Let's be real

I don't want to sound negative, but I want to be real.  I've been contemplating this blog for several days.  Most Blogs and Facebook posts are full of encouragement.  There is absolutely nothing wrong with that; WE ALL NEED AS MUCH ENCOURAGEMENT AND POSITIVITY IN OUR LIVES AS WE CAN GET!  However, life is really really hard sometimes.

The difficulties do not have to be huge to make a major change in our lives.  Hmm, huge; that depends on your perspective.

Obviously, huge could be:
- Loss of a loved one
- A major illness
- Loss of a job
- Addictions

But huge can also be:
- Not wanting to fake being happy today because you're really not
- Forcing yourself to go to work
- Defeating thoughts in your head telling you 'what's the use of trying'
- Feelings of sadness, but you don't know why
- Frustration with yourself because you're not where you want to be, but you really don't have the desire or motivation to get there
- No motivation to do anything; not even think

I admire people who have a positive attitude and can encourage themselves.  I am an encourager, but  I find it much easier to encourage others.  I find it very hard to encourage myself, but with God's help I'm getting better.

My pastor often says when you preach or teach on something it is usually because you need it yourself.  I find this true personally as well.  As I was thinking about all the things that get posted on Facebook or Blogs, I realized people are stating what they believe but also what they want to believe in.

I guess my main purpose of this message is to let you know that the struggle is real.  It happens at different times for different reasons, but none the less it is real.  AND it's ok.

Anxiety

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health concern in the United States.  An estimated 40 million adults in the United States have an anxiety disorder.  This does not include teenagers and children who suffer from this disorder.  

There are different types of anxiety disorders with different symptoms.  However, all anxiety disorders have one thing in common: persistent, excessive fear or worry in situations that are not threatening.  People can experience one or more of the following symptoms:

Emotional symptoms:

• Feelings of apprehension or dread

• Feeling tense and jumpy

• Restlessness or irritability

• Anticipating the worst

Physical symptoms:

• Pounding or racing heart and shortness of breath

• Upset stomach

• Sweating, tremors and twitches

• Headaches, fatigue and insomnia

• Upset stomach, frequent urination or diarrhea

Below are different types of anxiety disorders including:  

Panic Attacks

The feelings of a panic attack have similar symptoms to a heart attack.  A panic attack can have symptoms such as chest pain, heart palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath and stomach upset.  Many people will go to desperate measures to avoid having an attack, including social isolation or avoiding going to specific places.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

The feelings with disorder are chronic, exaggerated worrying about everyday life.  This can consume hours each day, making it hard to concentrate or finish routine daily tasks.  This can cause you to be exhausted by worrying and may experience headaches, tension or nausea.

Social Anxiety Disorder

Unlike shyness, this disorder causes intense fear about social humiliation–“saying something stupid,” or “not knowing what to say.”  Someone with social anxiety disorder may not take part in conversations, contribute to class discussions, or offer their ideas, and may become isolated.

Causes of these anxiety disorders can be genetic and/or stressful/traumatic events such as abuse, death of a loved one, violence or prolonged illness.

The physical symptoms of an anxiety disorder can be easily confused with other medical conditions like heart disease or hyperthyroidism.  Therefore, a doctor will likely perform an evaluation involving a physical examination, an interview and lab tests. After ruling out a medical illness, the doctor may recommend a person see a psychiatrist to make a diagnosis.  A psychiatrist is a physician who specializes in mental health disorders and can prescribe medications if needed.

As each anxiety disorder has a different set of symptoms, the types of treatment that physician may suggest can vary as well.  But there are common types of treatment that are used such as counseling, medications and/or learning relaxation techniques.

I pray this provides good information in understanding one area of mental health issues.  

Stop "SHOULDING"

Recently I posted about negative thoughts.  This post follows that one very easily.  As I was driving one day and thinking about things, I realized not only the negative thoughts going through my head, but I was thinking about the things I should have done and haven't.

You should be working on eating healthier.  You should be spending more time studying God's word. You should be working on your "to-do" list.  

While those statements are true, we cannot let them be used to beat ourselves up.  We should be giving ourselves mercy.  The definition of mercy is compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.  For most of us, it is easy to give mercy, but for many of us it is hard to give it to ourselves.  God says to us in His Word; His mercy is new every morning.  

Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV) The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.  

In this day and time, there are so many, and sometimes too many things, on our plate.  Sometimes my plate is so full I can't get it all done and then I beginning shoulding.  I believe in many instances I do this to myself.  I have a calendar and a to-do list and then things come up unexpectedly which throws off my schedule.  I do not leave any room for these unexpected things.  Then my plan is all thrown off.  This is were the shoulding begins. 

Shoulding can lead to negative talk.  'You should have done this, but you are not organized enough or good enough or talented enough or smart enough'.  These are the negative things we start saying to ourselves.  This is where mercy should happen.  

Practice this saying the word MERCY when you hear yourself shoulding.  The more you practice this in your head (which is where we say it the most), the less it will happen.  

Give yourself a break, God does!!!!