Navigating Faith & Anxiety: Understanding the Nature of Anxiety

We hear this word used a lot! But what is ANXIETY really?

The Miriam-Webster dictionary defines anxiety as an unusual and overpowering feeling of worry and fear, typically accompanied by physical symptoms (such as tightness, sweating, and elevated heart rate), uncertainty about the existence and characteristics of the danger, and lack of confidence in one's ability to manage it.

So, you know that little flutter in your stomach before a job interview or a trip? It's like your body's way of saying, "Hey, wake up! Something exciting (or potentially risky) is about to happen!"

Embrace the anxiety, it's just your inner alarm system keeping you on your toes, even if it means feeling like you're being followed in a deserted street. Stay alert, my friend!

From a psychological point of view, anxiety could also be defined as a state of apprehension, expectation or fear in the face of the unexpected, accompanied by a feeling of discomfort and insecurity.

Which signs might suggest the presence of anxiety?

It's important to bear in mind the necessity of assessing whether we are encountering stressful situations, if my response is appropriate, if it is not connected to any medical issue, or is not caused by the use of certain medications.

Here is a short list of possible feelings you may experience during anxiety:

• Restlessness or feelings of being on edge

• Fatiguability

• Difficulty concentrating

• Brain fog

• Irritability

• Impatient

• Difficulty relaxing

• Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep

Christians Are Not Exempt of Anxiety

We don’t have to pretend that it’s all good and dandy and create this facade with our family and friends because "they can’t see me this way," or "if they see what I am struggling with, what will they say about me?" "Are they going to think I am crazy?"

Having struggled with anxiety, I can tell you that I have had all these things pop into my head, and plenty of others! That feeling like everything will end at any moment, that sudden sense of doom where you can’t even catch your breath, your heart racing, and your insides screaming for help but no one can hear you. I totally understand what that is like, and how horrible you feel, because what you’re experiencing shouldn't be happening in the first place due to what you were taught.

Many sisters in Christ carry the burden of guilt because they get anxious from time to time. Anxiety is an emotional reaction that affects any human being, including Christians. However, it is necessary to be careful so that anxiety does not get out of control and start to dominate our lives.

In today's times, when anxiety affects 40 million adults in the United States, enjoying the Lord's word is essential:

"Never be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'"

To this, He added the comforting words:

"For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. So keep on seeking first the kingdom and His righteousness, and all these other things will be added to you."

Matt 6:25-33

Anxiety is a natural reaction. After all, who does not feel anxious and afraid in the face of illness, unemployment, a family crisis, violence, the challenges we must take on, or even the struggles we are going through on our journey of faith?

The Comforting Words of 1 Peter 5:7

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (NIV)

As women, we often feel the weight of not letting anyone down, especially our children and family. But it's important to remember that it's okay to make mistakes and not have everything together every single day. Trusting God with our anxious feelings is crucial for our well-being. Suppressing emotions won't help us heal and move forward. Even the prophet Elijah experienced anxiety and despair, showing that it's a common human experience. We are still loved by God despite our weaknesses.

Feeling this way is normal. Reach out to a trusted individual, such as a professional counselor, pastor, or coach, to assist you in progressing and healing. Acknowledge the reality of mental illness and offer an open-minded and supportive attitude towards those facing challenges.

Your sister in Christ,

Eileen