Physical Indicators of Anxiety and Holisitic Treatment to Alleviate Symptoms

One of the most common concerns addressed in therapy is that of “anxiety.” Most of us do not have to get far into our daily routine without having to manage anxious emotional events. For instance, let’s follow a working mother through her morning with a first grader.

Get the child up and dressed; make breakfast and pack the lunch; get in the car without forgetting something; drive to school and get through the carpool lane; back out in traffic and drive to work. Any one of those details could produce anxiety, small or great, but a working parent begins the day like this regularly.

Merriam-Webster defines anxiety as “apprehensive uneasiness or nervousness usually over an impending or anticipated misfortune.” That definition implies unusual or out-of-the-ordinary events, but honestly, we are living in an era that I would label “anxiety-producing.”

Social Concerns for Youth

Another disturbing trend, especially in middle and high schools, is the continued rise of cyberbullying among high school students for a wide variety of reasons.

What can a parent do to help their child?

Have a home environment where your child is allowed to express their frustrations without judgment. This includes not being concerned about the words they use but what they are really communicating. Children do well when they are able to tell their parents anything that is going on in their lives.

One suggestion is to have a time where everyone in the home communicates the “highs and lows” of the day. (Yes, that includes mom and dad.) This practice, done in an age-appropriate manner, will help children feel safe to communicate with their parents even in the teen years and beyond.

What if the home environment has not always been safe?

This is where professional help is needed. A therapist, a youth minister, or a school counselor would be helpful. A family therapist could be useful in helping the parent and child practice communicating in session.

Family Concerns

Concerns related to elder care for families that want to care for their family members at home include:

• Who has the time and money to be able to stay home to care for the parents?
• What are the resources available for home healthcare needs?
• Support from other family members and friends
• Transportation to and from appointments
• What are the social activities available?

Estrangement Among Family Members

The reasons for estrangement in families are varied and seem to be more common in families: Parents disagree with the decisions of their adult children, including:

• Who they date or marry
• Career choices
• Children rearing
• Family holiday events

These are a few relational concerns that many face today. The emotional toll it takes on a person can be extremely exhausting.

Physical Indicators of Anxiety and Holistic Ways to Alleviate Them

Nausea – ginger turmeric tea with peppermint (add lemon and honey)

Body aches – stretching; deep breathing (breathe in through the nose for the count of 5; hold your breath for the count of 5; blow out through your mouth, as if you are blowing through a straw); take time to breathe and do a mental body scan and relax your body.

Worry – reading/quoting scripture aloud; prayer; listening to podcasts; remembering all the ways God has met your needs in the past

Depression – listening to uplifting music; walking/exercise; grounding

Community – spending time with others, meeting within a mature spiritual community, or a professional who will walk with you to a place of strength and peace.

Scriptures to Help Alleviate Anxiety

So, how does one live life in an environment that is full of anxiety? It is important to have a steady diet of being in God’s word. He speaks to us, in our spirit, especially in times of distress. When anxious moments happen, and you need a reminder that God is here with you, a scripture passage or a song will come to mind that will provide comfort for the moment.

Be still and know that I am God. – Psalm 46:10

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you. – Isaiah 26:3

I have treasured Your word in my heart, so that I may not sin against You. – Psalm 119:11

Without consultation, plans are frustrated, but with many counselors, they succeed. – Proverbs 15:22

Social Reasons

Some of the other anxiety-producing reasons are attached to everyday living. Social media has caused many people a lot of angst. Fear of missing out (FOMO), watching friends and acquaintances report on their activities, often makes one feel that everyone has a life but them. Most people exaggerate the good things and leave out the not-so-good things.

It is interesting to listen to others report about whether or not friends comment on their stories and how the comments affected their relationships. Yes, there are some good aspects of social media: travel tips, recipes, DIY projects, etc. These are often helpful in making plans.

Dating Status

Singles are having a time finding dating and/or marriage prospects. Singles over the age of thirty are resolved that they will marry someone who has been married before and has at least one child. This complicates relationships in many ways, such as

• problems with shared custody, with the other parent
• where they can live and work for co-parenting to be somewhat successful
• holiday and summer schedules
• blending families’ concerns, especially how the children are disciplined.

This is just the tip of the iceberg.

According to an article written by Michael J. Rosenfeld:

“The COVID-19 pandemic, especially in the early day made meeting and dating much more difficult, and required prospective daters to assess and negotiate a constantly changing profile of risks….First, the pandemic close public spaces and bars during the lockdowns in March and April of 2020, and forced people to spend more time at home. Second, after the bars and restaurants reopened, the fear of infection and social distancing rules were barriers to physical intimacy or even to face-to-face conversation with someone new…”

Also, many singles have had to resort to moving in with relatives due to job losses caused by pandemic social restrictions.

College Attendance

One of the most anxious populations affected in the last six years or so is college students. Many were unable to experience high school graduation activities due to the lockdowns created by the Covid 19 virus.

Many students were forced to attend classes on online campuses but in their dorm rooms. The isolation resulted in an increase in addictions (gaming, porn, and substance abuse) as well as depression. As a result, many of the twenty-somethings show signs of being unable to “adult,” causing family members a lot of concern.

Notice that almost every age group is being affected by varying degrees of anxiety today, and all of the above have been addressed in my sessions here in Texas.

I have personal experience with many of these “anxiety-producing” events. Having an elderly parent and being an older adult have presented me with more challenges than I ever imagined. With that said, if you are looking for a compassionate listening ear, I look forward to walking alongside you as you navigate any of these events. Contact me at 972-439-7319 to schedule an appointment.