Anxiety… ugh, not again
As a founder of a non-profit, I worry a lot about stuff. These worries are often about finances and people. The people we serve, the people we employ… are all important to me. The money comes in and then goes out and it never sits very long.
So I worry about it. Sometimes the worry is founded in reality, most often it is me projecting my worry into the future and getting anxious about things that haven’t happened… yet, but may never happen.
The bottom line is that I suffer from mild anxiety. I call it mild because I am able to work through it without the aid of medication 💊. I have learned a couple of things that have helped me to do this, and I would like to share that here. I am not saying that this is the answer for everyone and I would never tell you to stop taking medication that your doctor prescribed for you.
First, I recall a Bible verse – 1 Peter 5:7
“Cast all of your cares upon Him, for He cares for you.”
This passage has been my go to for a long time. The first word “cares” has been translated into both the words – worry and anxiety. The second word “cares” is defined as the loving attention, protection of a father. To cast means to be rid of them – to literally throw them at Him, knowing He will catch them and handle them for you. I often repeat this passage, listing the exact worry in the midst of it.
The next thing I do is list out what has me worried on paper and then I make a plan of action as to what I can do about it. It try seems like when I write it down and get it out of my head, it is not so overwhelming. Then I set out to conquer it.
The next thing I do is tell someone else what is going on. Sometimes it is to ask for help and other times it is to simply get it off my chest. Verbalizing it helps by taking it out of the shadows and bringing it into the light.
And lastly, I remember John 16:33 that tells me that sometimes life will be hard but that Jesus is there for me and will see me through it – for which He has done repeatedly.
I want you to know that talking with someone, most notably a counselor, is always a good idea, especially when you are battling with depression and anxiety. I am a trained counselor and sometimes I need a counselor.
I hope this helps!
God Bless You and Yours,
Dr Cliff
P.S. #YourLifeMatters
Author:
ppittspitts
I may have to try that, write it down, then try to work through it.. I don’t remember the last time I wrote anything down; sermon notes, music notes or anything that mattered. It’s not me but like all things eventually do change I guess I’m changing too. Thanks for sharing.
Cliff Robertson Jr
When we write it down, it becomes more
manageable… less overwhelming. God bless you , friend.