You may have seen yourself as someone who can handle stress. Plus, of course, you had your faith to call on. Then… the anxiety felt overwhelming. Some anxiety in life is normal and inevitable but it’s nothing a devout Christian can’t handle, right? There is no doubt that faith can be a powerful foundation. But the human mind and body involve a lot more moving parts than that. An important step for any Christian to recognize is that seeking help is a good idea. It’s not a replacement for prayer. On the contrary, praying may lead you to the support you need.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is one part of the brilliant design of a human being. It guides us to be cautious and to protect ourselves when the forces of evil are near. However, if we get caught up in worry and fear, we also get stuck in the fight-or-flight response. We lose the ability to discern real danger from perceived threats. This can be a diagnosable disorder and requires treatment.
5 Steps to Take When You Are a Christian Dealing With Anxiety
1. Come to Terms With the Reality That You Have a Problem
Don’t get up trying to convince yourself that someone like you can’t possibly have an anxiety disorder. Accept that a problem exists and act accordingly. This is no more a betrayal of your faith than if you paid someone to change a flat tire or hired a tutor to help you pass a big exam. Each of us has different skills. Together, as a community, we serve each other.
2. Accept That Earthly, Material Help is Essential
If you cut yourself, you use a band-aid, right? Let’s say you twisted your knee. You would pray, of course, but you would also have a doctor look at it. Mental health works the same exact way. God hasn’t provided you with therapists so you can ignore them. Anxiety is a real problem. Psychology offers real solutions.
3. Accept That Self-Help is Self-Love
Your mind, body, and soul require your diligent care. When you slack on that care, anxiety can make inroads. Honor your holy self by creating a daily regimen with elements like:
Regular sleep patterns
Healthy eating choices
Exercise and physical activity
Stress management
Prayer and meditation
4. Be Present and Mindful
In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus counseled: “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Today, we call that mindfulness. The glory of our existence is happening here in the present. Let go of yesterday. Leave tomorrow to worry about itself.
5. Help Others
Some snicker at such advice as a corny cliché. A Christian knows better. One of the most powerful steps anyone can take in the midst of a crisis is to remember all of those who are also suffering. This is not a call to neglect your own needs. Rather, see yourself as a humble servant with the potential to both need and deliver support.
Prayer and Therapy Can Go Hand-in-Hand
Perhaps the biggest barrier here is a fear that you may not be trusting God’s plan for you. On the contrary, if anxiety is a temporary part of that plan, why wouldn’t God want you to develop the resources to manage it? You are not choosing one approach over another. Prayer is ever-present and only grows stronger when combined with therapy.
If anxiety is disrupting your life and your faith, we should talk — soon. You can absolutely reclaim the balance you crave in your life. Let’s work together to get you on a path of healing and redemption. To read more about Christian Counseling, click here.