Anxiety & Worry in Adults

2 Timothy 1:7, For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind [self-control and self-discipline].

For most people, anxiety and worry are part of the human condition that come and go as they face various stressors in life. However, for some people, living with anxiety and worry becomes a way of life in which the symptoms are significant enough to interfere in their daily lives. Physical symptoms of anxiety may include muscle tension and tightness (often in the neck shoulders, and back), headaches, nausea, sweating, etc. Worry tends to focus on real life problems (money, work, family, health, etc.) that the person can’t seem to “shut off”, playing worst-case scenarios over in one’s mind, and focusing on past mistakes or setbacks, etc. Christians with anxiety and worry often feel shame and embarrassment because they know about the Bible’s encouragement to be joyful and to “be anxious for nothing.” Unfortunately, shame often leads individual suffering from anxiety to isolate themselves from others or to try to present a happy exterior to others while suffering privately. Fortunately, anxiety is very treatable and there are many tools that can be used to overcome it. There is hope!

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Further Information:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Symptoms, Treatment, and Self-Help for Chronic Anxiety [Helpguide.org]

What Can I Do With My Worry?   
This booklet gives biblical advice for dealing with worry, fear and anxiety. The goal of the booklet is to encourage those that struggle with worry that God is in charge of our lives, and He will take care of us better that we can take care of ourselves. [ODB Ministries]

How to Stop Worrying:  Self-Help Tips for Anxiety Relief [Helpguide.org]

Self-Calming Skills This article provides a variety of tools, audios, etc.

Truth Talk Article   Truth Talk Audio
ACCFS Staff frequently recommend reading and/or listening to Truth Talk to help people identify negative self-talk and replace it with a godly, healthy alternative.  It only takes a few minutes to read it or listen to the audio.  Try it for a week or two and see if you notice a difference!

Comforting Scriptures for Times of Depression & Struggle
This article includes helpful information on how to pray and read the Bible during times of depression or struggles along with a list of comforting Scripture verses. [ACCFS]

Our Negative Thinking Versus God’s Promises to Us
This brief article gives a scriptural response to negative thinking by focusing on the promises found in the Bible.

Screening Tools 

Screen for Adult Anxiety Related Disorders (SCAARED)
This free, 44-item, screening inventory can be helpful in identifying several types of anxiety problems in adults and directing individuals toward getting appropriate assistance to overcome it.

Books 

Learning to Tell Myself the Truth   
Author: William Backus, Ph.D.
This 220-page workbook helps readers to understand their negative self-talk and learn to use scriptural truths to think in a healthier, Christ-like manner. It includes specific chapters on dealing with depression, anxiety, anger, and perfectionism.

 

The Worry Workbook: Twelve Steps to Anxiety-Free Living 
Authors: Les Carter, Ph.D. and Dr. Frank Minirth M.D.
This 272-page workbook helps readers understand what causes anxiety and how they can move beyond worry into emotional freedom. Practical steps, interactive exercises, checklists, and guided questions help readers identify their fears, replace negative talk with positive action, learn to accept what is out of their control, and make life-enhancing choices.

 

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Christian Clients: A Faith-Based Workbook  
Author: Joshua Knabb, Psy.D.
This 194-page workbook offers an overview the core ACT skills and includes biblical examples, equivalent concepts from the writings of early Christians, worksheets for clients to better understand and apply the material, and strategies for clients to integrate a Christian worldview with the ACT-based processes. Christians struggling with depression and anxiety will find this book very supportive their spiritual beliefs as they seek to overcoming those challenges.

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