Anxiety & Mental Health 🤍
The truth is: your health is important.
Living each day with intentionality truly matters. If you take away your health, what do you have left?
If you’re struggling with anxiety (or mental health), this is for you.
Anxiety is debilitating. It steals your joy. It trades your peace for panic attacks. It isolates you. It brings out fears that were never even real.
Anxiety is just a lie that convinces you it’s the truth.
Yesterday, my pastor humbly shared his own struggle with anxiety. And it took everything in me not to get up and leave for a quiet space.
In that moment, my mind was telling me that I was suffocating.
But what are the chances that I would be fighting through a panic attack right as he was sharing his own testimony?
God is so good He is so gracious and He always knows what we need to hear.
I had to tell my mind to be silent.
I had to remind myself of the truth:
“I am not suffocating. I am safe. I am in a safe place.”
How did I even get here?
A few months ago, I started following the heartbreaking story of a family who lost their baby.
As a mother of a toddler myself, I was devastated for them and somewhere deep inside, a small seed of fear was planted.
A fear that something could happen to my own child.
Later, when I shared how I was feeling with a close friend, she said something that really stuck with me:
“Stephanie, you’re battling things you were never meant to battle.”
And she was right.
Because I had exposed my heart to something I wasn’t ready to see or carry in this season.
I’m a stay-at-home mom, still walking through the layers of postpartum life.
And I had ingested something that my heart was never meant to hold right now.
I share this because maybe you, too, are exposing your heart and mind to things that are adding to your anxiety and you don’t even realize it yet.
We can’t compromise with our health.
Life is good.
God is good and faithful.
You already have everything you need.
Have peace.
Surrender your fears to God.
And yes along with surrender, there may be other things that need to shift, too.
Maybe it’s what you’re watching.
Maybe it’s what you’re eating.
Maybe it’s taking supplements / or letting go of ones you don’t need.
Maybe it’s getting into the Word more.
Writing in your journal.
Drinking less caffeine.
Going on more walks.
Starting pilates.
Finding a good therapist.
Even considering medication if it’s needed for a season.
Your fears are small giants and once you face them with the truth, you’ll see just how small they really are.
I pray that if you’re reading this, a deep sense of peace will fill your heart.
I pray you are reminded that you are seen and loved.
And that this season you’re in it is temporary.
“You will no longer be called Deserted, and your land will not be called Desolate; instead, you will be called My Delight Is in Her, and your land Married; , for the Lord delights in you, and your land will be married.”
Isaiah 62:4
#anxietyanddepression #mentalhealthawareness #anxietysupport #diarypost #motherhood
Anxiety can be overwhelming, but understanding its nature is the first step toward healing. Many people experience anxiety, often triggered by stressors in their lives, whether it's parenting challenges, work pressure, or personal losses. Coping strategies are essential for managing these feelings. Techniques such as mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be effective in altering negative thought patterns. It's also important to address lifestyle factors that contribute to anxiety. Consider your diet; food rich in omega-3 fatty acids, whole grains, and fruits can enhance mood and reduce anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise releases endorphins that can improve mental wellbeing, and establishing a sleep routine ensures restorative rest necessary for emotional regulation. Don't underestimate the power of social connections—engaging with supportive friends or community can provide a sense of belonging and understanding. If anxiety becomes unmanageable, seeking professional help from a therapist can provide you with coping mechanisms tailored to your needs. Remember, acknowledging your struggles and taking proactive steps are crucial in reclaiming your mental health and building a life of peace.