Christianity and Mental Health: Anxiety

There are several types of anxiety and all people have it from time to time.  The Bible says not to be anxious but to rely on the Lord.  Most people are a little anxious about new things in their lives or if they have to do something they are not comfortable with such as giving a speech.  However, some people have a great deal of anxiety to the point in interferes with their ability to function. 

Anxiety comes from stress and the person’s coping methods are not working to handle the stress.  One example of a nonfunctioning coping method is avoidance.  Say a person needs to make a difficult phone call so they avoid calling until the very last minute.  At that point the anxiety of making the phone call can become immobilizing.  The person may feel physical symptoms such as shaking and difficult breathing.  Some people have reported feeling like they were having a heart attack. Anxiety affects everyone differently and these are only a few of the symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks.  If you ever get to this point please reach out to someone for help!

Serious anxiety comes in many forms.  From mild panic attacks to being paralyzed with fear and unable to leave your home.  I had a lot of anxiety in graduate school and it often caused episodes of vertigo which would last hours to sometimes days.  I did not realize why I was getting vertigo so often was because of anxiety.  It is almost funny I have not had any real episodes of vertigo since I finished grad school and broke up with a guy I should not have gotten involved with in the first place.  Yes, I still have times when I feel a little dizzy but I realize it could be anxiety and do my breathing exercises and pray for peace in my mind. 

Breathing exercises: breath through your nose and hold it for ten seconds then breath out through your mouth.  Try and think of things which make you relax.  I often think of Psalms 23:2 where the shepherd (God) is leading me besides the still-calming waters. Do this about ten times thinking about something calming while doing it.  If it is mild anxiety this should really help.  If you have severe anxiety please see a medical professional. 

Avoiding stress is impossible but coping with it is something you can do to keep your anxiety to a manageable level.  Some things you can do is asses your level of stress and anxiety.  Figure out what is causing your anxiety.  Then think about what your life would look like without this stress or anxiety in your life and write down what you can do to achieve this.  Take small steps to get to your solution.  For instance, in the phone call situation write down the number you need to call along with what you need to say. 

Keep in mind I am not a therapist, but I do have a master’s degree in counseling.  So please see a therapist or a medical professional if your anxiety is not helped by any of my suggestions.  Just remember, God does not want you to be anxious He wants you to know He is there with you in every circumstance in life.  I Peter 5:7 says “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you”.  And Romans 8:38 and 39 Nothing can separate us from the love of God.  And finally, Luke 18:1 we are to pray always and not give up! 

Online counseling is beginning to be an option for those who would prefer to stay at home. Consumer Advocate did the research to find the best 19 online therapy websites. Check them out: https://www.consumersadvocate.org/online-therapy

Below is a list of books from Christianbook.com you might find helpful. Disclosure: If you click on one of the below links and make a purchase from Christianbook I will receive a small commission whether you buy one of these books or anything else from Christianbook. It will cost you nothing extra. Thanks!

Anxious for Nothing: Finding Calm in a Chaotic World By Max Lucado Over the past few decades, studies have shown that Americans are the most anxious people in the world. We take the most medication for it, see doctors to treat it, and spend fortunes trying to relieve it. How have we let our fears get the better of us? In Anxious for Nothing, Max Lucado leads readers to reflect on the promises of Philippians 4:4-8. This passage from Paul’s epistle contains an antidote to anxiety that will help you develop a mindset of resilience. Rediscover the power of prayer and take control of your thoughts. You can rest in “the peace of God,which surpasses all understanding.” Hardcover. Imagine Your Life Without Fear, Booklet By Max Lucado What would it be like to be free of worry, doubt, and terror? How would it feel? Featuring chapter one of Lucado’s Fearless, this inspiring booklet offers an encouraging message to believers and seekers alike who are experiencing anxiety because of family issues, the economic downturn, illness, or other serious challenges. 64 pages, softcover from Nelson. Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises By Dr. Michelle Bengtson Feel Better Fast and Make it Last: Unlock Your Brain’s Healing Potential to Overcome Negativity, Anxiety, Anger, Stress, and Trauma By Dr. Daniel G. Amen We’ve all been anxious, sad, stressed, angry, or hopeless at times. Amen says it’s how you respond to these challenges that can make the difference in how you feel – now and long-term. A renowned physician and psychiatrist, he presents powerful strategies to gain control over your destructive feelings, strengthen your resilience, and give you joy and purpose.