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Anxiety: A Symptom Made Into a Disorder

Anxiety: A Symptom Made Into a Disorder

Anxiety is a state of mental and emotional uneasiness, distress, dread, apprehension, and discomfort often associated with various physical symptoms, such as insomnia, loss of appetite, “butterflies in the stomach,” nausea, diarrhea, sweating, tremors, racing heart or palpitations, light-headedness, decreased focus, and more.

Some have defined anxiety as the tension, apprehension, or uneasiness from an unknown threat and defined fear as the dread, apprehension, or fright of an identifiable threat.

While I don’t disagree that such a differentiation can be made between anxiety and fear, in my view, this misses the point entirely and may even lead to confusion.

Anxiety and/or fear are emotional signals that activate various neural pathways of alarm, alertness, and bodily defense, such as increased heart rate and blood pressure, moving blood away from digestive organs to the muscles to either “fight” or “flight” and activation of immune response. All of these bodily responses are a result of the brain activating its “fear” circuit and sending the “danger” signal to the body that there is a threat, whether real or imagined, and the body responds to that signal with a cascade of adrenalin, inflammation, glucocorticoids, and activation of other systems.

The point is that physiologically and neurologically, the impact on a person is the same whenever one activates their stress circuitry, whether from real or imaginary threats or unknown ones.

This system of alarm and stress response can be adaptive and healthy in the face of a real-world crisis (house on fire, child drowning, being chased by an enemy), causing one to respond quickly and with appropriate intensity to flee or overcome the danger, which then results in the alarm system turning off and the stress response calming down. But this same system, if chronically activated, becomes harmful and damages the body, causing an increased risk of adult-onset diabetes mellitus, obesity, metabolic syndrome, depression, dementia, and other problems.

Because so many people have chronic anxiety (struggling with chronic activation of their alarm system), various “anxiety disorders” have been identified (created) by the professional psychiatric community. Such diagnoses as Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Social Phobia, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and others are differentiated by various criteria.

While this was done to assist psychiatrists and other mental health professionals in categorizing and differentiating the types of anxiety and, thereby, individualize treatment with the goal of better outcomes, the unforeseen result has been turning symptoms into disorders, and the creation of disorders has caused the beliefs of people to shift such that rather than seeking to resolve the cause of the anxiety symptoms, patients all too often pursue treatment of “disorders,” which means symptom relief. In other words, people with chronic anxiety come to believe their anxiety is no longer a symptom of a problem but is the problem. This has resulted in perpetuating chronic anxiety, obstructing healing, and creating a class of patients who become dependent upon pharmaceuticals or other ongoing “treatments” to manage symptoms rather than actions that would resolve the cause and restore a patient to wellness.

 

A Disorder or A Symptom?

I want to propose a shift in our thinking that understands anxiety not as a disorder but, rather, always as a symptom of something else. Anxiety functions for the mind as physical pain functions for the body. If one experiences physical pain in the body—say, they have a dental cavity—they do not think, “Oh, I have a pain disorder. All I need is pain meds.” No, whenever a person experiences physical pain, they may take pain meds, but they also think, “What is wrong? What is the cause? And how can I resolve it?”

Physical pain functions to both alert us that something is wrong, often harmful, and simultaneously motivate us to act. The greater the pain, the more intense the motivation to act. Anxiety serves the exact same purpose; it alerts us that something is wrong and simultaneously motivates us to act, to address the cause, to remove or resolve what is wrong. And the greater the anxiety, the stronger we are motivated to do something to resolve it. Unfortunately, rather than seeking to address the cause, all too often people merely seek symptom relief.

Anxiety can come from many causes, sometimes physical, but often psychological, relational, or spiritual. Physical causes include things like hyperthyroidism or hypoxia (low blood oxygen, so it feels like one is suffocating) from any cause (lung disease, sleep apnea, drowning). Anxiety in these situations can be overwhelming to the point of panic, but such individuals do not have anxiety disorders; the anxiety is normal—it is the healthy response to drowning or suffocating, designed to alert the person to take immediate action to oxygenate. If a drowning person gets their head above water, the anxiety remits.

But sadly, because anxiety most often comes from non-physical causes, the most common response is to seek symptom relief rather than resolving the cause. People will turn to alcohol, other drugs, relationships, animals (support dogs or cats), comfort food, distractions (gaming, TV, entertainment), pornography, religiosity, cutting, pharmaceuticals, Eastern meditation, and many other forms of self-soothing, all intended to cause the anxiety feelings to go away but without actually identifying its source and resolving the cause.

