Have you been feeling a little anxious lately?
If so, you are not alone.
Research indicates that as of February 2023…
• Almost ONE-THIRD of adults nationwide have anxiety or depression symptoms;
• Including HALF of young adults (ages 18 - 24).
Whether it is you or someone you love, anxiety has the potential to be life-altering or even debilitating. Symptoms may include sleepless nights, racing thoughts, panic attacks, substance abuse and obsessive-compulsive behaviors, among other things.
It should be noted that there is a difference between ANXIETY and “normal worrying.” Worry is a result of the human ability to contemplate future, actual events and simulate negative outcomes. A person may worry about an upcoming exam, medical test results, or a potential budget shortfall. Although physical symptoms may occur, worry resides primarily in the mind. Worry typically subsides once the actual event has passed, regardless of the outcome.
Anxiety, however, often lasts much longer than worry and may not even be based on an actual event. It involves lack of emotional control, overreaction, and typically involves physical, emotional and mental symptoms. A person who suffers from an anxiety disorder may feel like he/she never gets a “break” from the impact of fear and apprehension. It has been noted that both ANXIETY and WORRY have an impact on quality of life issues: “Worry tends to improve your life, while anxiety gets in the way [of life]—satisfying relationships and fulfilling responsibilities.”
So what is a person experiencing anxiety to do?
This is where there is some very encouraging news. According to an analysis done by the National Institutes of Health, significant improvement in both symptoms and quality of life have been experienced by those who have received basic psychotherapy or counseling for their anxiety.
CrossRoads Counseling Ministries exists to serve and help people with—amongst a myriad of other concerns—anxiety-related issues. Trained and licensed counselors use the knowledge and skills of the counseling profession to facilitate healing and wholeness. But what makes CRCM stand out is the implementation of distinctively Christian counseling. The Word of God, along with prayer and Christian support, play a significant role in the positive outcomes that result.
Yes, Scripture exhorts: “Do not be anxious about anything…” (Phil. 4:6), but to someone struggling with anxiety, this may seem like a callous and uncaring command that burdens the soul even more. But with the aid of a CrossRoads Counselor, these words can become an invitation to find relief through what follows, “prayer… supplication… thanksgiving.”
“And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:7)