We don't always call it anxiety. We might call it "pressure", "tension", or "restlessness" and it might play out in a few different ways. Intrusive thoughts that block a good night's sleep, irritability and snapping at your kids, getting stuck on the roundabout of "what ifs?" Sometimes it goes as far as sheer disoriented panic manifesting in difficulty breathing, racing heart, dry mouth, and stomach pain.
What's actually going on
What is going on? Sometimes more than we realize. Throughout life's journey we tend to acquire a taste for various bitter flavors of fear. Fear of man, fear of loss, fear of the uncertainties of the future, and fear that we cannot always be in control of our circumstances.
Anxiety works like an alarm system stuck in the 'on' position. When functioning properly it's protective and useful. Just enough anxiety keeps us motivated to show up, prepare, and consider. If you knew there was a lion standing outside your door right this very moment you would – wisely so – refuse to leave your home. Unchecked anxiety though is like an imaginary lion prowling your front yard convincing you to give up your plans for the day.
How counseling helps
In our work together, we'll do two things. Practically speaking, we'll work for you to gain recognition of what anxiety looks like when it shows up in your thoughts and body. These manifestations will be your cues for knowing when to use the skills that we will build in session. Second, the deeper work: we walk. We attempt to tell the story behind the anxiety, what you're bracing for, and what it might mean to trust God with outcomes you can't control.
"Do not be anxious" was never meant as a command to try harder. It's an invitation to lay down your burdens to the one who can shoulder them. Getting there is a process — and it's exactly the work we'll do.
When to reach out
If the worry has started costing you sleep, patience, focus, or presence with your family then it might be time to reach out. You don't need a diagnosis or a breaking point to justify the call.