Jesus and Your Mental Health

Episode S1 E4: All About Anxiety

Hosts: Rebecca Maxwell & Jonathan Vinke
Release Date: August 5, 2024

Main Theme

This episode delves into the pervasive topic of anxiety—what it truly is (and what it’s not), its complexities in modern life, the ways we respond to it, and how both science and Scripture offer tools for coping and growth. Rebecca and Jonathan aim to demystify anxiety, address its causes and consequences, and provide both practical tips and spiritual encouragement for those navigating it.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Anxiety vs. Fear (00:42–03:12)

• Defining Anxiety:
  • Anxiety is future-focused and internal, while fear is present and external.

    “Anxiety is more of an emotion that is...internal and future facing. And fear is more like what’s right in front of us that’s fearful.” — Rebecca (01:46)

  • Both serve important functions for planning, preparation, and focusing attention, but can become unhealthy in excess.
• Healthy vs. Unhealthy Anxiety:
  • A moderate amount of anxiety is necessary for focus and preparation; too much leads to dysfunction (02:21).
  • Denying anxiety is as detrimental as being consumed by it.

2. Anxiety in Modern Society: Causes & Trends (03:47–10:51)

• Information Overload:
  • Unlike prior generations, today’s youth and adults are bombarded with constant information, amplifying anxieties.

    “We do have way more information in front of us than we've ever had before...all of our worst fears and anxieties are being presented to us constantly.” — Rebecca (05:49)

• Role of Upbringing:
  • Childhood environments, especially those with high conflict or unpredictability, can wire the brain towards anxiety.
• Nature & Biology:
  • Some individuals have a tendency toward anxiety without obvious environmental causes—pointing to the complexity of its roots.

3. Physical & Physiological Impact (10:51–14:22)

• Cortisol & Health:
  • Chronic anxiety triggers cortisol production, impacting immune function, inflammation, metabolism, and potentially even contributing to dementia.

    “The adrenal glands are really impacted by an overabundance of cortisol...can literally shut down your organs.” — Rebecca (13:12)

• Stress vs. Anxiety:
  • Both have measurable physical consequences, even when psychological symptoms are not recognized.

4. Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms (15:02–21:00)

• Substance Use:
  • Alcohol and cannabis are commonly (but problematically) used to dull anxiety.
  • Research suggests cannabis may worsen anxiety long-term and carries risks including impacts on cognition and adolescent brain development.

    “We're seeing specifically with cannabis use...the onset of schizophrenia from cannabis use...” — Rebecca (17:10)

• Avoidance & Isolation:
  • Non-substance responses like social withdrawal or overconsumption of media often worsen anxiety.

5. The Social Media Effect (21:00–27:58)

• Amplifying Anxiety:
  • Social media feeds on comparison and fear, heightening anxiety through a constant stream of curated “what-if” scenarios.

    “It can prey on your fears, your worst fears...your brain is looking to keep us safe...so it can play into...fear mongering.” — Rebecca (22:00)

  • The design of social platforms (endless scrolling, always something new) perpetuates anxious expectancy and the fear of missing out.
• Gendered Experience:
  • Girls often face comparison-induced anxiety, while boys may retreat into digital fantasy, compounding real-world anxiety and social difficulties (“sudden onset of social anxiety” in boys — 25:34).
  • Referenced “The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt for deeper insight (25:01).

6. When to Seek Help? (28:07–31:03)

• Typical vs. Clinical Anxiety:
  • Everyday anxiety helps motivate and focus; but constant, severe, or debilitating anxiety (including insomnia, panic attacks, or inability to function) warrants professional assessment.

    “If we're living day to day with a high level of anxiety that is keeping us from functioning well...that's when we need to seek some help.” — Rebecca (29:38)

• Paradox of Anxiety:
  • “Anxiety about anxiety” can develop, especially through panic disorders.

7. Approaching Anxiety Biblically (31:04–39:26)

• Scripture’s Take:
  • The Bible addresses fear and anxiety more than any other emotion.

    “The admonition...not to be afraid is one of the most frequent commands in the Bible.” — Jonathan (32:12)

  • Anxiety may signal real issues that warrant attention (32:40).
  • Practical application from Philippians 4:6-7—bring anxieties to God in prayer and gratefulness, and focus thoughts on truth/goodness.

    “Recognize that the Lord is at hand. He is near...Tell him, pray to him, cast your anxieties on him, and allow the peace of Christ...to guard your hearts and minds.” — Rebecca (34:03)

• Role of Action:
  • It’s not enough to just think differently; behavioral change (action) is necessary to shift patterns of thinking and feeling.

    “Just thinking more doesn't change our thinking. Like, doing something different changes our thinking and changes how we feel.” — Rebecca (37:03)

• Testimony of Peace:
  • Jonathan shares a story of a friend experiencing “peace that passes understanding” amidst profound tragedy (38:07), exemplifying the comfort God provides even in suffering.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Culture’s Junk-Drawer Anxiety:

  “It’s a pet peeve to me that people say, ‘Oh, I have anxiety over that.’ Like it’s become the catch-all, the junk drawer of everything that bothers me.” — Jonathan (00:55)

• On Social Media’s Anxiety Cycle:

  “There’s always something new to see. There’s always something new to learn...I’ve gotta know this and I’ve gotta see this...It creates this expectancy or this anxiety of what we're going to see...” — Rebecca (24:49)

• On Cannabis Risks:

  “There's a lot of evidence now...in adolescents...for the onset of schizophrenia from cannabis use...” — Rebecca (17:10)

• On Physiology:

  “Your brain and body code anxiety the same way it would code fear...release certain chemicals that affect you over time.” — Jonathan (10:54)

• On Biblical Tools:

  “Our faith gives us so many tools. Our relationship with the Lord gives us so many tools to deal with this and many other things.” — Jonathan (33:54)

• Personal Testimony:

  “What's been incredible is the amount of peace that we have had through it”—Jonathan on a friend’s experience with loss (38:14)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:42 – Definitions: Anxiety vs. Fear
• 03:47 – The Brain, Anxiety, and Pattern Recognition
• 05:49 – Information Overload and Digital Life
• 10:51 – The Physiology of Anxiety and Chronic Stress
• 15:02 – Substance Use and Unhealthy Coping
• 21:00 – How Social Media Heightens Anxiety
• 25:01 – Book Reference: “The Anxious Generation”
• 28:07 – When Is Anxiety a Problem?
• 31:04 – Faith, Scripture, and Practical Steps
• 38:07 – Personal Story: Peace Amidst Grief
• 39:26 – Closing Prayer

Conclusion & Takeaways

The episode offers a balanced, nuanced approach to anxiety, emphasizing that it’s a normal emotion but can become damaging if left unaddressed. Rebecca and Jonathan encourage listeners to recognize anxiety’s roots, carefully consider how to manage it (avoiding unhealthy coping mechanisms), and utilize both practical strategies and biblical truth. They stress the value of real connection (with God and people), purposeful action, and seeking help when anxiety becomes overwhelming.

“Every experience of our lives is meant to draw us closer to You [God]...help us to take comfort and to be given that gift of peace, knowing that You do know what the future holds and You hold the future.” — Jonathan (39:28, prayer)

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