Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)
As you build relationships with people in your ministry, you will certainly interact with people who are struggling with anxiety.
But will you recognize them?
Anxiety is one of the most common struggles in our modern culture. In fact, it’s so common that many people don’t even realize that it is a problem! They don’t realize that there is hope. It is possible to experience life without anxiety.
Before you can help someone with their anxiety struggles, you have to realize that is a problem. We have to identify it in order to seek change, pray, and be intentional to move toward healing.
So today on the podcast, you’ll find some common signs that someone is struggling with anxiety. These symptoms don’t guarantee that anxiety is a problem, but they should raise a flag for you and lead you to reach out to learn more and help where you can.
(Don’t worry, our next episode will focus on how to help!)
Hit that play button and let’s dive in, to learn together about some common symptoms of anxiety.
DOWNLOAD A FREE PDF WITH TIPS FOR ANXIETY
How and when might you notice symptoms of anxiety?
Sometimes, people you meet with at church or in life will simply tell you: “I struggle with anxiety.” In those cases, it’s pretty straightforward!
But what about everyone else?
Anxiety is a very common issue in today’s culture. Many people with anxiety think that their thought life, emotional struggles, and overall sense of unease is normal.
It might be difficult to notice symptoms of anxiety in a quick, one-off conversation with someone you won’t meet again. But as you build a relationship with someone, these symptoms start to show. You’ll notice them in several ways:
- what people tell you
- how people are acting in your interactions
- a general sense of their emotional health
- noticing patterns in their comments, struggles, or relationships
If you notice symptoms of anxiety, it’s not time to panic or immediately refer to a mental health professional. These symptoms should raise a flag for you and lead you to deeper conversation and trying to see where and how you can best help.
READ NEXT: Recognizing Important Warning Signs: Is Someone Depressed Or Suicidal?
Common symptoms of anxiety
Anxiety will show itself in every area of life. Of course, not everyone who struggles with anxiety will show all of the same symptoms. Some people will function better than others, and some people will have much worse anxiety than others.
These symptoms are not a guarantee that someone would meet the standards for a clinical diagnosis for anxiety disorder. But at the end of the day, as you consider your role in ministry an church life… does that matter? If someone is struggling, Christian leaders are called to help.
Behavioral symptoms
You might notice a pattern of someone acting in these ways:
- Fidgeting or usually restless
- Difficulty sitting or standing still for a regular conversation
- Describe issues with insomnia or other sleep troubles
Cognitive symptoms
One of the biggest signs of anxiety comes back to how a person is thinking. Of course, you cannot read someone’s mind. You won’t know what they are thinking unless they tell you. But over time, you still may notice these cognitive symptoms:
- Describing patterns of negative thinking and worry
- Talking often about Bible passages that relate to worry and anxiety
- Difficulty focusing and concentrating in your conversations
- Lots of negative or fearful comments
- Describe trouble with “turning my mind off” and slowing down their thinking
Physiological symptoms
Physiological symptoms might not be visible for you to see, but you may notice someone comments on or complains about the same physical ailments again and again. These might be symptoms of anxiety.
- Stomachaches and headaches
- Tight muscles
- Panic attacks (where it feels hard to breath, your heart is racing, you feel unwell)
- Generally feeling unwell
- Often feeling emotionally uneasy
Relational symptoms
Finally, you may notice symptoms of anxiety starting to impact people’s relationships. This includes their relationship with the Lord, as they may struggle with trust and intimacy. Take note if you notice these symptoms:
- Lack of close relationships
- Difficulty being vulnerable and building intimacy
- Irritability
- Difficulty trusting others
DOWNLOAD A FREE PDF WITH THESE ANXIETY TIPS
What’s next for anxiety issues?
Our next episode will focus on possible action steps. How can you best help someone in their struggle against anxiety?
Yes, mental health professionals and medical professionals have some helpful options for anxiety. But spiritual care is a central part of every healing journey. Stay tuned for more.
If you are in South Carolina and need help with these issues, we have counselors and life coaches available at The iHope Center. Reach out to us at The iHope Center if you would like some support with dealing with these related struggles. Our services are 50% below the local average cost of counseling and we do offer some virtual appointments if needed. Call (843) 702-0323 to get started.
ABOUT
There is a video, audio, and blog version of this podcast:
- LISTEN on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any common podcast app
- WATCH on the iHope YouTube channel
- READ on the iHope blog
REFERRALS AND DONATIONS
Our counselors are licensed in the state of South Carolina. If you are local to our state, we hope you will consider The iHope Center as a referral source for professional counseling or life coaching. We offer a 10% discount on services to full-time pastors.
The iHope Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and we are registered in the state of South Carolina as a charitable organization. If you are local to our state, we welcome your donations and gifts to support our counseling ministry. Donations are used to help us keep clients’ fees at 50% below the local average cost for services.
DISCLAIMERS
The blog, podcast, and other resources offered by The iHope Center should be taken as informational and educational content only. Utilizing our resources does not create a professional relationship. This podcast is not therapy. Always use your own judgment in making decisions and in making recommendations for others.
In the case of a medical or mental health emergency for yourself or someone else, please contact your local emergency department. In the USA, you can call “988” which is the three-digit, nationwide phone number to connect directly to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.