 

Unintended Consequences

The healthiest approach to anxiety is to realize it is always a symptom of something that is not right, designed to alert us and motivate us to address the source of the anxiety—anxiety is never the problem in and of itself! If we fail to recognize this and falsely believe that anxiety symptoms are a disorder in and of itself, then we formulate an identity upon this, solidify into our understanding that the symptom is a disorder, and we stop pursuing the cause, which allows the cause to fester and worsen. This would be like having a cavity and experiencing dental pain and concluding one has a pain disorder, getting on pain medications, but never filling the cavity. Yes, for a time one might feel better, but the cavity would slowly get worse and, eventually, as the tooth decays, the meds stop working and, if infection sets in, overall health worsens.

This is the problem with much of modern psychiatry, the unintended consequence of turning symptoms into disorders; promoting the belief that the symptom is a disorder results in both patients and practitioners focusing on relieving symptoms rather than resolving the cause of the symptoms.

So, what are the causes of anxiety other than physical ones?

  • Existential anxiety—fears related to one’s existence, purpose, future, and identity, such as a loss of meaning, a fear of death, disability, purposelessness, etc.
  • Relational—grief, fear of abandonment, isolation, loneliness, fear of rejection, not experiencing healthy connection and love, etc.
  • Psychological—distorted sense of self, internalized negative patterns of thinking and processing, unreasonably self-critical or other-critical, etc.
  • Spiritual—ongoing unresolved guilt, shame, uncertainty about self, internal condemnation (belief that one is too sinful to be saved), hyper-religiosity, fear of judgment, judgmental toward others, etc.
  • Situational—being overwhelmed with real-world responsibilities and not having the resources to keep up or meet objective duties or needs—a single mother with limited income working two jobs and falling behind in bills, etc.
  • Unresolved trauma that can impact all of the above, existential concerns, relationships, negative internalizations about self and others, unresolved spiritual concerns, whether guilt or distrust or anger at God, and various situational stressors.

PTSD is an anxiety disorder that is caused not simply by exposure to trauma, but also by the inability to process the trauma and come to a resolution of it. It is not primarily driven by neurobiological changes but by changes in beliefs, perspectives, and understanding—which causes the subsequent neurobiological changes. In other words, the trauma has caused a change in one’s way of thinking and perceiving life, self, and others that is incongruent with one’s self, is unacceptable, undermines their sense of well-being, security, faith, or identity, and those changes in beliefs cause changes in the brain, activating the stress response with subsequent negative physiological and psychological cascades.

The traumatized individual finds themselves unable to incorporate the trauma experience into an internalized self-story that they are at peace with; thus, they continue to resist accepting what has transpired and avoid working through the emotional trauma because it is too painful and to resolve it requires some change in their pre-trauma understanding.

But because the unresolved traumatic experiences have not been worked through and the individual has not come to an internal understanding that they can live with, be at peace with, or experience acceptance, this state causes internal emotional conflict, where the mind basically says, “This is not right,” but because it is not being actively worked through, it gets pushed away from the conscience mind. And because it is not right, the mind keeps bringing it up to the self in various forms—dreams, intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, etc., as a means of saying, “Stop ignoring this; it hurts; deal with it; let’s heal!”

However, because it is painful and because the trauma survivor doesn’t know how to process it, doesn’t know how to make sense of things, they will often seek to avoid the anxiety and suffer the symptoms of PTSD.

This anxiety is not a disorder; it is a symptom of an unresolved emotional, psychological, or spiritual wound that needs healing—just like a person with an unhealed physical injury will feel ongoing pain (and anything that touches the wound causes flashes of worsening pain) but does not have a pain disorder; they have actual wounds that need healing. This is what happens to people with unhealed traumas.

Recently, a veteran told me that his community of veterans has rejected the label Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and referred to their struggles as Post Traumatic Stress Injury. I couldn’t agree more! Trauma causes injuries to hearts and minds, wounds that, if unhealed, cause symptoms, which are alerting us that there are wounds in need of healing.

