by Outreach Of Hope
Gigie Ragan is a self-described worrier, descended from a long line of accomplished worriers. Worrying was so normal in her family that she didn't realize how debilitating it was-until she was diagnosed with brain cancer.
As often happens, the stress of her affliction brought her emotional wounds and weaknesses to the surface. Although worry was a tolerable nuisance before cancer, it became a crippling nightmare after her diagnosis. When she began to worry, she could feel her throat constrict. The energy drained from her limbs. And she had more seizures.
These increasingly intense physical symptoms complicated Gigie's life. She could no longer view worry as merely an annoyance. Symptoms such as hers are one sure sign that it is time to get help. Other indicators are when persistent worry or anxiety:
- Consumes your thoughts to the point of disrupting your work, family, or home life during the past month.
- Interferes with your ability to get adequate, consistent sleep.
- Keeps you from going to public places or confined areas such as elevators, cars, etc.
- Caused you, on more than one occasion, to experience a sudden, unexplained attack of intense fear, anxiety, or panic accompanied by physical symptoms such as shortness of breath, heart palpitations, feelings of choking, dizziness, loss of control, etc.
- Caused you to repeatedly do something even though you didn't want to, such as washing excessively, counting, checking on, or collecting things.
- Undermines your faith or causes you to question God's love for you.
The challenges of living with affliction are difficult enough without worry and anxiety making them seem larger than they are. As Gigie discovered, God desires for us to walk unhindered by worry. It is not only possible for us to find freedom from worry and anxiety, it is essential if we are to enjoy life. I can't afford to be more concerned about the future than the present," Gigie says. "I need to be present in my present. That's all I have for sure. I need to enjoy what God has given me right now. Worry robs me of that enjoyment. The more I cherish today, the less I worry."
Because the symptoms of anxiety disorders are often physical and can be similar to other serious medical conditions, both medical and psychological evaluations are necessary for a proper diagnosis. To find a Christian counselor in your area, call New Life, 800-NEW LIFE or the American Association of Christian Counselors, 800-526-8673."
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