Anxiety Basics
Define anxiety
What is the body's natural response to stress, characterized by feelings of worry, fear, or nervousness about a perceived threat or future event?
This is the first step of the anxiety cycle
What is a trigger or perceived threat?
A situation, thought, or event triggers feelings of anxiety. This can be something external (like a big presentation) or internal (like a negative thought).
Where do we get peace from?
God
Fill in the blanks
" Do not be anxious about ________, but in every_________, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
What is anything and situation?
This King is known for writing many Psalms where he expressed his fears and trusts in God.
Who is David?
This nervous system is activated during an anxiety response.
What is the sympathetic nervous system, which triggers the fight, flight, or freeze response?
This is the second step in the anxiety cycle.
What is anxious thoughts?
The brain interprets the trigger as dangerous, even if it’s not. Common thoughts might include, "I can’t handle this," or "Something bad will happen."
This is the first step in the peace cycle.
What is identify Your Pain (False Belief)?
Recognize the underlying fear or negative belief causing distress.
This scripture reads, "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you."
What is Peter 5:7?
After his victory, this prophet fled in despair, showing even God’s messengers experience anxiety.
Who is Elijah?
True or False: Anxiety can cause physical symptoms like headaches, sweating, and a racing heart.
What is True? Anxiety often has physical symptoms due to the body's stress response.
This is the third step in the anxiety cycle.
What is physical symptoms?
Anxiety often manifests physically—racing heart, shallow breathing, sweating, nausea, or dizziness. These symptoms can feel alarming, further reinforcing anxious thoughts.
This is the second step in the peace cycle.
What is speak the truth?
Counter the false belief with truth. This truth is rooted in who you truly are and what you know to be real.
This scripture reads, "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love."
What is John 4:18?
After encountering the burning bush, he hesitated, asking, 'Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?
Who is Moses?
This the most common anxiety disorder in the United States
What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
This is the fourth step in the anxiety cycle.
What is Avoidance or Safety Behaviors?
To reduce discomfort, people might avoid the situation or engage in behaviors that provide temporary relief. For example, someone with social anxiety might cancel plans or excessively rehearse conversations.
This is the third step in the peace cycle.
What is act in Peace (Healthy Actions)?
Choose behaviors aligned with the truth rather than reactive or defensive actions driven by fear.
This scripture reads, "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind."
What is 2 Timothy 1:7?
Called by God to defeat overwhelming odds, this man doubted his own ability, saying, 'I am the least in my family,' yet he led Israel to victory.
Who is Gideon?
Name at least two possible causes of anxiety.
What is Possible causes include genetics, brain chemistry, life experiences, trauma, or chronic stress?
What is temporary relief?
Avoidance can lead to a short-term sense of relief, which reinforces the belief that the situation was truly dangerous and that avoidance is necessary.
This is the fourth step in the peace cycle.
What is maintain peace?
Consistently remind yourself of the truth and practice behaviors that align with peace. Over time, this new pattern becomes more natural.
This scripture reads, ""Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
What is John 14:27?
Known as the 'weeping prophet,' he often lamented over his people's sin and his heavy calling, revealing a heart burdened by sorrow and anxiety.
Who is Jeremiah?