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Did you know that anxiety is the most common mental illness in the United States? Lets talk about it. First off, experiencing occasional anxiety is a normal part of life, however, there are people that suffer from anxiety disorders which means they frequently have excessive, intense, and persistent fear and worry about everyday life situations. They experience sudden and repeated episodes of intense fear and anxiety that can eventually cause a panic attack. The feelings that stem from anxiety disorders are difficult to control, interferes with daily activities, and can last a long time. Symptoms can start as early as childhood or teenage years and can carry on into adulthood. Common symptoms of anxiety include hyperventilation, trembling, increased heart rate, feeling helpless, feeling nervous, a sense of impeding danger or panic, and obsessively thinking about the panic trigger.
Anxiety & Faith
Alright, since you now know anxiety is not uncommon and is a shared struggle, you're probably wondering what does it say about your faith. You're not alone here, Christians often times cover up their fears and worries because of being hung up in the belief that suffering from anxiety is unacceptable if you are faithful believer.
The good news is that anxiety no longer binds us because we can run to God, our Father. The truth of the matter is your fears has done nothing but hold you back from the freedom offered in Christ. In Luke 12:25-26,Jesus said it best, “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? In the scriptures, the command that tells us to "fear not" is mentioned over 365 times of God letting us know that we are to seek him for comfort and power. Isaiah 41:10 reads:
"Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ and Philippians 4:6-8 says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
As "good Christians" we are expected to undertake gratitude, prayer and honest requests. To be qualified as a faithful Christian you must be a willing participant that engages in the process of the resources that God provides us with to fulfill that process whether it be counseling, spiritual, medical based on how he leads YOU, as we as believers all have a personal journey with him.
Faith Over Fear
Fear not. Do not be dismayed. He is with you. Take a deep breath and face your fears. Moments of anxiety are built for seeking God, as that is what all "good Christians" are called to do. Believe it or not, all Christians suffer and struggle because of the way we were created with a nervous system that is programmed to respond to traumas and trials of life. Sometimes these trials and tribulations are shifted into overdrive but remember God is in control. Know that you are not alone and also remember that God knows what your fears are, that's why he addresses it more than 365 times in the Bible. Seeking his word for guidance will not only help you get through but also comfort you along the way as long..
11 Tips for Coping With Anxiety
Being a good Christian is not for you to “fear not” on your own as you simply cannot "fear not" without God. God tells us that he will do the strengthening and guarding that is required. Its not our job. Seeking him first would be the ultimate way to start coping with anxiety.
Here are 8 tips for coping with an anxiety disorder:
Keep physically active. Having a exercise routine is important for your overall health and its important that you are physical active on most days of the week, our bodies requires it. Exercise improves your mood, is powerful stress reducer and helps you stay healthy. Kema's Bangin Body Bootkamp has a great exercise program that helps you transform into the healthiest version of yourself mentally, physically and emotionally, and helps you remain consistent.
Avoid recreational drugs and alcohol. Alcohol and recreational drugs can cause and worsen anxiety. Most don't know that alcohol alone is a depressant, yes it initially makes you feel good but its takes you down at the end.
Cut back on caffeinated drinks and quit smoking. Both caffeine and nicotine can worsen anxiety.
Make sleep a priority. Its important that we get enough sleep to feel rested. Healthy at least need at least 7 hours of sleep.
Eat healthy foods. Eating a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fish is linked to reducing anxiety.
Identify triggers. Learn what triggers,situations or actions causes you to worry or stress and increase your anxiety. After discovering, practice strategies that will help you cope and strengthen your mental health.
Keep a journal. Keeping track of your personal life can help you and your mental health provider identify what's causing you stress and what seems to help you feel better.
Socialize. Don't let worries isolate you from loved ones or activities.
It's important to note that your anxiety can worsen over time if you don't seek help as your worries may not go away on its own. I pray that God delivers you from fear and bring peace to your heard. Remember he can do ALL things.
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