Feelings of nervousness and anxiety

[whatevergirl]

For some reason, I have not been sleeping well, since we have moved to Florida. I’m thrilled to be here…my kids and husband are excited to be here, too. I am not sure if I’m nervous about working for different people…it’s the same job, same duties…but more responsibility…a promotion. I think I’m a little nervous, like can I accomplish what they might expect of me? Will my husband find a good job? Will he like what he does? I know when we fear things, it’s the devil at work…but, can someone help me to minimize these feelings? I have been praying and praying…and it helps, of course. Thinking of stepping out of ‘my boat’ each day…holding Jesus’ hand…seeing the peace on his face…has helped me. But, then I don’t sleep.

Is it a sin to be nervous? To feel anxious?

 

[maryrd]

Hi,
I don’t think it’s a sin to feel anxiety or nervousness. However, I do believe it is Satan who wants us have these feelings & evil plays a role in those who suffer from anxiety.
When I get anxious I always say to myself “Go Away Satan, Jesus Christ is my Savior”. This works for me, and it keeps me focused by thinking of what Christ wants for me and not what Satan wants.
Give yourself some time to get adjusted. Even good changes can bring anxiety.
-Mary

 

[whatevergirl]

Hi,
I don’t think it’s a sin to feel anxiety or nervousness. However, I do believe it is Satan who wants us have these feelings & evil plays a role in those who suffer from anxiety.
When I get anxious I always say to myself “Go Away Satan, Jesus Christ is my Savior”. This works for me, and it keeps me focused by thinking of what Christ wants for me and not what Satan wants.
Give yourself some time to get adjusted. Even good changes can bring anxiety.
-Mary

thanks mary…your last line really helps, too.

 

[RWMorris]

Talk to your doctor. It may be that you need a mild anti-anxiety drug for a short time. They’re not addicitive and can really help short-term anxiety.

 

[whatevergirl]

Talk to your doctor. It may be that you need a mild anti-anxiety drug for a short time. They’re not addicitive and can really help short-term anxiety.

there is such a thing as short term anxiety? I hesitate to take a script drug…I think I’m just…anxious being in a new home…new place…my husband soon to be looking for work…kids soon to be starting a new school…I really was doing well with it all leading up to the move, but the past few days…I dunno…I just wish I could sleep.

 

[LilyM]

I find it helps to spend some time repeating a reassuring phrase to myself like St Faustina’s ‘Jesus, I trust in You’ or Our Lord’s ‘Father, into Your hands I commend my spirit’. You can tack on whatever is particularly worrying you onto the end - ‘Jesus, I trust in You to help me in my new job’ or something like that.

 

[whatevergirl]

I find it helps to spend some time repeating a reassuring phrase to myself like St Faustina’s ‘Jesus, I trust in You’ or Our Lord’s ‘Father, into Your hands I commend my spirit’. You can tack on whatever is particularly worrying you onto the end - ‘Jesus, I trust in You to help me in my new job’ or something like that.

this is great…I will say this with my morning prayers. Thank you very much, lily.

 

[briang72]

Hang in there. You’ve made such a big change with a new job AND a long-distance move. As an earlier poster said, give yourself some time. Don’t run to the drug store just yet

I don’t consider this a sin, just a state of mind that clouds our faith in our current situation a bit. The storm shall pass.

Maybe do some physical exercise at the end of the day? I find that I sleep very well when my day has been physically exhausting. A glass of red wine really does the trick too

 

[StCsDavid]

For some reason, I have not been sleeping well, since we have moved to Florida. I’m thrilled to be here…my kids and husband are excited to be here, too. I am not sure if I’m nervous about working for different people…it’s the same job, same duties…but more responsibility…a promotion. I think I’m a little nervous, like can I accomplish what they might expect of me? Will my husband find a good job? Will he like what he does? I know when we fear things, it’s the devil at work…but, can someone help me to minimize these feelings? I have been praying and praying…and it helps, of course. Thinking of stepping out of ‘my boat’ each day…holding Jesus’ hand…seeing the peace on his face…has helped me. But, then I don’t sleep.

Is it a sin to be nervous? To feel anxious?

There really is no way to make a big move and not experience some anxiety. It’s a new place and even the little everyday things, such as how people drive in traffic, have to be relearned to some extent. The big stuff you planned for, but the little things, like “just what street do I turn on to get to the store?” can really build up without one realizing the toll they take on the nerves. Pray your anxiety to Christ. Pray your nervousness to Christ. And key into this prayer from mass:

*In your mercy keep us free from sin and protect us from all anxiety *as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

May the peace of the Lord be with you always!

