FLY AWAY AND FIND REST: Understanding Anxiety from a Faith-Based Perspective

In our fast-paced world, anxiety has become increasingly prevalent, affecting millions of Americans each year. As someone who has experienced anxiety firsthand, I understand the challenges of addressing mental health issues with both sensitivity and hope. Too often, well-meaning people can do more harm than good when discussing these topics, leaving those who struggle feeling worse about their condition or without hope for improvement.

The Reality of Anxiety Today

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, affecting approximately 40 million adults—roughly 18% of the population. Perhaps more alarming is the significant increase in anxiety among children and college students since the 1950s. Today’s high school students often experience anxiety levels that would have been considered severe enough for hospitalization in previous decades, yet they’re expected to continue with their daily activities as if nothing were wrong.

Understanding Our Emotions

It’s crucial to recognize that emotions, including anxiety, were created by God and serve a purpose. Emotions aren’t inherently bad, though they can lead to poor decisions if not properly regulated. Even Jesus experienced the full range of human emotions—anger, fear, sorrow, and joy. This tells us that our emotions themselves aren’t the problem; it’s when they become overwhelming or unmanageable that we need to seek help.

The Anxiety Response

When we experience anxiety, our body triggers one of four main responses:

1. Fight: Your body prepares to overcome the perceived threat
2. Flight: You’re compelled to escape from danger
3. Freeze: You become paralyzed in place when fighting or fleeing isn’t possible
4. Fawn: You become highly agreeable to avoid conflict or danger

These responses are normal and can even be life-saving in genuinely dangerous situations. The problem arises when anxiety becomes severe and chronic, persisting even in the absence of real danger. For someone with an anxiety disorder, everyday tasks like writing an email or making a phone call can trigger the same physiological response as facing a dangerous predator.

The Terror of Losing Control

One of the most frightening aspects of anxiety is feeling that you’ve lost control over your own thoughts and emotions. As David wrote in Psalm 13:2, “How long will I store up anxious concerns within me and agony in my mind every day?” This loss of control can manifest in panic attacks—overwhelming episodes of fear accompanied by physical symptoms like racing heart, tingling limbs, and difficulty breathing. I believe David wrote about these very symptoms in Psalm 55:4-8 –

Finding Hope and Healing

The good news is that there are effective ways to manage anxiety and find healing. Here’s a comprehensive approach:

For Your Mind

• Consider a combination of therapy and medication
• Work with healthcare providers to find the right treatment plan
• Remember it may take time to find what works best for you

For Your Body

• Maintain regular exercise
• Focus on healthy diet
• Establish good sleep habits
• Consider reducing caffeine intake

For Your Spirit

• Engage in prayer and meditation
• Read and reflect on scripture
• Participate in worship
• Create a collection of encouraging verses or quotes

For Your Relationships

• Spend time with loved ones
• Find ways to serve others
• Build a support network

Practical Strategies

Here are some additional strategies for managing anxiety:

1. Establish a consistent routine
2. Practice mindfulness and staying present
3. Use deep breathing exercises
4. Challenge negative thoughts
5. Remind yourself that you are stronger than you think

Remember that fear is a liar, and you don’t have to believe everything your mind tells you. There’s freedom in releasing control and accepting that while you can’t control everything, you can handle whatever comes your way with God’s help.

If you’re struggling with anxiety, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. With proper treatment, there is hope for healing and a better tomorrow. Your current situation is not your forever situation, and you don’t have to face it alone.

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