What Do You Know About Anxiety?

What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety is an emotional and physical response to a vague, uncontrollable, or uncertain event. You may have the vague feeling that something bad is going to happen, or a sense of doom. In contrast, worry primarily focuses on specific events in life.

The Bible says in Philippians 4: 6 & 7, Do not be anxious about anything . . . but let the peace of God . . . guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Christian Counseling & Educational Services wants to help people learn how to do just that and to find peace for their lives. While that might sound impossible, the Bible says in Luke 1:37, . . . nothing is impossible with God.

What Causes Anxiety?

Family background - overly protective, critical, or perfectionistic families
Early life trauma of abuse, separation, or neglect
Cumulative stress - accidents, weddings, births, moves, financial problems
Genetic make-up - certain chemical imbalances in the brain
Your attitudes and beliefs about the world, yourself and God
The way you talk to yourself in your mind
Lack of meaning or purpose in life
Abusing alcohol and other drugs

There Are Different Anxiety Disorders

Panic Disorder
Panic Attacks
Phobias
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Did You Know . . .

One in four people have an anxiety disorder.
One in ten people have a form of a phobia.
One in 50 people have OCD.
Anxiety & depression often exist together.
Anxiety may cause significant changes in how your body functions.
Anxiety does not discriminate; children as well as the elderly can experience anxiety.
Men experience anxiety differently than women.
God’s Word, the Bible, provides direction for dealing with anxiety.

There is hope and help
for those suffering from anxiety!

What Are The Signs Of Anxiety?

Check any of the following classic anxiety symptoms that apply to you:

Sweating
Racing heart, heart palpitations
Chest pain or discomfort
Trouble breathing
Shaking or trembling
Trouble swallowing or a choking feeling
Upset stomach
Fear of losing control
Feeling like you are going to die
Muscle tension
Headaches
Difficulty sleeping
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Restlessness and/or irritability

If you checked four or more of these symptoms, you may have a problem with anxiety.

Common Characteristics Of Anxiety Sufferers

Trying to impress other people
Being perfectionist
Using alcohol to calm down
Feeling afraid but don’t know why
Feeling unworthy of God’s love
Feeling no one could really love you
Feeling guilty for things that are not
your fault
Fearing others really knowing you
Frequent feeling of inadequacy

Counseling Can Help You . . .

Discover the source of your anxiety
Become aware of the thought patterns that feed your anxiety
Learn how to renew your thinking
Learn calming techniques to help control your anxiety responses
Find Biblical guidance and God’s peace
Develop a multi-dimensional approach to developing a new life-style
Gain a closer relationship with God

Peace I leave with you,
my peace I give unto you:
not as the world giveth, give I unto you.
Let not your heart be troubled,
neither let it be afraid.
—John 14:27

What Can You Do . . .

Seek help from God, your church, through prayer and study of the Bible.
See a doctor and get a complete physical examination. Make sure that these symptoms are not a potentially serious medical condition.
Find a professional counselor you trust.
Share your feelings with a trusted friend.
Improve your health with good nutrition, proper rest and regular exercise.
Learn to enjoy life and God’s blessings. Relax!
Avoid stressful situations when possible.
Learn when to say “No” to extra pressures.
Set realistic goals and avoid perfectionism.

Schedule an Appointment Today

We are a team of experienced counselors that are here to help you. Our staff has a diverse set of abilities and specialties in order to assist clients with a wide variety of needs. To schedule an appointment or to get more information, please call our Hanover, PA office at 717.630.2255. (Learn more about our Christian counseling services).