 

[Riley259]

For some reason, I have not been sleeping well, since we have moved to Florida. I’m thrilled to be here…my kids and husband are excited to be here, too. I am not sure if I’m nervous about working for different people…it’s the same job, same duties…but more responsibility…a promotion. I think I’m a little nervous, like can I accomplish what they might expect of me? Will my husband find a good job? Will he like what he does? I know when we fear things, it’s the devil at work…but, can someone help me to minimize these feelings? I have been praying and praying…and it helps, of course. Thinking of stepping out of ‘my boat’ each day…holding Jesus’ hand…seeing the peace on his face…has helped me. But, then I don’t sleep.

Is it a sin to be nervous? To feel anxious?

You might have an anxiety disorder or transitional anxiety related to your life change. Praying always helps of course but if it continues for an extended period of time, I’d seek professional help. You may need a small dose of an anti-anxiety or anti-depressant med for a little while until you make the life adjustments. Just a thought.

 

[Katie1723]

…Is it a sin to be nervous? To feel anxious?

If it is a sin, then I am guilty big time. And I know all about not sleeping. But your line: **I know when we fear things, it’s the devil at work … **hits home as right now I, too, am dealing with something I’d rather not.So Satan is having a party at my expense. Last night I tried my darndest to fall asleep. Instead I prayed over and over and over. Yet when I woke up, the problem is still there. You find yourself wondering when it’s going to let up…get better so you can get some much needed sleep. That probably is the single most important thing aside from more prayer of course, that we can do.
I plan on attending Novena tonight and I will certainly include you in my rosary.
I admire you Sharon. Really. You did something many of us would have a hard time doing. Be easy on yourself. And I’ll pray.
Kathy

 

[kage_ar]

A few months ago, I spoke with my Priest about the same thing. He advised me to spend some time every day in silence (and he said turning the radio off while driving in the car does not count ). You are going to have some nerves, a new place, a new office, the important thing is to not let the natural excitment turn into anxiety and fear.

Exercise, eat right, and pray (I’ve also found that a new lipstick helps).

 

[jrabs]

Exercise, eat right, and pray (I’ve also found that a new lipstick helps).

I second all of kage_ar’s post except for the lipstick thing. I find picking out a new lip color stressful… so I’d opt for new shoes. Some nice peep-toes or freash sandals for Florida. How fun. I’ll go scout some ot for you and check back later.

Or take both of our advice and do the lipstick/shoe combo. You’ll be feeling confident and grounded in no time. And looking great too.

 

[Verisimilitude]

Is it a sin to be nervous? To feel anxious?

I change jobs every few years- different companies, differnt projects, different people to work with. The anxiety and nervousness are always there, but it is natural. I use it to my advantage mostly. It is a fresh start and should be greeted with the joy of adventure, not the fear of the unknown.

7 years ago I acted on a long held desire to move from the East coast (VA) to anywhere else but the East coast. My wife found a job before we moved, but I didn’t; thinking I have always had good luck in finding work. So we sold the house, sold or gave away half of what we had, and drove 3000 miles (OR) into the unknown saying goodbye to close friends and family.

What a disater! We bought a house after renting for a month. Over the next 10 months I could not beg a job anywhere. I put out at least 15 applications a week for the next 8 months with only one written rejection letter in return. I was looking for work from Nortern CA to Washington State. No kidding, I even told a guy with a “help-wanted” sign in his stone cutting business that I would buy my own tools, work for free until I learned the trade because I just wanted to get out of the house and have something to do. He turned me down. My wifes job turned out to be less then advertised as well.

Not long after that we sent applications to another state (CO)- I sent 5 applications, received 5 replies. My wife did the same and we flew to that state on our own $ to interview at each of the places that responded. They were all over the state and it took a week of driving to the differnet cities to interview each. Both my wife and I received job offers from each place we interviewed with. After deciding on the jobs we liked in the same city, we spent the last day looking for an apartment, signed a lease and flew back “home”.

