Navigating Anxiety In a Worrisome World

Do you struggle with anxiety? If so, you're not alone. Statistics show that anxiety is the most common mental health disorder worldwide, and it's not hard to see why. Financial problems, relational problems, problems with work, emotional struggles related to past situations or events, and other triggers can bring on anxiety along with other mental health issues such as depression, stress, insomnia, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. What's more, anxiety can also be triggered by fears of future events such as natural disasters, an upcoming exam or job interview, or legal problems.

What Does Anxiety Feel Like?

Each person is unique. The way in which you are impacted by anxiety may be different from the way a friend or relative feels anxiety. What's more, there are varying levels of anxiety. Anxiety can be mild, moderate, or severe.

It's common to experience a range of negative emotions when battling anxiety. These can include difficulty concentrating, problems managing your emotions and moods, or feeling emotionally numb, unable to react with excitement, joy, anger, or frustration. Many people who feel anxious lose interest in formerly enjoyable hobbies and may withdraw from the company of family members and friends.

Furthermore, there is a very real connection between your mind and body, and many people battling anxiety also experience physical health problems. These can include muscle tension and pain, nausea, loss of appetite, digestive and/or gastrointestinal problems, high blood pressure, excessive sweating, and fatigue.

What Does Jesus Say About Anxiety?

Jesus spent thirty-three years on earth. He understands your battles with anxiety firsthand. While the world has changed a lot in the last two thousand years, the Sermon on the Mount makes it clear that people back then worried about the same things that people worry about today. Jesus told His listeners at the time that they did not need to worry about what they would eat, drink, or wear because God, who cares for the birds and flowers, will certainly care for his children. Jesus also reminded his listeners that they should not concern themselves with tomorrow because each day has enough trouble of its own to deal with.1

Jesus offered further insight when speaking with His twelve disciples shortly after the Last Supper, before heading out to the Garden of Gethsemane. In the Gospel of John, we see that Jesus assures His disciples that they will experience difficulties but that they should take heart because He has overcome the world.2 He tells them that He will leave His peace with them, a peace that is different from what the world gives.3 As humans, we naturally derive peace from our surroundings or circumstances, but Jesus' words remind us that we do not have to automatically feel anxious when things aren't going well because His peace is a supernatural gift that is available to anyone, in any situation.

The Apostle Paul adds additional insight into Jesus' teachings on anxiety. He tells one group of believers that they should not be anxious about anything but rather pray about everything. He urges them to present their requests to God with thanksgiving and then promises that, if they do so, God's peace, which is beyond what humans can understand, will guard their hearts and minds in Jesus.4

Strategies To Overcome Anxiety

There are many ways people deal with anxiety. Unfortunately, not all these ways are healthy. Obsessive compulsive disorders and addictions have long been linked with anxiety, as it is all too easy to turn to alcohol, drugs (both legal and illegal), unhealthy sexual behaviors, and other crutches in order to deal with situations that appear to have no immediate end or solution in sight. If anxiety has caused you to develop unhealthy habits that you want to permanently rid yourself of, seeking counseling can be a good first step to help you overcome unhealthy behaviors and learn to deal with anxiety in a constructive manner.

Paying attention to your physical health is also important when dealing with anxiety. An unhealthy diet contributes to anxiety by causing or exacerbating physical health problems such as fatigue and weight gain. What's more, drinking coffee and/or eating too many sugary foods right before bedtime can cause insomnia that will make your anxiety even worse than it currently is. On the other hand, healthy foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can not only help you avoid health problems but also lower stress levels. Exercise is also important, as working out has been shown to decrease anxiety levels and combat insomnia. Choose a form of exercise you feel comfortable with and make time to get moving at least three times a week.

Furthermore, when navigating anxiety, it's important to avoid the urge to stay away from other people. Spend time doing relaxing activities with friends or family members. Watching a movie or show together, playing a game, eating out together, or even just sitting on the front porch and chatting can help you combat anxiety. Volunteering is yet another good way to connect with people and lower anxiety levels. As counterintuitive as it may sound, taking time to help others with their problems can help you put your problems in perspective. What's more, working on a project with like-minded individuals can help you network with people in your community who may be able to offer the practical and/or emotional support you need when dealing with a difficult time.

Connecting with a local church is yet another healthy way to deal with anxiety. Meeting with other believers is both spiritually and physically healthy. You'll not only gain the benefit of meeting like-minded people but also receive the prayer and spiritual encouragement from others needed to overcome anxiety now and prevent it from recurring in the future. The Chicago Church of Christ is a good fit for many people, as it offers both online and offline services, small groups, and other forms of assistance to help you connect with Jesus, the source of power and healing you need to overcome anxiety for good.