky because the brain interprets it as letting one’s guard down.

As a result, the mind may continue generating worries or “what if” thoughts to stay prepared for possible threats.

Learning How to Relax Again

Treatment for generalized anxiety disorder focuses on helping individuals retrain the brain’s response to uncertainty and perceived threats.

Evidence-based treatments may include:

Over time, individuals can learn that it is safe to relax and that constant mental vigilance is not necessary.

We Are Ready To Help

Treatment is available via video conference or phone in New York, and via video, phone,
or in-person sessions in Tampa, Florida.

Happy Clients

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   Bogaci Services 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Natalie Noel - great doctor, very professional with individual approach. It was a pleasure to meet her.
  
 
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   Sabrina 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thanks to Anxiety & OCD Specialists and Matt, I’m now on the road to living a better life with my OCD. Matt is extremely patient, supportive, and knowledgeable. Highly recommend the intensive outpatient program to anyone struggling with OCD!
  
 
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   Fatima Sorabi 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A review for Natalie Noel: hi everyone, I was dealing with severe anxiety for a long time, to the point where I felt completely hopeless. I had intense anticipatory anxiety and could not sleep before any event at all. The insomnia was debilitating and affected every part of my life. I was also carrying severe trauma and PTSD, and I truly felt like I would never be normal again. I tried everything — therapy, EMDR, neurofeedback, and so many other approaches — but nothing fully helped. After doing my own research, I found Natalie Neol and decided to reach out. From the very beginning, Natalie was incredibly insightful and compassionate. After only three sessions, she recognized that I was suffering from severe anxiety and OCD, and she immediately referred me to two excellent doctors for medication support. I scheduled an appointment with one of them, started treatment, and within a month my life has completely changed. I honestly cannot believe how different I feel. For the first time in years, I feel like I am truly living again. Just last week, I had a major presentation — something that would normally have caused overwhelming panic — and I walked in calm, confident, and did amazingly with no anxiety at all. I still can’t believe it. Natalie, God bless you. You are an absolute godsend. I truly owe you my life.
  
 
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   Nate Ashby 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Natalie is the OCD specialist to see around Tampa! She is patient and willing to talk through things as many times as it takes. No case too tough for Natalie. Highly recommend.
  
 
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   Alayna Mann 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This center is great and extremely welcoming! I looked forward to meeting with Natalie and she helped me learn more about myself every session. She also helped redirect negative thought patterns and behaviors and taught me how to handle my thoughts better.
  
 
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   Judy Spigarelli 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mario Juster-Kruse truly understands my anxiety. Mario's guidance lets me unmask and speak my truth. After just a couple sessions, I felt noticeable positive changes. 30 years of talk therapy didn't get me to the results I need, but Mario's approach has me on the right path. Truly grateful!
  
 
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   Jessica Rose 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been a client of Mario’s for almost a year after having some unexpected, tragic losses as well as coming out of a terrible marriage and being a Covid ER nurse. I’ve always been an anxious person but, after these events, it had become unbearable, and I lost who I was. Things got worse before they got better and the depression was eating at my soul. I feel extremely fortunate to have had Mario as my therapist. He has helped me rebuild myself one broken stick at a time and I’ve started reclaiming control of my life. I’ve had other therapists in the past for various things, but he has been the best I’ve had. I genuinely do not think I would have survived this past year if I had a different therapist and I am extremely grateful for all that he has done to help me. I highly recommend him for anyone seeking treatment.
  
 
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   Anja Alpendre 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We are incredibly grateful for the care and support our child received from Nona Zamora. She is truly exceptional - kind, compassionate, and deeply knowledgeable. From the very first visit, she created a safe, trusting environment and took the time to truly understand our child’s needs. We felt heard, supported, and confident that our child was in the best possible hands. We were so lucky to be in her care and would wholeheartedly recommend her to any family looking for a thoughtful, skilled, and compassionate psychologist.