Anx·i·e·ty: a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome. “My heart is racing like crazy!”
***
Let’s chat about anxiety, ok?
We all feel anxious from time to time. Public speaking, a difficult exam, an interview, trying something for the first time, and a visit to the doctor are just a few examples of what can make people feel some nervousness. While I don’t struggle much with anxiety myself, quite a few people that I love do. I have friends that have panic attacks and cannot explain why. Friends of mine often feel anxious when there does not seem to be a logical reason for the anxiety. I suppose you know people like this, too.
Do you ever notice you feel anxious more than others? Does your anxiety interfere with your life at times? I don’t want you to feel alone with this.
Those who don’t suffer from bouts of anxiety find it difficult to understand what you are going through, and many will even call you a “worry wart.” But anxiety disorders involve more than temporary worry or fear. For a person with an anxiety disorder, the feeling does not go away and can get worse over time. The feelings can interfere with daily activities such as job performance, school work, and relationships. This can be a serious thing, and it is about time the rest of us understood your world.
My writing friend, Elli Johnson, wrote an honest depiction of what anxiety feels like for her. She thought she was a weak freak. Please head over to her blog to read more. It is educational and eye-opening. Even if anxiety isn’t a struggle for you, I can guarantee it is for people you know and love.
You can find her writing here. Then come right back here to the blog to read other articles I have collected for you. One is written by a pastor and is a great read.
***
Additional Resources:
12 Signs You May Have an Anxiety Disorder (Source: Health.com)
Anxiety Attack! What’s a Pastor do when he can’t find the peace he’s preached for years? (Source: Christianity Today)
When Panic Attacks (Source: Today’s Christian Woman)
Anxiety Disorders– Frequently Asked Questions (Source: Focus on the Family)
Anxiety Disorders (Source: National Institute of Mental Health)
If you wrestle with more-than-normal anxiety, please talk to your doctor. There is help for you, and there is hope.
Sending you love and hugs,
Natalie xo
This is such an important issue that is so often ‘swept under the rug’. I believe it’s really important to talk about this very real and very widespread issue; it should not be a taboo subject, especially in church. Thanks for bringing it up!
I agree! Thank you for sharing your thoughts! xo
Thank you so much for writing this post. I can’t thank you enough! Reading Elli’s post was so refreshing and helped me to further understand the anxiety disorder I have battled for years, and am just beginning to fully understand. Thank you for continuing to be a voice for those who aren’t always heard or understood, and thank you for giving them a safe place to land. Love and hugs xoxo
You are so welcome! I am happy to hear it was so helpful 🙂 My desire is to be that safe place, so thank you xoxo
Just like depression and other disorders, anxiety is often treated automatically as a simple attitude/perspective issue that can be dismissed with a plateful of verses. It’s great that you are reaching out to those who may be in need of educated support. God bless you!
So true! I don’t think people understand it, so I hope they are now educated. Thanks for reading xo
This is such an important topic! I once suffered with social anxiety. I never went into social settings. In all honesty, it wasn’t until I became a Christian when it slowly went away. Through study of the Word, prayer and constant fellowship God, I was freed from it. Thanks for sharing this.
Praise God you have been freed from social anxiety! I wish that for everyone I know who suffers from it.
This topic is so overlooked. Thank you for writing about it. Anxiety is a real issue. I think we all need to increase our knowledge of issues that affect our sisters in Christ and reassure them that we will support them.
I agree that anxiety is overlooked. Yes, we want to acknowledge those who struggle and offer love and support. Thanks for reading!