If you or someone you love struggles with anxiety, recognize that the symptoms are designed to alert you that something is wrong. Don’t fall into the trap of pursuing only symptom relief; instead, step back and begin pursuing what is actually wrong, what is causing the anxiety, and then pursue resolving, healing, and removing the cause. If you find, like many, that you only know you are anxious all the time but don’t know why, then I encourage you to pursue competent, professional Christian mental health assistance to help you identify the underlying cause and work on its resolution.


If someone you know is struggling with anxiety that interferes with function and self-help resources are not enough or professional treatment hasn’t led to the improvement they would like, you can let them know about Honey Lake Clinic (HLC), where I serve as the medical director of the adult program. HLC is a holistic, Christian mental-health residential treatment program that seeks to identify and resolve the various causes of anxiety—whether biological, psychological, relational, or spiritual. We are here to help!

 

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Testimony 37

Hearing Dr. Jennings’ presentations in person came at a pivotal moment in my spiritual journey that began about nine months ago, when the fault lines inherent in my belief system began to crack under questions that most reasonable people end up asking about God and His nature. These were questions I couldn’t find answers to, and they shook my faith. I was unable let it go any longer and be satisfied. My Christian experience became distant. I was afraid; the fear in me rose like thorns, pushing me away from Jesus. And then someone heard my questions and introduced me to this ministry, and my life has totally changed.

I can tell you that this new, “present truth” message is far grander and life-changing than when I shifted from being an agnostic and then a nominal Christian. It has radically altered my worldview, because it reveals a God that makes sense. It is a revolution. I believe that Dr. Jennings’ message is the final message that must go to the world. If any message could be called “righteousness by faith,” as abused as that term is by the right and the left, this is that message, because Jennings’ biblical message identifies a God who is different, whose character isn’t an impossible contradiction.

I walk this path now without fear. I see people differently, and the Holy Spirit burns in my heart. Many call Dr. Jennings’ message false and compromising, but it isn’t false, because I’ve seen the fruits within my mind and body. It is not compromising, because in this message is the only road to holiness that makes any sense. No longer do I behold a pagan god who is always angry and suspicious. Instead, I behold a God who is freeing and loving, always working for our good, and giving me every reason to love my enemy even to my own death, just as Jesus pleads with us. God is good.

Anthony L., CA, USA

 

Testimony 42

I am just writing to say that I have been so blessed by the teachings of Come And Reason Minitries recently. I watched last week’s bible study lesson on Youtube and am thankful that the error in the printed lesson guide you use was pointed out and this week’s study was of equal benefit, if not more so. My understanding of God’s nature has been very confused of late and I am so grateful for clarity in this matter. I have never really fully understood previously how a good God can cause bad things to happen and now I realise that He doesn’t, it’s a natural consequence of sin. May the almighty Father and His Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, continue to bless your ministry.

Laura P., United Kingdom

 

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I continue to enjoy your lessons every week. The more that I research your conclusions, the more I am convinced that the Holy Spirit has lead you to distill out the essence of human redemption. Thank you for your courageous stand for the truth.

S. G., TX, USA

 

Testimony 64

I’ve been reading the bible and walking with Jesus since I was around 16. I’m 42 now. I’ve mostly been alone in my walk although I went to several churches in different denominations. For the past 3 years God has been showing me His character of agape. It’s been a blessing and changed how I view God and my walk with Jesus. About a year ago I came across the power of love and the principles of design law. These teachings changed how I read scripture and have been such a beautiful blessing. I’m very excited and grateful for these truths. We share these truths of agape, design law and the reality of the principles of the two trees in the garden of Eden with people on Facebook and YouTube. People all over are learning to trust God and His agape design law which makes life possible. Thank you for everything you shared with me. May God continue to bless your ministry and lives.

Bradley M., Hinsdale, NY, USA

 

Testimony 15

I have been sharing Come And Reason Ministries Bible study lessons with several folk. You have such a beautiful view of the plan of salvation. If we had this message preached when I was young, my generation would still all be in church.

H. R., New Zealand

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I would love to have a copy of “Healing the Mind” DVDs to have in my therapy office. I enjoy having clients check out materials to enhance their therapy experience. I have sat under Dr. Jennings’ teaching at an American Association of Christian Counselors convention and respect his work greatly.

