Anxiety and Depression Disorders have different symptoms. However, the symptoms of both disorders can overlap together. So it was in was my case. Read on.
My Story
As a young adult, I was confident of my Christian calling to teach and minister in music. But the paralyzing symptoms of anxiety kept me from being my best self. For example, as a speaker and performer, I spent a tremendous amount of mental energy worrying weeks before an event. I could barely give my best during the event because of fear. Finally, I obsessed weeks afterward about the event. But it was not anxiety that I felt (or so I thought). I only experienced depression.
By age fifty, I had learned how to manage chronic clinical depression. My symptoms included prolonged hopelessness, negative thinking, trouble concentrating, trouble sleeping, fatigue, and excessive worrying.
I was never diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, even though most of my symptoms overlapped with the above signs of depression. Therefore, anxiety remained throughout my life, riding below the radar of my emotional health.
Today, I am at my best emotionally healthy state ever! Medicine, therapy, and excellent family support helped to propel me to this safe place. However, my faith in God is what initiated and has sustained my mental health healing.
Is It Normal Worry or Anxiety?
It’s OK to worry. It’s normal to stress about your loved one’s health, asking for a raise, passing a test, getting married, etc. Worrying and prolonged stressing becomes “something” more significant when it is persistent and can reach into every aspect of your life.
God makes it clear. He wants us to live without worry and anxiety. Peace of mind and a peaceful spirit comes by first having peace with God.
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).
My serenity started by changing my negative thinking. Although it can be challenging to change lifelong patterns of thinking, God makes it possible. I’m a witness!
We will learn more about the challenges of changing negative thinking as we continue this dialogue. Meanwhile, stay safe and remain in peace.
For more about finding peace through faith in Jesus Christ, or to leave a comment, click here.
Thanks for another helpful message
Thank you Bennie, for your continued support and encouragement. God bless