Anxiety & worry are a part of life

Anxiety and worry are a normal part of everyday life for most people.  Some anxiety can even be helpful when it leads to effective problem solving or preparation for the future.  Physical symptoms of fear and anxiety can produce an adrenaline boost that helps you confront real danger or handle a difficult situation, such as protecting your family or meeting a deadline.

Stress leads to anxiety

The stresses of life such as conflict with your spouse, family or boss, credit card debt, unexpected car repair or doctor bills, or a family crisis all can create anxiety.  Anxiety may come while we are trying to find a solution.  We worry about what will happen if we can't pay the bills, or if we can't make peace with our spouse, or if something else bad happens.  To some extent these types of thoughts go through everyone's mind to a greater or lesser degree on a daily basis.

Worry and anxiety are on a continuum.  Usually anxiety is short-lived and the mind and body quickly return to normal. On the other end of the spectrum, worry and anxiety can become a chronic pattern.  Individuals with chronic worry may experience some or all of the following:

• Excessive and unreasonable worry over events or activities, such as work, school or health
• Excessive worry about their capacity and confidence to deal with situations
• Inability to stop or control their worrying
• Feelings of apprehension
• Restlessness and muscle tension
• Feeling keyed-up or on edge
• Fatigue
• Tension headaches

...Read more online... 

If we do not identify worry in our lives it can become a habit that gives birth to negative expectations in life.  We were created for an abundant life with overcoming joy. The first thing we need to do is acknowledge when we are worrying by admitting it to ourselves and to God.  I have heard many good Christians say "worry is a sin." It is true that the Bible tells us not to worry, however when the worrier hears this, then he or she begins to worry more about how they are failing God and it becomes a vicious cycle.  

Many people will try to distract themselves with TV, busyness, alcohol, drugs or other means, while the worry just continues on unabated in the background like a leaky faucet.  Here are some ways to intervene with worry:

1.     Become conscious of the worry and acknowledge it. Pray and ask God to take the worry and give you His peace.

2.     Ask yourself, "Are there certain times I am more likely to worry than others?" (i.e. when its time to pay the bills, when a child is sick, when you feel a physical symptom, etc.)

3.     Challenge the worry.  Ask, "How likely is this to happen?" "Did it happen last time I worried about this?"

4.     What is a positive thought you could dwell on instead of the worry? (i.e. Instead of worrying about not having enough, say to yourself even out loud, "I am thankful that all my needs are provided for."

5.     Meditate on Scriptural truths that challenge your anxiety or worry. Speak these paraphrases out loud as personal statements:

• My God will supply all my needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19) 
• I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. (Psalm 37:25) 
• God has not given me a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, love and a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7) 
• I will not be anxious about anything, but with prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, I will present my requests to God and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will keep my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7) 
• I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. (Psalm 4:8)  

6.     It may also be helpful to talk with a loved one, friend or counselor about problems you are facing. 

I work with people to identify worry so they can develop personal strategies to overcome and manage anxiety.  Some people are helped by identifying the sources of worry and finding healing for wounded areas of their life.  Others need to learn ways to take their thoughts and imaginations captive.  If you struggle with worry and anxiety, give me a call at (805) 242-3569 and let's talk about how we could work together to find solutions. 

These are more ideas on how to deal with worry online at my website. Do you have some other ideas?  There is a space for you to share them on my website so that together we can help visitors from around the world overcome worry and anxiety.