I asked the group a simple question: “How are you doing?” A response comes quickly: “My anxiety level is through the roof!” Then I asked the others in the room, “How many of you struggle with anxiety?” Nearly every hand went up.
Anxiety is a form of fear, and fear is universal.
When fear is heightened to the level of anxiety, the person is generally in a sort of locked-down state, shaking on the inside and doing nothing (or at least nothing positive) on the outside.
Instead of fight or flight, they freeze. Their imagination isn’t frozen; it is still very active. They’re just not able to force themselves to act in a way that might change the outcomes in a more positive direction.
At its simplest level, fear is visualizing. Those who struggle the most with anxiety are those who have a vivid imagination. When focusing on the negative outcomes of a situation, someone gifted at visualizing scenarios may find themselves unable to act. Our greatest strength is always our greatest weakness.
Fear involves visualizing some form of pain or negative outcome that may occur in the future.
We all do it on a regular basis. Sometimes, it’s actually a good thing. We are able to visualize the negative consequences of staying on the path we are on, and we can use that anticipation of negative outcomes as a motivation to change our behavior for better outcomes.
But not always; sometimes it immobilizes.
The frozen person struggles with the question, "What if I do the wrong thing?" I often respond, “Just do something, even if it is wrong.” Saying that may seem dangerous, but there is even more danger when a fear-gripped person does nothing. In the case of someone who struggles with addiction, for example, inaction is what will cause a person to use drugs. After they stay in their frozen state for too long, they will hit a level of hopelessness where they are going to use, period. Any action at an earlier point might have helped keep them from using.
Most of the time, that “do something” should be talking to someone who is in a healthier place. Getting advice. Then acting. Unfortunately, those most in need of sound advice often don't have any healthy individuals on their radar. In this case, growing a team is good place to start.
Staying in a frozen state generally causes bad things to happen sooner and with more negative outcomes than if the person had simply gone to work, fixed a meal, or taken a walk. Just about any kind of action will at least move the churning imagination away from the most negative places.
Do something. For anyone struggling with anxiety, this is the first step.
Ready to Overcome Anxiety?
You can overcome anxiety - we are here to help. Check out this course on HeartChangeU.com is a big step and a big start - here, you'll be guided through a series of videos and exercises to demystify anxiety, understand its root causes and gain practical tools for overcoming:
Heart Change U offers has a whole toolkit to encourage and support you in the walk toward Heart Change. Check it out:
HeartChangeU tools for Small Groups & Church Leaders
Heart Change U is an online training platform for Christian counselors, church elders, pastors, and those who seek to help influence others in healing and growing in His image. Developed through more than 15 years of helping addicts and alcoholics heal at a spiritual level from the wounds that cause their addictions, these proven tools and approaches are intended to equip you to walk with others through the Heart Change process in order to become the men and women of God He is calling them to be.
The Omega Project: Faith Based Residential Recovery Program
The Omega Project Christian addiction recovery program offers a community of discipleship homes where assistance is always available to help fight through the challenges of dysfunction so that men and women may find and be restored to their created purpose.
If you or someone you love is caught in the stronghold of addiction, there is hope in Christ! Reach out to The Omega Project.
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