“God has not given us a spirit of fear”
ANXIETY: WHAT IT IS AND WHAT IT IS NOT
Anxiety is a natural response to prolonged stress and is mentioned many times in the scriptures (Luke 8:14; 12:22-26; I Peter 5:11; Php. 4:11 to name a few). The loving God who made us knows that He has left us in a stressful world. He permits us to know that anxiety is a human experience and not something of which we need to be ashamed. However, if the feelings of anxiety are robbing you of the joys and peace of life God desires for you, you need to take some constructive action. In His parable of the sower, Jesus provides a graphic lesson of how anxiety can sprout like weeds and thorns, growing up around the truth of God's Word, and choking away the life and peace it can bring (Mark 4:19). The tough stuff of anxiety threatens to strangle the life out of us, leaving us asphyxiated by fear and gasping for hope. Anxiety is maintained by styles of thinking that magnify the initial event and alter the workings of the brain in such a way that it takes less to set off future episodes. Don't wait, get help today. Change your thoughts - For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he...Pro 23:7 and fight your fears - For God has not given us a spirit of fear...2 Tim 1:7.
DO YOU KNOW…
• One in five adults has an anxiety disorder. • OCD symptoms start in childhood. • Anxiety and depression often co-exist. • Anxiety can cause significant changes to how your body and your brain function. • Men and women experience stress differently. • Eating disorders may be due to anxiety. • God’s Word provides direction for dealing with anxiety. Luke 1:37, . . . nothing is impossible with God
TYPES OF ANXIETY: Anxiety disorders range from feelings of uneasiness to immobilizing bouts of terror.
Generalized Anxiety disorder: recurring fears or worries, such as about health or finances, and often a persistent sense that something bad is just about to happen. The fears and worries are very real and often keep individuals from concentrating on daily tasks.
Panic Disorder: white-knuckled, heart-pounding terror that strikes suddenly and without warning. Develop strong fears about when and where the next panic attack will occur, and often restrict activities as a result.
Phobias: irrational fears that lead people to altogether avoid specific things or situations that trigger intense anxiety. Agoraphobia is the fear of being in any situation that might trigger a panic attack and from which escape might be difficult. Social phobia is a fear of being extremely embarrassed in front of other people.
Obsessive-Compulsive disorder: persistent, recurring thoughts (obsessions) that reflect exaggerated anxiety or fears; typical obsessions include worry about being contaminated or fears of behaving improperly or acting violently. The obsessions may lead to performing a ritual or routine (compulsions), such as washing hands, repeating phrases, or hoarding, to relieve the anxiety.
Posttraumatic Stress disorder: can follow an exposure to a traumatic event such as a sexual or physical assault, witnessing a death, or a natural disaster. Symptoms include "reliving" the traumatic event through flashbacks or nightmares; avoidance behaviors and emotional numbing and physiological arousal such difficulty sleeping, irritability, or poor concentration.
WHAT ARE SOME POSSIBLE CAUSES?
Worry is not an emotion but a learned mental activity that produces anxiety. Instead of praying or simply letting go of things that are beyond control, worriers obsess about being in control. Fear is the root of much anxiety, the fear of not being in control. This way of thinking may stem from family backgrounds (overly protective, critical, or perfectionistic families) or early life trauma (abuse, separation, or neglect). Anxiety may relate to genetic make-up, health issues, alcohol or drug use, or cumulative stressors. It may be associated with attitudes and beliefs about the world, oneself and God or from a lack of meaning or purpose in life. Diet, exercise and lack of sleep may also figure into our emotional condition.
Ongoing scientific research shows that many of the anxiety disorders are caused by a combination of factors, including changes in the brain, environmental stresses, and genetics.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO DECREASE OR PREVENT ANXIETY
Anxiety is among the most common, most treatable disorders. Effective treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, and biofeedback to control muscle tension. Anti-anxiety and anti-depressant drugs also may be used in some cases. Support from family and friends can help speed recovery. Stop or reduce your consumption of products that contain caffeine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter medicines - particularly cold remedies - or herbal remedies. Many contain chemicals that can increase anxiety symptoms. Seek counseling and support after a traumatic or disturbing experience. Exercise daily and eat a healthy, balanced diet. Exercise calms the hyperactivity of the nervous system and improves function of the brain's emotion-sensing network.
WHERE CAN YOU TURN FOR HELP?
Parents, friends, and family members can often be helpful. If you feel comfortable and trusting of someone close, then it may help to talk with him or her. If difficulties persist, it is a good idea to visit and discuss your symptoms with your family doctor. There are many biological problems that can result in symptoms similar to those of stress and anxiety. Then make an appointment with your pastor to discuss the situation in a relaxed and attentive setting. If the anxiety is persistent or seriously interferes with your everyday life, you may want to consult a professional. Getting the right kind of counseling from the right kind of counselor is essential. It is a good idea to talk to your pastor, priest, or rabbi for a recommendation if more specialized help is warranted. Talking with a professional counselor may help you learn ways to manage the stress and help you arrive at some possible solutions. The best counseling is carried out in harmony with your own beliefs and values.
UNHELPFUL COMMENTS TO MAKE TO A CHRISTIAN WITH OVERWHELMING ANXIETY.
• You need to pray more. • Your problems aren't so bad. You should be able to cope. • Is God punishing you for some sin? • What is God trying to teach you? • Just learn to relax. • Just have more faith and trust God. • Just stop worrying. Shake it off. • Just ignore it. • You just need to rebuke that spirit of fear and tell it to leave you. • You’re letting Satan have control.
WHEN YOU ARE ANXIOUS, PLACE YOUR HOPE IN GOD.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;” (Philippians 4:6)
"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (I Peter 5:7).
“Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)
If you have self-destructive thoughts, urges or behaviors call a local crisis line.
24/7 Crisis Hotline: 512-472-HELP (4357)
Safe Place 24-hr hotline 512-267-SAFE(7233)
The National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Rape Crises Center: 512-305-5181
Texas Association Against Sexual Assault 512-474-7190
YWCA Women’s Counseling and Resource Center 512-321-1222