Many people have fears. We live in difficult and dangerous times. However, people should deal with their fears and anxieties in a mature manner.

Fear removes our senses and our feelings. Although we may be very logical in many ways, fear can remove some of our sensibilities and prevent us from thinking in a logical manner.

Sometimes people's fears are justified. Some people live in dangerous locations in which severe things could indeed happen. Nonetheless we must continue living and managing, despite our fears.

The best Jewish solution to fear is bitachon - trust in G-d. A person with true bitachon understands that everything that G-d does is for the best. G-d will decide who will live and who will die, who will be happy and who will be sad.

Nonetheless, bad things as mortals perceive them will still occur. However, a person with true belief understands that those bad things are part of G-d's larger overall plan over which he has no control. This being the case, the person places his trust in G-d. He realizes that no matter what happens, G-d will determine whether the things that happen be for better or for worse.

For those who still have fears, it would be advisable to calm them or to help them wherever possible. The following things may be foolish or less helpful to tell these people, and they are thus inadvisable:

• "Don't worry. Everything will be fine."
• "Don't worry. Nothing bad will happen to you."
• "I've known people who have recovered from such things."
• "Just be very careful and everything will be okay."
• "I know how you feel."
• "My best friend/son/cousin is going through the same thing."
• "You're not the only one who feels that way, you know."

Allow the person to share their fears with you and to be able to speak as much and as openly as possible, so that they know that you care. Once they have vented their feelings then a great deal of the problem has been handled. If additional help is required then you may give them comforting words. In severe cases you might recommend a specialist who deals with such issues.

Do not attempt to treat your own fears. Share, air, vent, and speak about them - that is the best way to control them. Fears that remain inside of you may grow to reach dangerous proportions.