How the Christian Faith Can Help Overcome the Causes and Effects of Anxiety Disorder
People suffering from Generalized Anxiety Disorder, live in constant state of tension, worry and uneasiness (Carson, Butcher, & Mineka, 2000). In addition to their excessive levels of worry and anxious apprehension, people with generalized anxiety disorder often have difficulty concentration and making decisions, dreading to make a mistake. They often complain of muscle tension, insomnia and nightmares (2000).
No matter how well things seem to be going, people with anxiety disorders are apprehensive and anxious. Their constant worries leave them continually upset, uneasy and discouraged. Even after going to bed, people suffering from anxiety disorder are not likely to find relief from their worries (Carson et al., 2000).
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Most people who suffer from anxiety are treated by family physicians with drug therapy to help them relax and reduce anxiety. Many of these drugs are sometimes ineffective and wear off after just a few weeks of continuous medication. They can also be very habit forming, which introduces a whole new set of problems into the equation (2000). I believe that those who embrace the Christian faith have tool available to them by God to help overcome the causes and effects of anxiety disorder. These very effective tools are prayer and the Bible.
The Bible is a book of promises that does not change or get out of date. It makes it clear that there is no problem in our lives that is too great or small for his concern. He cares about everything that affects his children. He has promised us that if we call upon him, he will be with us in times of trouble, and will walk with us through the trials of life. He promised to be the other person with us in the tough times of life (Graham, 1991, p.132).
The Bible offers us so much hope and wisdom for the many trials of life. If a person has no knowledge of God’s promises to the, he will be unable to turn to him in times of despair.
In the book of Psalms, David, who struggled constantly with problems throughout his life, wrote songs and prayers to God to help him maintain hope and faith during difficult times. “The Lord is my light and salvation, whom shall if fear” ( NIV, Psalm 27:1).
“God is our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). What a great and simple promise. This does not imply that we huddle and are panic-stricken behind a protective wall. It means the God is “ever-present”. He goes with his people into the scene of suffering and onto the platform of pain to sustain them in the midst of it (Graham, 1991, p.133).
There is hope for people who live in daily despair due to generalized anxiety disorder. This hope is not just in medication and counseling sessions, but also in the promises of our God. The constant worry, tension and fear related to this disorder could be greatly alleviated if the patient had the peace of the strength and comfort offered by our heavenly father. I do not believe that most non-Christian counselors, no matter how skilled and sympathetic they may be, have the complete solution to such desperate problems. Jesus is the answer, and as we point to him, those who are crying for help will find the shepherd who will lead them out of the valley of despair ( Graham, 1991, p.140).
This is not to say of course, that this disorder is to be taken lightly. That a few prayers and scripture memorization will be a fix all for anyone suffering from anxiety. But, so many conditions involving some form of depression and anxiety seem to derive from a sense of hopelessness. I believe that the hope that we as Christians receive from the promises of God has the power to help people overcome generalized anxiety disorder.
“Trust in him at all times o people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge” (NIV, Psalm 62:8).
Bibliography
References
- Carson, R.C., Butcher, J.M., & Mineka, S. (2000). Abnormal psychology and modern life. Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
- Graham, B. (1991). Hope for the troubled heart. Minneapolis: Grason.
- New International Version. (1988). The Holy Bible. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Bible Publishers.
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