We all experience a certain level of anxiety every day and this is natural in life. But this global pandemic has significantly raised all of our anxiety levels as we have many fears about health, jobs and the future.

Some of these fears are really personal and some are fears for others. When anxiety rises above a certain level it impacts all of life; our health, our work and our relationships.

People that have a diagnosed generalized anxiety will often receive regular help via therapy and medication. If you are reading this and you recognise that you have had consistently high levels of anxiety even before the pandemic it is advisable to talk to your local doctor.

For many people, high levels of anxiety comes and goes according to specific circumstances of life. Anxiety has become more of a concern for many because it had been it has lasted longer than normal because of the pandemic.

You can read lots of advise online about managing anxiety. Much of the advise focuses on talking to others about it, learning ways to relax and recognising when to get professional help may be needed. One of the best places for information and links for self help and other advice is the Royal College of Psychiatry https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mental-health/problems-disorders/anxiety-panic-and-phobias

I believe that we need to make the most of all the excellent scientific and medical advise that is out there.

As a Christian, to manage my anxiety levels I also want to make the most of the resources that my faith and faith community gives. I can always find plenty of people who will listen to my concerns and worries in a loving and non judgemental way. And anytime, 24-7 I can talk to my God who understands and has the power to help. Just before his arrest and subsequent torture, humiliation and crucifixion, Jesus, God’s Son, experienced extremely high levels of anxiety. His response was to pray to his Father and he found the resources to cope. When I pray to God I usually also receive the resources to cope. In the New Testament it says for us to “cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you”(1 Peter 5:7)

If you have never tried praying why not try today. Talk to God about your anxiety and your worries and receive his help and peace.

Click the link for a great song by Guvna B about the theme: https://youtu.be/KKj6xjjhQvE

Click the link for my short video reflection on 1 Peter 5:7 to help you to remove anxiety and keep it off! https://youtu.be/i8RXd79tsYo