What is Anxiety?

Course Cut-OutFreedom From Anxiety
Written By Austin Cavaliere

If you need help seeing Jesus in the middle of your struggle, or just feel like you are stuck, ready to move into growth and healing, connect with a Christian coach.

Excerpt: What is Anxiety - Anxiety Session 1

Course: Freedom From Anxiety

Speakers: Ryan Miller, Dr. Caroline Leaf, Matthias Barker, Rebeka Lyons

Understanding Anxiety: A Normal Response, Not an Illness

Anxiety is something our culture talks about frequently, yet what is it? Dr. Gary Collins defines it as 'an inner feeling of apprehension, uneasiness, or dread accompanied by heightened physical arousal.' This includes muscle tension, chest tightness, racing thoughts, and hot flashes. If you experience these, you're not alone, and you're not crazy.


Anxiety as a Signal: A Gift, Not a Flaw

As a cognitive neuroscientist with 38 years of research and 25 years of clinical practice, I can say anxiety is a normal response to adverse life circumstances. It's a way our mind, brain, and body work together to signal something that needs attention. Anxiety is a gift, a warning signal.

Reframing Anxiety: From Illness to Messenger

Instead of viewing anxiety as an illness, see it as a messenger. It arises from thoughts, which have roots. You're responding normally to accumulated adverse circumstances. The misconception is that anxiety is an illness, like cancer or diabetes. But it's an experience, an emotion.

The Mind's Role: Interpreting Toxic Experiences

Your mind, 90-99% of who you are, interprets environmental stimuli. Anxiety is a signal that you've had a toxic experience or series of experiences. It's your brain, body, and conscious/nonconscious mind telling you to slow down and pay attention.


Understanding Anxiety's Chaos: From Personal Fears to Irrational Dread

Anxiety overwhelms us with various forms of chaos: personal fears, social anxieties, and irrational dread. Job interviews, first dates, test results, social gatherings, contamination fears, and even random anxieties like bird phobias or car accidents can trigger this feeling. People may look at you strangely, and you might not even understand why. It's an impending doom, a feeling of uncertainty and dread that arises when specific conditions aren't met. We'll explore how anxiety functions and practical ways to address this chaos.


The Anxious Season: You Are Not Alone

We live in an anxious season. Before the pandemic, 77% of Americans reported physical stress symptoms. We fluctuate between general stress and panic disorder. We also face a loneliness epidemic.

The Lie of Shame: You Are Seen and Loved

Shame tells you you're alone and broken. But you're not. Many struggle with the same things. I've experienced it too. There are resources and practices to help. You are seen, known, and loved.


Reframing and Understanding

Refrain from viewing anxiety as an illness. Understand it as a signal and a normal response. Recognize that you are not alone in your struggle. Seek out resources and support.

Conclusion: Embracing Understanding and Finding Support

Anxiety is a common human experience, not a personal failing. By understanding its roots and reframing it as a signal, we can begin to manage it effectively. Remember, you are not alone, and there is support available.

 

If you like the content, you can continue in a few different ways…

  • 1) See the outline below and check out other sections from the FFP course.

  • 2) Take the full small group course to your church community! The first course your church runs is free! Reach out to us here to learn how.

  • 3) Connect with a Share The Struggle Coach for one-on-one support. Let’s face it, some of us have tried kicking this thing, and we’ve had no luck. It’s time to start looking toward forms of support that can help us see and feel the beautiful life God has in store for us.

 

Freedom From Anxiety

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Freedom From Anxiety 〰️

Understanding the Roots of Anxiety

Session 1

Session 2

Session 3

Session 4

Session 5

Healing Through Relationships

Session 6

Session 7

Session 8

 

Share The Struggle Courses

Share the Struggle Courses are topical expert led video courses to help you understand life’s greatest struggles and provide you with tools for navigating them. Moreover, STS courses create a space for you to connect with others struggling with similar things, experience belonging, and encounter God’s nearness in a place of wilderness in your life (pain, confusion, healing journey). Want to start a group at your church? Reach out to us here to learn how.

 

What Share The Struggle Believes

Here at Share The Struggle we believe Jesus is present with us in the middle of our pain and mess, and it is in that place that we often experience and encounter Jesus most deeply.

We understand the unique challenges faced by Christians dealing with mental health. Our mission is to bridge the gap between faith and mental health support, providing a platform where individuals can find resources, coaching support and guidance, all tailored to their spiritual life and emotional needs.

We invite you to explore our resources, share your journey, and find the support you need to overcome the struggles you face.

Austin Cavaliere
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