"Somebody's Watching Me. It's My Anxiety"--NOT!

 


Lyrics from a popular song run the reels on social media constantly. "It's my anxiety." The singer bops to the music, like someone who just won the lottery, claiming anxiety like it was a prize. But is it? No! 

While it is fabulous that mental health is less stigmatized than in previous generations, it seems now that it is considered trendy to brag about one's mental health diagnoses and find identity in it. This is very harmful and unnecessary, making it difficult for those who really struggle with a mental health condition to be taken seriously. It also perpetuates an obsession that feeds and aggravates anxiety further. While those who have not received a diagnosis theatrically portray the problem without any solutions, making it out to be funny or desirable.

First of all, anxiety is an extremely serious problem, not something to be joked about. Studies show it is one of the most common mental health disorders worldwide. 1 in 5 adults in the United States experience an anxiety disorder every year. Women are twice as likely as men to be affected. 

🧠 What is Anxiety?

  • Anxiety is a normal human emotion that involves feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes like increased heart rate.

  • It becomes a disorder when it's excessive, persistent, and interferes with daily life. 

  • In many faith-based settings, anxiety is considered a spiritual "stronghold." A stronghold is an area of false beliefs "fortressed" in one's mind that brings negative consequences which are antithetical to one's faith and life.

⚠️ Types of Anxiety Disorders

  1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – excessive worry about various things.

  2. Panic Disorder – sudden, intense episodes of fear (panic attacks).

  3. Social Anxiety Disorder – fear of social situations or judgment.

  4. Specific Phobias – intense fear of a particular object or situation.

  5. Separation Anxiety Disorder – often seen in children, but can affect adults too.

Symptoms

Emotional: Excessive worry, restlessness, irritability.

Physical: sweating, trembling, rapid heartbeat, headaches, GI issues, other somatic disorders

Behavioral: Avoiding feared situations, difficulty concentrating, sleep problems


Causes & Risk Factors

      • Genetics – family history can increase risk.

      • Brain chemistry – imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin or dopamine.

      • Personality traits – such as perfectionism or low self-esteem.

      • Life events – trauma, stress, or childhood adversity

    • TREATMENT OPTIONS:
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and/or Christian Inner Healing
    • Solutions-Focused Therapy
    • Freedom Coaching (ask about this)
    • Lifestyle changes (exercise, sleep, stretching, box breathing, diet and sleep changes, and reducing or eliminating medications and caffeine/stimulants)
    • Group support (therapy groups, church small groups, etc.)
    • Prayer and meditation
If you hear nothing else, please pay attention to what I tell my clients, "Your diagnosis does not define your identity. It may define your struggle, but it cannot define all of you because you are a person uniquely created by God with special gifts and talents to share with this world."  Don't claim anxiety (or another mental health diagnosis) as 'my anxiety.' The problem of anxiety can be healed. It's not a permanent part of you. 

If you want help working through anxiety, I would be happy to go with you down the road. Give me a call at 352-657-7605 to set up your coaching appointment so you can kick anxiety out of your life. 

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