Proverbs 12:25
Anxiety and depression are two of the most
treated mental illnesses in the United States. And yet, despite all the
medications prescribed, the incidence of these two conditions continues to
rise. Pills alone have been ineffective in providing long term relief from
symptoms.
Our proverb, written almost three thousand
years ago, gives us a glimpse into what does work. It takes caring words to bring
relief. These are not the empty words of a website jingle card, but those of a
human being who takes time to listen and understand before speaking. It takes
human connection.
Anxiety does burden a person’s heart. As
anyone who has experienced this knows, it is an almost intolerable burden. It
is like carrying an unwanted backpack. Or even being punched in the stomach and
falling to the ground. The very wind gets knocked out of you. Sometimes you
feel like you can’t breathe, or like your chest is going to explode.
And once you have your first episode of
anxiety like this, you become anxious about being anxious. The possibility of
having another attack sends you into an attack. And the vicious cycle begins.
The anxiety pulls you out of activities and relationships you used to enjoy and
which brought support. You get pushed into a smaller and smaller box, trying to
control the possibility of an attack.
Anxiety is not “in your head.” It is in your
body. Remember, your head is part of your body! The memories of previous
episodes trigger physical symptoms in your body. Just thinking about them
causes your body to react as if you were back there.
If you experience anxiety like this, maybe
it is time to find someone to talk to about it. A caring, compassionate
counselor can make all the difference. They can help you unwrap the cords of
anxiety that push and pull you.
If you know someone who is stuck in anxiety,
perhaps you could be that person who learns to speak the kind words.
You don’t have to stay stuck in the past.