Let’s Talk About Anxiety

A few years ago, I might have said, “Let’s not.” Or “I don’t have anxiety.” I certainly would not have wanted to actually have a conversation about anxiety. That would have given me anxiety!! At parties, often I would “hide” with the kids or behind the scenes helping the hosts. Public speaking?? Even in small groups?? Nope. No way!! (Though I could speak to groups of kids occasionally.)

“Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].” Philippians 4:6-7 AMP https://www.bible.com/1588/php.4.6-7.amp

Anyone ever wonder how in the world can we be anxious for nothing?? 

I sure did. 

I think we all have struggled with Anxiety one way or another. But we do need to recognize that anxiety is a perfectly normal emotion. Having anxiety at times is not a bad thing. When it becomes your entire focus, there is the problem.

From Google’s conversations about anxiety:

Anxiety is a feeling of fear, dread, and uneasiness. It might cause you to sweat, feel restless and tense, and have a rapid heartbeat. It can be a normal reaction to stress. For example, you might feel anxious when faced with a difficult problem at work, before taking a test, or before making an important decision.May 4, 2021

Anxiety can be normal in stressful situations such as public speaking or taking a test. Anxiety is only an indicator of underlying disease when feelings become excessive, all-consuming, and interfere with daily living.

Common anxiety signs and symptoms include:

Feeling nervous, restless or tense

Having a sense of impending danger, panic or doom

Having an increased heart rate

Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation)

Sweating

Trembling

Feeling weak or tired

Trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worry

Having trouble sleeping

Experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) problems

Having difficulty controlling worry

Having the urge to avoid things that trigger anxiety

More Conversations about Anxiety

I was kind of surprised at how much info there is about anxiety and then, looking at one organizations list of symptoms, overwhelmed by the long list of issues that can be attributed to anxiety.  

Currently, it is out of control.  According to “the State of Mental Health America”, there is a shocking 93% INCREASE in people seeking help for anxiety and depression from 2019 to 2020. That number continues to rise. The site states that the numbers were rising BEFORE COVID, but I can’t help but think that the number would have been much less if we hadn’t dealt with all the fear connected with that.

To be honest, I am a little overwhelmed by all the info about anxiety. Then, thinking about how anxiety has affected my life, my family and my friends, I get overwhelmed again!!  

Let’s talk about how we can put anxiety in its place and take away some of its power.

First of all, look at the scripture verse again: Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].”

Here is our antidote to anxiety: in EVERYTHING, by prayer and petition, with THANKSGIVING, make your requests known to God. 

Start by being thankful. Start by praying. Release all those things that cause you anxiety to God. Be thankful that He will take care of them. Make your lists of things that your are thankful for. I know you have a lot of things to be thankful for. Every day take a few minutes to think about the things you are thankful for. Journal them if you are so inclined. Write them on a notecard and hang it where you can see it often throughout the day. 

Pray. Tell God how thankful you are for all the things on your list. Have a conversation with God about all the things you are worried about. Let His peace fill you. 

Now, I am fully aware that this is not going to help every time and in every situation. But it will help you refocus to look at your lists of things to be thankful for. With practice, you will be able to lessen the symptoms. The key is to recognize it when it is starting. 

Notice on the info graphic that there are other things you can do to help manage your anxiety. Drinking plenty of water. Getting the rest your body needs- as much as you can anyways. Notice the meditation pose in the middle?? YES!! Take time to refocus on good things!! Take time to meditate and breathe deeply. I recommend God, of course, but you could meditate on some of the things you are thankful for as well.

Most of all- get help if you are really struggling.

There is much more I could say about it all, but, I will stop there for today.

How can I pray for you?? How is anxiety affecting your life in a negative way?