Anxiety and Fear

Anxiety/fear are different emotions. Anxiety is a feeling of nervousness that can be triggered from an unknown or expected threat. We think something may happen, or we’re concerned about an outcome that has yet to happen.

Fear is a response to an immediate threat. Someone stumbles upon a bear in the woods! They see a shark next to them in the water! The house is on fire! Scary stuff.

 Both anxiety and fear can also have similar physical responses, such as sweating or increased heart rate. They are often paired together because of these similarities.

 A prolonged battle with anxiety can even cause panic attacks which can lead to depression. In my case, I experienced the battle, attacks and ultimately depression. Through my fight with anxiety there were also uncommon fears that developed.

I couldn’t differentiate between anxiety or fear. All I understood is that I was scared, and many times there was no stimulus…it just was. Whether I was resting in the solitude of my favorite chair or challenging myself at work, anxiety would creep over me like a cold, daunting shadow.

The thought of what if I get anxiety in a particular situation could cause anxiety. And within that anxiety, I developed fear of those situations. I began to avoid anything that could trigger fear, but these anxieties/fears were unrealistic. It wasn’t reasonable to live with these reneged emotions, so I continued to fight.

Over time, placing myself in situations that triggered anxiety/fear taught me to somewhat control my feelings and push through (not for everyone). Although I understood the difference between anxiety and fear, I needed an understanding through the context of the Bible to battle my emotions properly.

“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.”

Isaiah 41:10