The Lodestar

“What if it happens to me or my family members?!” Manoj (not real name) asked me with fearful eyes. He slowly placed his shivering right hand on the hand of Priya, his wife, who was sitting next to him.

It was Covid time. To be more specific, June 2021. All the hospitals in and around our place and the mortuaries were full. Many known people like friends, neighbours, relatives and family members were dying. People were caught up in utter fear, anxiety and hopelessness. This young man, Manoj, was referred to me to vent his fear and frustrations.

As we further explored his situation, the picture of a panic-stricken Manoj evolved. Being a loving father and great husband, he was unwilling to leave his family to the epidemic. He was a victim of COVID-19, which affected people financially, psychologically, socially and in many other ways which were yet to be explored.

This may appear as an extreme example of anxiety. But many of us live with similar or the same conditions or feelings, which steals the joy of an abundant life.

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a feeling of unease, worry, or fear that can be serious or mild. All of us experience this unpleasant feeling at some point in our lives. Examples are butterflies in our stomachs as we wait for the question paper during the board exam, that perspiration and shivering when your name is called for your dream job interview …

When we have a closer look at the causes of anxiety in young people, teenagers go through many physical, hormonal and emotional changes that can bring lots of anxiety and insecurity in them. Physical growth, whether early or late, puts them under stress. The need to look attractive and the desire to be loved and accepted by the peer group and members of the opposite sex become stronger. The pressure from parents and teachers to perform well in studies is an additional hassle to the present generation.

As they move into young adulthood, choosing the right career, reputed colleges or universities, and prestigious courses all become difficult. Many of them are enforced against their aptitudes and desires.

Dealing with Anxiety

As a Christian, how do we handle anxiety?

First of all, you need to know who you are and what your identity is! You are God’s chosen one, holy and dearly loved (Col 3:12). God knows each one of us even when you and I were formed in our mother’s womb (Psa 139:13). He knows what we speak, where we go and what we do ( Psa 139:1-6). In other words, our creator closely scrutinises us for a better purpose. Why be anxious and fearful when we have an all-knowing God as our Heavenly Father?

A total surrender can help you to hand over your worries and anxieties in prayer every day. “ Turn all your anxieties into prayers”, I tell my clients daily. Do this as many times as needed. Write them down one by one, and by the end, ask the Lord to take care of them.

Talk to someone you trust, like your bestie, parent, Pastor or counsellor. Keep yourself engaged in creativity, hobbies and sports. Exercise is excellent for relaxation and grooming. Establish good friendships and relationships.

Keep going. The one who has called you is faithful…!!

(Sopna Joshua is a Christian Counsellor at Christian Medical College in Vellore, TN. She holds PGs in English Language and Literature and Pastoral Theology and Counselling. She lives in Vellore with her husband and two daughters.)