Overcoming Emotional Challenges: Fear, Anxiety, and Depression

By Gloria Nesloney

Everyone encounters various challenges that can deeply affect their emotional well-being.  We may mistake it as the need for spiritual warfare.  Though that may be true, one should test if it is an emotional issue first.  How does one recognize that it is an emotional state and not a spiritual state?  One should know what caused the issue.  Today, I want to share with you the emotional challenges I get asked about the most. 

Have you ever experienced fear, anxiety, or depression in your past?

How long did the episode last?

Do Christians ever experience emotional challenges?

What are some scriptures that can help you when dealing with emotional challenges?

If you have noticed, none of us are invincible to fear, anxiety, and depression.  But there is a way that we should face these emotional challenges in a healthy Christian way.  Let's delve into emotional issues, specifically fear, anxiety, and depression. 

Fear, anxiety, and depression are adversities that we have experienced, and their impact can be profound. It's essential to recognize that there is hope and help available. This challenge prompts us to confront and understand the complexities of fear, anxiety, and depression, while the solution is a combination of faith, hope, and community help. Together, we can embark on a transformative journey towards healing and resilience.

FEAR

Healthy fear is transient and situational, prompting us to prepare for and respond to immediate challenges. For instance, hearing about an impending storm may trigger a healthy fear, motivating us to make necessary preparations. However, when fear persists long after the storm has passed, it becomes unhealthy.

HEALTHY FEAR

• Healthy Fear Keeps You from Danger:  It arises in response to immediate threats or challenges, prompting appropriate action. For instance, feeling fear when hearing about an approaching storm is a healthy response that motivates us to prepare.  It serves a functional purpose by triggering the body's fight-or-flight response. This physiological reaction prepares us to face or avoid the perceived threat. In the case of the storm, the fear prompts us to take measures to protect ourselves and our belongings.

• Healthy fear diminishes once the threat or challenge is addressed or has passed. In the storm example, the fear is alleviated once the storm subsides, and the situation returns to normal.  It encourages adaptive behaviors, such as seeking safety, taking precautions, and making informed decisions. It contributes to our overall well-being by promoting appropriate responses to potential dangers.

UNHEALTHY FEAR

To address unhealthy fear, I found solace in recognizing that I am not in control of the future; the Lord is with me and will never forsake me. Praising Him during the storm made me realize His presence and power, helping me overcome the fear lingering in my mind.

• Recognize that unhealthy fear persists beyond the actual threat or event. Instead of subsiding once the danger has passed, it lingers and can become chronic, affecting one's daily life. Once the storm is over, the fear should also be over. It involves a disproportionate response to a situation. It may lead to irrational thoughts, exaggerated perceptions of danger, and an inability to assess risks accurately.

• Prolonged unhealthy fear can have detrimental effects on mental and physical well-being. Those experiencing unhealthy fear may adopt avoidance behaviors, withdraw from normal activities, and isolate themselves. This can further exacerbate the fear and contribute to a cycle of negative emotions. It can interfere significantly with daily life, hindering personal relationships, professional growth, and overall happiness. It may lead to a diminished quality of life if not addressed.

SCRIPTURES

2 Timothy 1:7  "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline."

1 John 4:18 "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love."

ANXIETY

Healthy anxiety is a natural response to new or challenging situations. For instance, feeling anxious before singing in front of a large audience is a common experience taking a test, or driving a car. Once the event concludes, the anxiety dissipates. Unhealthy anxiety, on the other hand, involves prolonged worry over matters beyond our control, leading to negative effects on mental and physical well-being.

HEALTHY ANXIETY

• Healthy anxiety is often tied to specific situations or events. It arises in response to new or challenging circumstances, such as a job interview, public speaking, or a performance. Once the situation is over, the anxiety tends to subside. When addressed correctly healthy anxiety can cause individuals to prepare adequately and perform at their best. It encourages a heightened state of alertness and focus, which can enhance performance in situations that require concentration and effort. It is a reasonable response.

• Physical symptoms associated with healthy anxiety, such as a racing heart, butterflies in the stomach, or a temporary increase in stress hormones, are temporary and diminish once the challenging situation has passed. Experiencing healthy anxiety can be a sign of personal and professional growth. It indicates a willingness to step outside one's comfort zone and take on new challenges, contributing to resilience and adaptability.

