Overcoming Anxiety Part 1

Grab your Bible and turn to Matthew 6:25 and join Dave and Bethlie as they discuss Overcoming Anxiety. 

Understanding anxiety

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health concern in the U.S., affecting over 40 million adults (19.1%) annually, with roughly 31% of adults experiencing an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. Females are more likely to be affected (23.4%) compared to males (14.3%)

Key Anxiety Statistics 

• Prevalence: Nearly 1 in 3 adolescents (ages 13-18) will experience an anxiety disorder.
• Adult Prevalence: Around 19.1% of U.S. adults aged 18+ have an anxiety disorder, with 22.8% of those cases classified as serious impairment.
• Types:
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Affects 6.8 million U.S. adults (2.7% prevalence).
• Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD): Affects 15 million adults, typically beginning at age 13.
• Panic Disorder: Affects 6 million adults.
• Gender Differences: Women are twice as likely to be affected by anxiety disorders than men.
• Treatment: Only 43.2% of people with Generalized Anxiety Disorder receive treatment.
• Impact: Approximately 70% of adults feel anxious about the state of the world, including economy, personal health, and new technologies. 

1. The effects of anxiety
   1. Ulcers
   2. Loss of joy
   3. Inability to cope
   4. Failure to trust God (sometimes is a cause; other times is an effect)
   5. Failure to overcome 
      1. Often rooted in the belief that this is just the way I am 
      2. Or the believe that I can’t overcome it

2. The greek word that is used
   1. “Merimnao”
   2. To divide, part, rip, tear apart

Jesus taught about anxiety

• it is often a part of our lives
• it should not be a part of our lives
• it should be put away
• it should be overcome