Dealing with Anxiety

On a message board that I frequent (OK, so they are my second family, LOL!) Someone asked about how to overcome anxiety about the crazy world we live in. As I wrote my reply, I thought that this is a topic that many have experienced and wondered about, so I am sharing here as well.

I am practically an expert in anxiety, LOL! I have had a lot of anxiety the past couple of years over health issues, and financial problems, and then I come on the board. . .LOL!

The best thing to do is pray. Really open your heart to Father. There isn't anything you can tell Him that He doesn't already know, so don't be afraid to tell Him.

There was a time I was very fearful about some health issues. Remembering the quote from Joseph Smith that "Where fear is faith cannot dwell." I was embarrassed to go to the Lord with my fear. A good friend counseled me that praying was precisely what I needed to do. The Lord can help us overcome our fears and replace them with faith.

I think one of the weaknesses most of us face is that we think we need to do it alone. We think we have to be more worthy before we ask for help. That is not the Lord's plan. We are denying the opportunity for the Atonement to work in our lives when we try to do it all ourselves.

I believe one of the main reasons we have adversity is to bring us closer to the Lord. But that won't happen if we try to overcome our fears and anxiety by ourselves.

There is peace that will come into your life when you pour your heart out and invite the Lord in. I know this from experience.

Sometimes the peace does not come immediately, but it will come. Sometimes I have gotten frustrated because I want the peace to come immediately. . .while I am praying. Especially if I happen to be praying in the temple. Occasionally, it comes immediately, but usually it comes a little later. . .so be patient.

Ask and ask again until the peace comes. Then remember to thank Him.

You can do this, you are not alone.