We did a For-Sale-By-Owner of our house to avoid even a larger loss than we were going to absorb. The very day I placed the for-sale sign in the yard (3 days after we returned from our job-hunting trip) a realtor knocked on our door and gave us a full price offer on the house. We were gone in less than 30 days. Leaving so fast I forgot I had the keys to the house in my pocket and had to mail them to the lawyer we hired to close on the house as soon as we crossed the state line.

I hope your adventure in FL is not as “fun-filled” as our was in OR, but we love where we are now, and have a good story to tell because of it. Things tend to work out even if they are not as we expect them to.

Enjoy the ride of life. The devil is not the conductor- we are. He who gave us this life created the ground in which we lay our tracks. If you place them where there is solid ground, the rise and fall of the path is the thrill part of the ride. It also helps if you have a spouse with a sense of humor and a big heart (and one that does not say “I told you so”).

Good luck.

 

[whatevergirl]

I have read through all of your replies…thanks so much for your advice, suggestions, and thoughts. I appreciate them.

Some good news is that I have been sleeping much better since posting this. I wonder if going to confession…getting all of this anxiety off of my chest (as I beileve it comes between me and God) to a priest…really helped me think clearer. I feel less anxious…heart isn’t racing as much…and yes, I have been exercising again…back into a more consistent regimen with that…and it helps immensely. Eating healthier also helps, too.

You guys are great! Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.

 

[Convert_in_99]

Hmmm…you mean you used to live life without feelings of nervousness or anxiety? WOW! :bowdown: Where do you come from again?

I think you are very much normal. In the past month you have had a major move, a major job change, a major friend change, a major parish change. If you did NOT worry some…THEN you would be abnormal.

You are always in my thoughts and prayers.

 

[guanophore]

If it is a sin, then I am guilty big time. And I know all about not sleeping. But your line: **I know when we fear things, it’s the devil at work … **hits home as right now I, too, am dealing with something I’d rather not.So Satan is having a party at my expense. Last night I tried my darndest to fall asleep. Instead I prayed over and over and over. Yet when I woke up, the problem is still there. You find yourself wondering when it’s going to let up…get better so you can get some much needed sleep. That probably is the single most important thing aside from more prayer of course, that we can do.
I plan on attending Novena tonight and I will certainly include you in my rosary.
I admire you Sharon. Really. You did something many of us would have a hard time doing. Be easy on yourself. And I’ll pray.
Kathy

I guess we tend to think that anxiety and fear must be from the devil because Jesus says perfect love casts out all fear. So, if we are fearful, we are not made perfect in love. On the other hand, who is? Jesus says not to have worry about anything, but to trust in God as do the lilies of the field. On the other hand, no feelings, in and of themselves, acan be a sin. Feelings are part of our normal human makeup, just like our hands and feet. They are of neutral moral value in and of themselves. It is what we do with the feelings that makes the difference. Recognizing that all feelings, even the unpleasant ones, are a gift from God will help. The idea of “getting rid of” feelings is not healthy nor is it demonstrating and attitude of gratitude for all things that God has provided. We need our fear and anxiety to protect us at times. there are certain things that SHOULD leave us feeling afraid and anxious. Scripture tells us to “give thanks in everything”. Once accepting that unpleasant feelings are a gift of God, the next step is to give thanks for them. Each and every time the sense of anxiety and fear pervades, give thanks to God. If you have given your life to HIm, then everything you have, and everything you are belongs to Him, even the fear and anxiety. Instead of getting judgemental upon yourself, just give thanks and praise that He has made you wonderful according to His divine plan. Don’t give the devil a foothold by ascribing any ownership to him. Jesus has triumphed over Satan on the cross, and treads him under the foot. We, who have been baptized into Christ, have died to ourselves and our life is hidden with Christ in God. We are seated with Him in the heavenly places. We need to think and act as resurrected persons. Fear hath no dominion over us any more.

Along a more practical line, I find it helpful to lie on the bed, let the body rest, and listen to scripture on cd’s.

And, as one of my early mentors taught me, “nobody ever died from lack of sleep”. If one gives thanks for the wakefulness, and prays constantly to be “awake unto God” one can make good use of wakefulness. We belong to Christ, whether we are asleep or awake. Jesus cares much more about us being in communion with Him than he does how many hours of sleep we get. However, we tend to focus on the wrong thing. It is in Him that we live, move, and have our being.

