Hi there, my name is Peri, and I have a really anxious mind. And
heart. And just about anything else that can be anxious. My anxieties have
anxieties.
Since I was a very little girl, I've been living with these
feelings.
I hesitate before knocking on a door because I need a moment to
gather the courage.
Sometimes I leave a store because I can't find what I need and
asking someone isn't an option.
My heart beats out of my chest every time I dial a phone number
because I have to be a big girl and can't make my mom do everything.
I rehearse every response in my head a million times before
answering a question in class or talking to anyone in general because I don't
want to screw up.
I stay silent in groups of people because I never know when
something I might say won't be as funny as I think or is just way too dumb.
I can't sleep most nights.
My mind is constantly racing.
I can't always figure out why I feel a certain way.
I don't always know why I'm hurting or struggling.
I sometimes say I am busy, and I am. But not busy with what most
people are.
Busy taking deeper breaths and remaining calm,
Busy silencing my irrational thoughts,
Busy convincing myself that I am okay.
Sometimes this is my busy, and I am learning that I don't need to
apologize for it.
But here's the thing. Because of my anxious tendencies, there will
inevitably be days where I feel like I've been buried so deep that I can't get
out. But Jesus is always there to pull me out of that
deep dark place. I don't have to stay there. He will take care of me. He will
calm my mind and my spirit.
"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."
1 Peter 1:7
Now to some of you, you may think turning to Jesus in these
situations is silly. You need someone or something right then and there to pull
you out of a panic attack. Here are some other tips to calming your anxious
mind:
1. Remind yourself that you aren't in any danger and what your
mind is telling you is a lie.
2. Focus on an object and pay attention to the details of that
object- colors, textures, words, etc.
3. Take reeeeeaaaalllllyyyy deep breaths.
4. Take a walk, step outside.
5. Call someone you trust, say every thought that is going through
your head. (P.S. You can call me if you need someone to listen to you)
6. Don't treat yourself negatively, it will only make it worse.
And my personal favorite,
7. Prayer and some worship music.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by
prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the
peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard you hearts and
your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7
Did you just read that? Read it again.
Did you notice that we are literally told to not be anxious about
anything?? We're told to PRAY over these overwhelming things. And by bringing
these requests to God, His peace will guard our hearts and minds!!! Trust me, I
understand how anxiety works. It takes over every thought and the ability to
breathe and think straight. But if you can focus enough to just simply ask for
peace, I promise you'll start calming down.
To friends and family members of someone who deals with anxiety
and panic attacks, don't tell them to calm down, or relax. Never make them feel
like they're overreacting or doing something for attention. They are feeling
life threatening fear, and it is something that is out of their control.
Support them and reassure them that everything is okay and you are there for
them. Hug them tight.
And to you, my anxious friend,
You are brave for doing things even though they scare you and make
you anxious.
You will do great things despite your
anxiety.
You are stronger than you think. And you will make it through.
You are not your anxious mind.
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I
am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my
righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10
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