I could feel it building within me, like bubbling acid in my gut, an almost overwhelming feeling of anxiety, threatening to steal my peace and sending me running in the other direction. I’d felt it too many times before, but this time was different. I was ready for it. Instead of giving in, I reached out, sending a text to someone who could help. Turns out the situation which had me feeling so uptight had a simple solution. I just needed someone else to point me in the right direction.
Anxiety runs rampant in our society, with an estimated 301 million people affected by some type of anxiety disorder worldwide, according to a study published by the World Health Organization in 2019. Since the pandemic, that number is probably much higher.
The physical effects of anxiety include headaches, fatigue, elevated blood pressure, and increased risk of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease.
The social effects are just as devastating, including broken homes, domestic abuse, decreased job performance, substance abuse and suicide. Anxiety, left untreated, destroys the lives of not only the one suffering from it, but also their family and friends.
There is hope, however. There are effective treatments, which can help us find a way out of the pit anxiety has us in and give us hope for a better tomorrow. But first we have to take the hardest step of all, swallowing our pride, and asking for help, seeking the help of medical professionals trained in dealing with anxiety issues. A good place to start is with your PCP or, if you are in a crisis, by calling or texting “988”, the number for the Suicide and Crisis Hotline.
Mental health professionals and counselors can make a real difference when it comes to dealing with anxiety, but there is Another who can help and He is just a prayer away. King David knew the truth of this. He declared “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” (Psalm 94:19 NIV). God loves you and wants you to have a free and abundant life. That’s why Peter counseled us to, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7).
If anxiety is destroying your peace, reach out to those who are trained to help. And, reach up to the One who “cares for you.” Instead of letting anxiety take control and destroy your peace of mind, “in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6, 7).