Anxiety is closely related to fear. One person may say to themselves that they have no fear, however that same person may experience panic attacks on a regular basis. There is a healthy type of fear – like a healthy respect of fire, water, traffic, and etc. but, with anxiety, there is nothing healthy about it. Anxiety may be specific as in fear of spiders, entering closed spaces (elevators), flying, or heights. This type may only limit the freedom of individuals in their daily journey of life. However, there is what we call “free-floating” anxiety which is non-specific. This may bring about even further limitations to possibly paralyzing an individual in certain aspects of his/her life. Examples often are seen with panic attacks. Let us caution you that there are physiologic causes of some panic attacks which must be ruled out before beginning medication.
Just like most other emotions, many people call anxiety different names such as; worry, caring, or even stressed. All of us have at times been worried, anxious, or stressed so…what are we to do? Every student in school is stressed by homework or upcoming tests. This stress is actually good for us so that we study, think, grow, and mature. This is “eustress” and is normal. The anxiety comes, when the same student has studied, listened attentively, and knows the material but sits down to take the test and his/her mind goes blank. We, in education call this “test anxiety” and it becomes detrimental to the student.
With only that one example above of test anxiety, you may evaluate your stress or anxiety and see if what you are worrying about, stressed out about, or seemingly are caring for…causes more difficulty in your life. If it does, then you have much more anxiety than normal and need to work through it. Insecurities also bring about much anxiety into our lives. God wants us to be relaxed, comfortable, and depend on Him. If you find that anxiety is inhibiting you in being all that God created you to be, please seek His guidance and professional assistance in getting free.