Everyone worries about things, right?  Events happen that cause worry or apprehension, we find a solution and we move on. 

But what happens when there is a thread of anxiety/worry/catastrophe weaving its way through the very fabric of your existence?

What about if you have to push yourself every day to live a productive life, despite that gnawing, every-present worry? 

That is the anxiety, I am talking about today. That anxiety is about feeling disconnected from who we were meant to be – that anxiety compares us with others, guilts us, shames us, and almost always finds us lacking in some respect. 

Some people have received a diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder and may have been given medications to alleviate some of the symptoms.  But many of us have never been given a diagnosis.  This is simply the way we live.  We white-knuckle our way through life – being competent in many areas, but always concerned that we are about to encounter an experience with which we will not be able to cope. 

What are the signs and symptoms?

• Excessive worry about everyday things
• Feeling restless and wanting to get away from feelings
• Have difficulty concentrating
• Startling easily
• Have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• Have frequent headaches, muscle aches, stomach aches, or chest heaviness. 
• Conversations tend to focus on the negative
• Resentment, fear, and guilt are common feelings

Symptoms may fluctuate and tend to get worse during times of stress. 

What helps? 

Medication, therapy, coaching, and focusing on healthy habits such as exercise, meditation, sleep, and mindfulness can all help alleviate the symptoms. 

Educate Yourself – how does anxiety show up in your life?  What have you tried that has worked?  Do more of that. 

• What has not worked?  Do less of that.
• Read articles and blogs of people who have experienced it & listen to relevant podcasts

Communicate how you are feeling – Have you spoken with someone you trust about how you feel?  Does your doctor know?  Have you reached out to a mental health professional?

• Many of us don’t tell anyone.
• We compare ourselves with everyone else who seems to be able to cope.  So, we do not share our fears, anxieties, or worries.
• But if we don’t tell anyone, we are stuck on the hamster wheel of our anxious thoughts.

Practice healthy habits – decrease caffeine, increase sleep, reduce stress, exercise, eat healthy foods, meditate, and practice mindfulness.

• Pray about what you are experiencing and ask God to show you how to reach out, who to reach out to, and how they will be able to help.  God is the ultimate healer and He often uses others to support that healing.

You CAN overcome anxiety.  It will take some intentional work, but it is possible. God still does do the impossible 😊 

I know it can be difficult to reach out when all you really want to do is go home, crawl into bed, and scroll through Pinterest.  But I also know that is not a permanent solution.

Reach out and share your concerns.  You are worth it. 

If you would like to reach out and chat, send me a message at Connect@alifedesignedbylove.com.  I would be happy to connect.