Hope and Connection

Anxiety is something many of us know and experience. It may arise during a season of change, uncertainty, grief, illness, work or family stress, financial concerns, or difficult decisions. At times, anxiety can be a helpful signal that something needs our attention. At other times, it can become overwhelming and begin to affect our sleep, relationships, work, physical health, or sense of peace.

During September, the Health and Wholeness Ministry is reflecting on “Hope and Connection”, and in October our theme will be “Healing and Resilience.” Together, these themes invite us to consider how we can care for our whole selves and how we can walk alongside one another when anxiety becomes difficult to carry alone.

Understanding anxiety

Anxiety includes feelings of worry, fear, uneasiness, or dread. It can also affect the body, causing a racing heart, muscle tension, restlessness, fatigue, stomach discomfort, difficulty concentrating, or trouble sleeping. 

Feeling anxious from time to time is a normal part of life. Anxiety may become a more serious concern when it persists, grows more intense, occurs in many situations, or interferes with daily activities and relationships. Anxiety disorders can include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and phobia-related disorders. The National Institute of Mental Health notes that anxiety disorders involve more than occasional worry or fear and can become worse over time if left unaddressed.  

Recognizing that anxiety is common does not mean that we should minimize it. A person may be surrounded by people and still feel alone in their anxiety. They may appear to be doing well while privately struggling to get through the day. Responding with compassion begins by listening without judgment and making room for honest conversation.  

Moving through anxious moments

When anxiety rises, it can help to begin with small, compassionate steps: 

For some people, prayer, Scripture, worship, music, or time in silence can offer comfort and perspective. Faith does not require us to hide our fear or manage mental health challenges by ourselves. Reaching out for counseling, medical care, or other professional support can be an important expression of wisdom and stewardship. Treatment may include talk therapy, medication, or other approaches recommended by a qualified health professional. 

The goal is not always to eliminate anxiety immediately. Sometimes healing begins as we learn to acknowledge what we are experiencing, receive support, and take the next faithful step. This is part of what it means to develop resilience: not never struggling, but discovering that support, care, and hope are available in the midst of struggle.  

Caring for one another

The life of the church gives us many opportunities to practice hope and connection. We can notice when someone seems withdrawn, overwhelmed, or unusually quiet. We can check in with a simple message: “I’ve been thinking about you. How are you really doing?” We can listen without rushing to provide an answer, avoid offering easy explanations, and respect the courage it takes for someone to share honestly. 

White Memorial Presbyterian Church’s Stephen Ministry offers trained, confidential lay caregivers who walk alongside people experiencing difficult seasons. Congregational Care provides additional support and connection within our WMPC community. These ministries remind us that care is not only something we receive in a crisis; it is also something we build through faithful relationships over time. 

We can also remember that caring for one another is not the same as being solely responsible for another person’s well-being. When someone needs more support than we can provide, we can help connect them with family, a pastor, a health care professional, or a crisis resource. 

If you are concerned about someone, ask directly how they are doing. Listen carefully. Encourage them to seek appropriate help. Follow up later. A consistent presence can communicate something powerful: “You matter, and you do not have to face this alone.”  

A Special Health and Wholeness Program

We have a special event coming up soon! The Health and Wholeness Ministry invites you to attend “Accepting (not fighting) Anxiety”, a presentation by Douglas Andrew, Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Douglas is a longtime church member and is the founder of his own therapy practice, where he helps people live purposeful, joy-filled lives. Join us on Wednesday, October 21, from 6:30–7:15 p.m. in K200 or via Zoom to gain a better understanding of anxiety and learn how to move through it in ways that align with your beliefs and values. Registration is required at https://www.whitememorial.org/register. If you have questions, please contact Health Ministry Coordinator Martha Grove Hipskind at mghipskind@whitememorial.org. 

When more immediate help is needed

If anxiety is accompanied by thoughts of suicide, self-harm, or an inability to stay safe, immediate support is available. Call or text 988, or visit https://988lifeline.org/ to use the chat service. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for people experiencing suicidal crisis or emotional distress. In a life-threatening emergency, call 911. 

As we move through September’s invitation to hope and connection and into October’s focus on healing and resilience, may we become more attentive to the anxiety carried by ourselves and others. May we offer listening instead of judgment, presence instead of isolation, and encouragement to seek the help that is needed. 

Anxiety may be part of our story, but it does not have to be the whole story. Through faith, community, trusted resources, and compassionate care, there is a way forward—and we do not walk it alone.  

References: 

• https://www.whitememorial.org/care  
• https://www.whitememorial.org/stephen-ministry   
• https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders  
• https://988lifeline.org/get-help/what-to-expect/