 

[anamchara]

For some reason, I have not been sleeping well, since we have moved to Florida. I’m thrilled to be here…my kids and husband are excited to be here, too. I am not sure if I’m nervous about working for different people…it’s the same job, same duties…but more responsibility…a promotion. I think I’m a little nervous, like can I accomplish what they might expect of me? Will my husband find a good job? Will he like what he does? I know when we fear things, it’s the devil at work…but, can someone help me to minimize these feelings? I have been praying and praying…and it helps, of course. Thinking of stepping out of ‘my boat’ each day…holding Jesus’ hand…seeing the peace on his face…has helped me. But, then I don’t sleep.

Is it a sin to be nervous? To feel anxious?

Heavens no, feeling anxious is NOT a sin you poor dear. I would even argue that feeling nervous is not the devils work but just too many things that are on our mind that have us concerned at certain times in our lives. You have an incredible amount of love for your family, that love comes from God and at times it causes us to feel very overwhelmed especially with change, then we worry “will it all be ok?” you sound like you have a great deal of trust in our Lord and the image of you seeing his face and holding your hand is beautiful.

Often just meeting new friends in new surroundings can help, especially at Church. It can be a bit isolating when you don’t know anyone yet. I don’t know how long you’ve been there but that thought just came to mind.

 

[whatevergirl]

Heavens no, feeling anxious is NOT a sin you poor dear. I would even argue that feeling nervous is not the devils work but just too many things that are on our mind that have us concerned at certain times in our lives. You have an incredible amount of love for your family, that love comes from God and at times it causes us to feel very overwhelmed especially with change, then we worry “will it all be ok?” you sound like you have a great deal of trust in our Lord and the image of you seeing his face and holding your hand is beautiful.

Often just meeting new friends in new surroundings can help, especially at Church. It can be a bit isolating when you don’t know anyone yet. I don’t know how long you’ve been there but that thought just came to mind.

Thank you for your reply–yes, I have thought of this. It has been years …since we have been in a new environment. I actually am starting to calm down a bit more…have met a few of my new neighbors. What’s neat in this town we have chosen, is there is a meet and greet newcomers ‘club’ and couples get together every other weekend for dinner, Pictionary at someone’s home…walks…beach trips…it sounds like something my husband and I are going to try. We also might attend a big event coming up in a few weeks at the church. My husband said we have to make the efforts to meet new people…they won’t come knocking on our door. lol

 

[whatevergirl]

I guess we tend to think that anxiety and fear must be from the devil because Jesus says perfect love casts out all fear. So, if we are fearful, we are not made perfect in love. On the other hand, who is? Jesus says not to have worry about anything, but to trust in God as do the lilies of the field. On the other hand, no feelings, in and of themselves, acan be a sin. Feelings are part of our normal human makeup, just like our hands and feet. They are of neutral moral value in and of themselves. It is what we do with the feelings that makes the difference. Recognizing that all feelings, even the unpleasant ones, are a gift from God will help. The idea of “getting rid of” feelings is not healthy nor is it demonstrating and attitude of gratitude for all things that God has provided. We need our fear and anxiety to protect us at times. there are certain things that SHOULD leave us feeling afraid and anxious. Scripture tells us to “give thanks in everything”. Once accepting that unpleasant feelings are a gift of God, the next step is to give thanks for them. Each and every time the sense of anxiety and fear pervades, give thanks to God. If you have given your life to HIm, then everything you have, and everything you are belongs to Him, even the fear and anxiety. Instead of getting judgemental upon yourself, just give thanks and praise that He has made you wonderful according to His divine plan. Don’t give the devil a foothold by ascribing any ownership to him. Jesus has triumphed over Satan on the cross, and treads him under the foot. We, who have been baptized into Christ, have died to ourselves and our life is hidden with Christ in God. We are seated with Him in the heavenly places. We need to think and act as resurrected persons. Fear hath no dominion over us any more.

Along a more practical line, I find it helpful to lie on the bed, let the body rest, and listen to scripture on cd’s.

And, as one of my early mentors taught me, “nobody ever died from lack of sleep”. If one gives thanks for the wakefulness, and prays constantly to be “awake unto God” one can make good use of wakefulness. We belong to Christ, whether we are asleep or awake. Jesus cares much more about us being in communion with Him than he does how many hours of sleep we get. However, we tend to focus on the wrong thing. It is in Him that we live, move, and have our being.

I never looked at anxiety as a gift from God…but, it’s human, and where we are right now, is exactly where we need to be. This is God’s plan…we feel it. Thank you for your advice…and insights.