I’ve struggled with anxiety for a good chunk of my adult life. I’ve tried lots of things, gone to lots of therapy, and it’s a hard place to be in. So if you are there, please know that you aren’t alone. There are some additional resources at the bottom of this post!
Here’s one technique that helped me:
When I am feeling uneasy or anxiety coming up I write a few affirmations down on a piece of paper, and when I feel anxious I can take that paper out and reference it. I worked with my therapist to create some specific to me, but I’m sharing some that are more general below and some scriptures I like to reference for those of you who are religious! Feel free to print these out and use them, or create your own!
Mental health is so important and so complicated and unique. We all struggle with different things. Depression is very real and serious (I’ve been there at multiple times in my life). There have been times when the thought of saying affirmations was too much. Times when reading someone say to “just say some affirmations” would make me roll my eyes. You want me to say I love myself and I’m strong right now? When I don’t want to get out of bed and I don’t feel like loving myself? If you are there, know you aren’t alone.
That being said, sometimes I just need a few reminders (Biblically based is working for me now, but it wasn’t always), so here are a few!
We are in this together.
We are all on our own journey, but it feels good to know that we are all connected and that. One scripture that helps me:
Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
When I started going to therapy and trying to improve my mental health I didn’t use any scriptures because I wasn’t really a Christian then, but now using scriptures helps me the most.
Sometimes I write affirmations or scriptures on post-it notes around my house. Inside a cabinet where I keep my coffee mugs so i’ll always see it, or just fun little other places so that when I open a drawer or something there it is, giving be a bit of support and a reminder.
Romans 8:38
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:38-39
Sometimes I write with a dry erase marker on my bathroom mirror, or on my full length mirror. Do whatever works for you!
When I am feeling anxious, alone, or sad it makes me feel better to google scriptures to help me. Sometimes I can’t think on my own or even thumb through the Bible to find verses when I need support. But I can google and find articles like “10 verses to remind you that God is with you” etc.
Proverbs 3:5-6
This is another one of my favorites and the reason I believe I am where God intends me to be!
“Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, and lean not onto your own understanding. In all of your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path.
Colossians 3:12
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, indness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” – Colossians 3:12
Psalm 139:13-14
“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”
Isaiah 40:31
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
Jeremiah 29:11
One of my personal favorites: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11
1 Peter 4:10
“God has given each of us a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” – 1 Peter 4:10
Also, know there are lots of resources to meet you where you are at and walk with you. One organization that can help is SAMHSA which is is a free, confidential, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year(because mental health is important everyday), information service, (in both English and Spanish!). They help people or family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Also, lots of insurance covers therapy sessions so you can always contact your insurance provider to her a list of local therapists if you want to talk to someone. Lots of therapists will work with you if cost is a barrier to service! I am very frugal, but therapy is something that I invest in for myself and my family!