Let’s Debunk Some Common Misconceptions About Anxiety

Friend, Do you ever feel like you’re struggling with a lot of worries? Does it interfere with your sleep and keep you from enjoying the life God intended for you?

If so, I’m here to tell you that you’re not alone! More than you think, many people are stressed out and worry unnecessarily. Because of this, considerable research exists to discover how to help.

Does it feel like you suffer in silence? Hoping your worries will go away? Does it feel like no one understands you? Do you find that friends who may be meaning well offer their help and opinions that tend to be hurtful?

You may have wondered about these questions at one time or another.

Let’s look at anxiety and some misconceptions

— Anxiety isn’t a real illness— All of your worries and the physical consequences accompanying them are very real. If they are negatively impacting your life, it’s okay to seek help.

—You can pass out when having a panic attack— A panic attack won’t cause you to pass out; fainting sometimes occurs when there is a drop in blood pressure. However, The opposite happens when you have a panic attack; heart rate and blood pressure increase.

  — You should avoid stressful situations if you have anxiety— The issue with this statement is that it is almost impossible to avoid stressful situations.

—Trying to avoid situations that cause stress can make your anxiety worse— You can learn coping mechanisms, breathing exercises, and guided meditation that can help you to deal adequately and productively with these occurrences.

—Some people worry and fear they can’t be treated— Sure, some people stress more than others. Still, there is a plethora of treatment options available for almost all experiences.

—Anxiety disorders are rare— You may think you are the only person who worries and is too anxious. Still, research has found that as many as one in five people struggles with an anxiety disorder.

{Many people feel like their alone, and without actively seeking help, they will continue to feel alone.}

—My anxiety will get better on its own— Sometimes, people put off seeking help for their anxiety because they can go about their daily lives without too much difficulty. But over time, their anxiety can get worse.{It’s essential to get the care and learn coping mechanisms – the sooner, the better because you don’t have to be distressed.}

—I only need a little drink to get through this— Some people choose to self-medicate as a way to get through a stressful event, often choosing to drink alcohol or take a recreational drug. Sometimes they realize this is a wrong move, and sometimes they don’t. {This may work in the short term, but over time you can become addicted to these, and your anxiety will still remain. There are also health risks with these choices to think about too.}

—Anxiety treatment will take forever— You may start to see improvements just with a few counseling/therapy sessions. Everyone is different. 

—You can overcome anxiety overnight if you want to—  have you ever heard someone say “get over it” or “snap out of it” when it comes to your concerns? Sometimes, people don’t really understand how much worry anxiety can cause. {This lack of support may lead you to avoid the subject entirely and cause you to feel sorrow and hardship in silence.

Don’t be afraid, dear friend to seek treatment to help overcome your worries and anxieties

A professional counselor or therapist does indeed understand your worries are real and how they can trouble and hinder you. They have techniques that can help. Give them and yourself a chance. You’re worth it.

Anxiety can be serious if left untreated and can prevent you from living a fulfilled life. Jesus doesn’t want you to hide from the life he has given you. He never promised that life would be easy; he wants you to knock on his door at midnight and come in. Don’t let these anxiety misconceptions stop you from seeking appropriate treatment.

Let’s reflect on two Bible verses.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33— NIV

“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— NIV

Photo by Fabian Møller on Unsplash

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Grace & Truth