UNHEALTHY ANXIETY

• Unhealthy anxiety is chronic and not necessarily tied to specific events. It is often generalized and pervasive, leading to a constant state of worry and unease that may not be connected to any immediate threat. Individuals with unhealthy anxiety may respond disproportionately to perceived threats. Unhealthy anxiety can significantly interfere with various aspects of daily life, including work, relationships, and overall well-being. It may lead to difficulties in concentrating, making decisions, and maintaining healthy social connections.

• Those with unhealthy anxiety often engage in avoidance behaviors to escape the perceived sources of stress. This can contribute to a cycle of increasing anxiety as avoidance reinforces the belief that certain situations are inherently threatening.  It may lead to social isolation, reduced job performance, and an overall diminished sense of well-being.

SCRIPTURES

Matthew 6:25-27  "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?"

DEPRESSION

Depression is a normal human experience, particularly when faced with loss or difficult circumstances. Healthy depression is temporary, allowing us to grieve and process emotions. However, persistent, dark, and threatening thoughts characterize unhealthy depression, necessitating professional help.

HEALTHY DEPRESSION

• Healthy depression is a normal, temporary response to challenging life events, such as the loss of a loved one, a breakup, or a significant setback. It is a natural part of the grieving process and often subsides over time as individuals adjust to the changes in their lives. Tears and a sense of sadness are viewed as healthy emotional expressions during periods of grief or loss. It reflects a natural response to the emotional impact of significant life events.

• Healthy depression is part of the grieving process and serves a purpose in allowing individuals to process and come to terms with their emotions. It can contribute to personal growth and resilience over time. During healthy depression, seeking and receiving support from friends, family, or a support network is considered beneficial. Sharing feelings and memories can be part of the healing process.

UNHEALTHY DEPRESSION

• Unhealthy depression is characterized by persistent and long-lasting feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and despair. It extends beyond what would be considered a normal response to life challenges and may not be linked to a specific event. Unhealthy depression may lead to social withdrawal and isolation. Individuals may isolate themselves due to a lack of energy, feelings of worthlessness, or a belief that they are a burden to others.

• In severe cases, unhealthy depression can increase the risk of self-harm, addictions, or suicidal thoughts. 

If you find yourself struggling with depression, reaching out for help is crucial. In my own life, I learned the importance of seeking support during challenging times. Remember, you don't have to navigate emotional issues alone. Reach out to friends, family, or even me if needed.

SCRIPTURES:

Psalm 34:18  "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

HOW TO OVERCOME:

Fear, anxiety, and depression are emotional challenges that can effect all of our lives.  Yes, Christians go through these too, but as Christians, we are not left to face these challenges alone. The Bible offers wisdom and guidance on how to navigate these emotional struggles, providing a source of hope and strength. No matter the emotional challenge—fear, anxiety, or depression—persistent struggles indicate a problem. 

Overcoming the emotional challenges starts with acknowledging the problem, facing the truth, repenting and confessing if necessary, and praying.  If you find that you have done these and the situation hasn’t subsided, don't hesitate to seek help and connect with others. 

Here are some scripture references to overcome fear, anxiety, and depression.

Facing Fear with Faith: Joshua 1:9  "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." This verse emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's presence and strength when confronted with fear. As Christians, our faith becomes a shield against paralyzing fear, enabling us to move forward with confidence in God's sovereignty.

Casting Anxiety on the Lord: Philippians 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." This scripture encourages believers to turn their anxieties into prayers, acknowledging God's control and seeking His peace. Trusting in God's provision and care helps alleviate the burden of anxiety.

Finding Comfort in Times of Depression: Psalm 34:18 "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Recognizing God's closeness in times of despair provides solace and a foundation for healing. 

Seeking the Renewal of the Mind: Romans 12:2 "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will." Engaging with scripture and allowing it to shape our thoughts is a key component of overcoming the negative thought patterns that often accompany emotional struggles.

Embracing the Power of Thankfulness:1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, we are reminded to "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." 

Don’t Isolate: (Even When Things Seem Better)

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10  Two are better than one: If the one falls, the other will help the fallen one. But woe to the solitary person! If that one should fall, there is no other to help.

Hebrews 10:19-25  Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Conclusion:

• Face Fear with Faith

• Cast Anxiety on the Lord

• Find Comfort in Times of Depression

• Seek to Renew the Mind

• Embrace the Power of Thankfulness

• Don’t Isolate: (Even When Things Seem Better)

#GloriaNesloney