An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up. Proverbs 12:25

Anxiety is unfortunately fairly common in today’s stressful, high pressured world. Fortunately, however, anxiety and worry are treatable and many people can find complete relief. Many people have varying forms and degrees of anxiety such as worry, apprehension and even fears. It can be seen as uneasiness of the mind over either impending or anticipated problems or issues. It can also be excessive worry over concerns about real-life problems or circumstances. It can become overwhelming, cause fear and doubts about the reality of a problem, or self doubt regarding the ability or capacity to cope with the problem. Often difficulty in being able to control worry leads to physical symptoms as well.

Symptoms of anxiety can include:

• Restlessness, feeling jittery, nervousness
• Being easily fatigued
• Feeling scared, insecure, uncertain
• Difficulty concentrating, inability to control thoughts
• Feeling overwhelmed or out of control
• Physical or emotional exhaustion
• Feeling helpless or hopeless
• Irritability
• Muscle tension
• Trouble falling or staying asleep

These symptoms can often cause significant distress or impairment in daily routines and relationships at home, work or other important parts of life.

Treatment for anxiety can take on a number of forms. Cognitive-behavioral therapy has been proven to be helpful by helping people learn to recognize and change thought patterns and behaviors that lead to troublesome feelings. It is both oriented in practical problem solving and in identifying, evaluating and modifying thoughts. Treatment can also include medications that reduce anxiety and help relieve some of the physical symptoms. A medical doctor can assess your health to assist in this area. Some people do well with medications or cognitive-behavioral therapy and many achieve success using both. Studies have shown that the combination together is most effective, but each person should consider treatment methods based on professional advice and personal choice that lines up with their values and beliefs.

Spirituality in the treatment process of anxiety can have an important healing quality that is long-lasting and life long. God knows our heart, how it gets weighed down and understands we need to be self controlled-for our minds to be focused on truth and His unchanging word. He tells us many times not to be anxious or to worry, but to trust Him and rely on him to give us peace. For those who desire to integrate their faith into the treatment of worry, fears or anxiety we offer Biblical hope and solutions. Call us today and start your path toward peace.

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 your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

God’s best to you!

Mike Dawson