How to love someone with anxiety
Today, my devotional is the featured blog on my friend and fellow Christian author Alexis Goring's Devotionals for the Heart "God is Love" blog.
By Jessica Brodie
Mental illness runs in my family, and several close relatives, including my daughter, have major struggles with anxiety.
I spent a lot of my life believing I had a personal responsibility to fix what was wrong in the world. That meant not only being an advocate and speaking up for those who are marginalized and oppressed in general, but also doing what I can to help those I love who struggle with anxiety, whether through advocacy, awareness or caregiving.
However, I am just one human being, and I have learned over the years that I am only able to do anything for others through the Lord Jesus Christ. What that means is “Jessica can’t fix anything nearly as well as God can.” In fact, the only thing I can really try to fix is myself—and even for that I need a savior! Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, not me!
But as a mom particularly, I still wrestle with that balance. it’s really important to me that my daughter feel loved and supported in the midst of her personal struggles with mental illness. Some days are far more difficult than others. They include panic attacks, or an inability to sleep because her mind-racing fears keep her awake far past her bedtime (and mine). Other days are far easier.
Our journey has taught me a few things I can do to love her well, and all these things are rooted in Scripture.
Here, then, are five key ways I’ve learned I can love someone with anxiety…
READ THE REST OF THE BLOG, HERE!
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