My Struggle with Anxiety

While meeting with my weekly support group for chronic illnesses, I have realized that all group members struggle with anxiety and stress to some degree. We all have a disease that is ultimately uncontrollable. We can manage our illnesses with medications, diet and surgeries, however they have no cure. My theory is that when people cannot control a major part of their lives, they resort to the control of everything else in their lives resulting in stress and anxiety when life cannot be controlled how they wish.

When I write this it seems a bit extreme. But I think it is completely true for many, many people - some more severe than others.

I believe that anxiety is stemmed from many other issues as well. But since I have an autoimmune disease, this is the type of anxiety I can relate to.

I have always been an organized and clean person. But the emotional stress I feel when things in my life are not organized or clean has increased as I have grown into my 20's and was diagnosed with Crohn's disease. I can see stress in all parts of my life, and it is an issue I am well aware of and working on.

My husband does not let my anxiety of certain life issues slide. These issues are addressed and talked about. I am so thankful that he is not fearful to confront me when I am "stressing" too much. Because of him, I have become more aware of an issue in my life that I desperately do not want to control but let go of and give to God.

I want to be a woman who is willing to try new things with no fear. I want to have a spirit that embraces failure as "okay" at times. I want to capture those stressful thoughts and and let the God of the Universe hold them for me. I want to be a mother who lets her children fail and most of all teach them to get back up. I hope to be the kind of mother who gives the safety and health of her husband and children over to Jesus each night.

I worry about money, when we are so blessed. I worry about losing my husband and dog, when I should spend my time being thankful for having them in my life. I worry about my health, when I know it could be so much worse. I stress about doing things the right way, when sometimes there is no "right way." There is only God's way.

Anxiety in nature in selfish, because all you are focused on is your needs, your plans, YOU. I do not want to be this type of person. I want to focus on the needs of others and be open to new and different plans.

Although some medications do help at times, I also believe there are natural ways to help deal with stress.

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, these coping strategies listed below should help:

Daily exercise
Eating a well-balanced meal with energy boosting snacks
Learning when to take a time out by having a massage, listening to music, doing yoga etc
Getting enough sleep
Limiting alcohol and caffeine - these can aggravate anxiety and trigger panic attacks. eek, didn't know that!
Accept that you cannot control everything - the hardest one!
Maintain a positive attitude and welcome humor
Getting involved in the community
Talk to someone, a friend, family member, support group or counselor

I certainly plan to slowly incorporate these into my life. But I must remember that if I fail, it is OKAY! No reason to stress when things do not go as planned! :) (easier said than done)