In today’s episode, Rachel and I have a very honest and raw conversation about our own battles with anxiety. We share a few of our coping strategies and some tips for getting through the spirals. We talk about triggers, control, and being mindful of our input. Anxiety can feel overwhelming, but there is hope, and we’re walking up the hill with you.
Get to know and understand your anxiety triggers. Avoid them when you can. When you can’t avoid a trigger, give yourself GRACE and know it isn’t the time to deal with anything additional that may cause stress. (It’s not the time to have a difficult conversation, take on the extra project, push your limits,etc.)
There is NO shame in getting help. You do not have to carry the burden of your anxiety by yourself.
You are not broken.
It’s so important to figure out what you can and cannot control – and let go of the things that are out of your control.
Evaluate your sources and be mindful of the input you are feeding your mind and soul. Is what you are taking in true? Is it helpful? Is it making your anxiety better or worse? (If any of it is making you feel worse, turn it off!)
If someone you love is struggling with anxiety, use compassion and logic. (And give as much grace as possible! When someone is in the middle of a spiral, it’s not the right time to try to discuss something difficult or stressful.)
Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
I mentioned Philippians 4 as a great passage for worry. It helps me. Whether you’re a believer or not, I wanted to share.
Philippians 4:6-8
“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! 5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.[c]
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.”
I really like verses 6-7 in The Message version:
“Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.”
The book Switch on Your Brain by Dr. Caroline Greenleaf is amazing. (Seriously. I absolutely loved it.)
Rachel and I talked about the importance of watching your input when you’re struggling with anxiety. If you haven’t listened to it yet, go back and listen to our podcast episode on Input! (It’s Episode 4!)