K.B., LA, USA

 

Testimony 57

You have helped make sense of thirty two years of confusion. The material you freely provide reorganized so much of my life into such a beautiful pattern that has always been hinted at from within, but misguided with my training and what I was experiencing externally. My filipno parents, who were converted from Catholicism to SDA, were sincere and did their best to raise me the right way and I have deep respect for them. However, being immigrants and not understanding the language made for a difficult transition as I was growing up, which also applied to my spiritual growth as I learned the patterns of religion. I have been listening to as many bible study classes and reading blog posts as my time in a work truck will allow, searching for the practical applications of where spirituality and reality meet, and I thank you for helping me find that. You have helped me reach a point in which I can truly say that I love God, that I believe He loves me, and, like David, I delight in His law. God bless.

Emmanuel V., Calgary, AB Canada

Testimony 35

I am so pleased with the response your message is receiving at my church from the middle-aged to the young adults. I have given out 100 copies of the first two seminars and there are more request every week. One of my [class members] came to me after viewing the series, grateful and impressed with how easy the message was retained. He had been a Seventh-day Adventist in fear all his life, and felt like the scales were removed from his eyes after viewing the seminars. I am so impressed by the change I see in members who have received this message, we are in one accord. However, I am sadden by the negative response of the older people. I am verbally attacked anytime I talk about imposed laws, but I believe my mission is to enlightened everyone I can. I watch your Bible Study Class on YouTube every Friday night and I feel like I am apart of the class. All of you are in one accord and I am so blessed to have found you. I pray that all of you continue to spread this message and I am committed to doing my part.

Clara S., Westfield, MA, USA

 

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I got the book “Could It Be This Simple?” a few months ago and the reading was wonderful and I was fascinated. I lent the book to a friend at work. She is having a difficult time and the book is helping her to find Jesus and I found this very exciting. She has asked me questions and I can see her life changing.

H. S., Australia

 

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We listen to your bible studies lessons in our class in Montana. You actually were the main reason I decided to get a laptop, so I can go to your site and listen, read, learn, and print the class notes. I am so grateful to learn the correct view of God and his character. Now, to just have others have an interest in knowing, so I can share it with them. Good thoughts your way.

R. N., MT, USA

 

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I’m a youth leader in South Africa. We as a youth group are currently using a lot of the material on the Come and Reason site. Since we’ve started using the material, our youth group has grown.

R. V. N., South Africa

 

Testimony 69

After reading your book, ‘Could It Be This Simple,’ someone was explaining Christianity in a way that made sense to me for the first time in my life. One morning, I simply prayed “I’m sorry and I love you.” As soon as I silently said that, I could literally feel God’s presence and light flood down on me from above and fill me up with love and joy. I sat there crying my eyes out, because I was so overpowered with this feeling of love and joy. It was just so incredible. I hope that more people can read this book and get a blessing from it. It’s really amazing.

Rachael H.

Testimony 56

I cannot thank you enough for opening my understanding to the beautiful truth of God’s Law of Love and how it applies to everything. I have been a Christian for over forty years, but I feel like I am only now seeing with my eyes open. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!

Tammy Cinzio, Australia

 

Testimony 24

I wanted to thank you very much for presenting your understanding of God. I’ve always been troubled by this question: Why did Jesus have to die? Since my conversion I understood that The Father & Jesus are one, I did not have issues with that. But was there not any other way to save us than for Jesus to die? I guess I actually had a question about God – if He is so wise, how come He did not find another way? I did not see the real ‘beauty’  in the cross. Only when you explained the picture in the medical context, Jesus providing medicine for my selfishness, have I started to finally ‘see the light’. Thank you so much. Your seminar, “Healing the Mind,” are absolutely marvelous & have shared them with my family and many other people, including colleagues at work. Thanks, thanks, thanks. May God bless you abundantly in your ministry.

M. W., Australia

 

Testimony 30

God lead me to your book “The God-Shaped Brain” while I was searching for another book about the brain and then to your interview about your book on HeartWise Ministries [where] I found out about [Come And Reason Ministries]. I’m now devouring the webcasts of your Bible studies. I have been so greatly blessed and I thank God so much for your courage to speak the Truth in love no matter what. Listening to you contrast the two opposing systems (laws) and digging deep to unearth the hidden treasures in the Bible makes me so incredibly happy and I feel very blessed to be part of your Bible Study Group although I live far away. I am just so excited that there is a group of people that is spreading the Truth about the character of God and it saddens me how few realize what our Father in Heaven is really like.

Kessy B., Australia