If You’re Anxious and You Know It Raise Your Hand: #TruthTuesday
Anxiety is something that has plagued me since I was a kid, though back then we didn’t have a name for it. Instead, I was called a worrier, and often I would stay up late at night stressing about things that were beyond my control: groceries, rent, my dad. Truth be told, my sister and I had a lot to worry about as kids. Since our mother passed away when I was nine months and my sister was five, we never had a truly stable childhood. We were forced to grow up too soon and share the burdens of living without a parent. So, anxiety, well, it’s not a new concept for me, but perhaps it’s a new one for you. Maybe being quarantined during a pandemic is enough to bring anxiety to the most confident of hearts. If that’s the case, here are a few tips from someone who struggles daily with anxiety.
Stop the What If Scenarios:
If you’re anxious, it is probably because you’re spending too much time worrying about the infamous What Ifs.
What if I get sick?
What if my family gets sick?
What if we’re already sick?
Sound familiar? I struggled with these what if scenarios before COVID—19, and I continue to struggle with them now. So, how do I stop these burdens from controlling me? I stop asking myself what if questions and begin affirming even if statements.
Even if I am stuck at home, I have food and shelter.
Even if I come in contact with the virus, this doesn’t mean I will get sick.
Even if I am sick, this doesn’t mean I will die.
Even if thinking helps to pull me out of the spiral mentality and deal with my anxiety head on. If I don’t force myself to deal with what is plaguing my mind, the what if scenarios can go on for days, preventing me from getting any real rest. Though it may seem counterproductive, forcing myself to face my fears has allowed me to walk through some of the darkest moments in my life.
Even if I die, I am a believer in life after death. Even if… God is still good.
Read the Truth:
Like I stated above, I am a believer, and God’s word has given me countless opportunities for peace despite my circumstances. I can’t tell you how many times I have opened my Bible and read exactly what I needed to calm my weary soul, or a faithful friend sends me a verse via text message. Though I have very dark days, and there are moments when I feel like the darkness is going to win, dear reader, it doesn’t win. It can’t win when you’re anchored to the truth.
The truth is, “…God has not given us a spirit of fear or timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7 NLT)
The truth is, “When doubt filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.” (Psalms 94:19 NLT)
The truth is, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” (Philippians 4:6 NLT)
The truth is, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10 NLT)
The truth is, God’s got this. He always has, and he always will.
Do Something for Someone in Need:
When I am filled with anxiety, I tend to focus on myself, my family, and our immediate needs. This isn’t necessarily bad, but if that’s all I’m focusing on, then the what if scenarios begin. Instead of allowing myself to go down that mindless loop of fear, I begin thinking about other people.
How can I help my neighbors during this pandemic?
How can I give to others when I’m supposed to stay home?
To be honest, I’ve had to get creative. One of the things I’ve done is bake chocolate chip cookies for my neighbors and attach a note containing my cell phone number. If they need anything, I will do my best to help them. This has brought us closer as a neighborhood, and people have texted my family who never would have previously. I’ve dropped off groceries to help people in need and prayed for countless others, especially our essential workers. Doing these little acts of kindness has turned a time that should terrify me into a call to service.
In Closing:
I could look at COVID—19 and say, “You’re too big, I’m too small, and I can’t do anything to stop you,” and I’d be right… except for one thing: COVID—19 has nothing on my God. My God is bigger than this pandemic. My God is moving despite this crisis, and I am going to choose to live in faith over fear.
Of course, I will do this while social distancing, six feet away from you, or better yet, as I stay at home and do my part to stop the spread. Anxiety is a beast, but so am I, and I will not allow it to prevent me from living my best life. Even if…
