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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 43

Two years ago I stumbled upon your book, “Could It Be This Simple,” and then found “The God-Shaped Brain” videos on YouTube, your bible study class, and the ‘Come And Reason’ mobile app. I shared your book with a friend and after nine months of showing love, patience, and kindness this person has been changed by the love of God, too. The same love that healed me, I now express to other women in tangible ways, such as to a Baptist woman with high anxiety and childhood trauma. She was extremely happy and relieved when I shared about the so-called “judgment of God” and burning in hell. She had no desire to serve a God that was so harsh. I have repeated the phrase dozens of times to her. “What we believe has power over us, but we have power over what we believe…”

This message that you are sharing has changed my life. I will continue to serve other women and bring this message of God’s healing love to their lives by sharing your books, YouTube videos, and The Remedy Bible app. Keep up the good work. Don’t be discouraged. God is doing a mighty work in and through this ministry!

Jill L., Midwest, USA

 

Testimony 47

I can’t even begin to thank you and your ministry enough for introducing me to the Truth about a loving and merciful God! I have my daughter and her in-laws to thank for sharing with me “The God-Shaped Brain” as well as your website. I listen to the Bible study class lessons on my daily walk. May God continue to bless your thirst-quenching ministry!

Liz H., Port Angeles, WA, USA

 

 

Testimony 73

I have been truly blessed by your blogs and other resources. They have helped me to see things in a much brighter light and to reason things out better. Thank you so much for your ministry. Whenever I have the opportunity I pass along your material to my friends.

R. Noseworthy, Newfoundland, Canada

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 71

When I was 9 years old, I remember setting at our devotional table with a hunger and thirst for God that wanted more, deeper, BETTER. I can remember literally crying and pounding on the table, “I know these teachers didn’t mean to give us error. They taught what THEY had been TAUGHT, but didn’t ANYBODY READ THE BOOK?!?!?” It mattered to me then. It mattered to me as a teenager. It matters now as I teach bible classes. It didn’t have to be so hard as I watched so many give up and lay God’s great plan and gift of salvation aside as being “impossible.” Then, a friend sent me a link to Come And Reason’s website. I grew excited. YES! FINALLY! Then another friend told me to stay away, saying her son had just broken up with a girl because she was involved with Come And Reason and that “Tim Jennings preaches a false gospel.” But, AFTER many years of developing an authentic and, dare I say FUN relationship with Jesus, through the Holy Spirit I see this message has been around a LONG time, since the apostle Paul, Ellen White, Graham Maxwell, Ray Foucher, and yourself (though I admit, you’ve made me back up, rewind and replay the clips, and get out my well-worn Bible on a few things.) I’m so thankful I have found LIGHT during these DARK days. I am not alone.

Vicki DiNitto

Testimony 13

I borrowed “Healing The Mind” DVDs from a friend and showed them at my home for a small gathering of women friends. Neither of my friends are Adventist, but they both enjoyed and embraced the messages you taught. In fact, one of the ladies prayed out loud in our group and that was the first time she had ever had public prayer.

J.B. ,Dalles, OR, USA

 

Testimony 66

I am incredibly grateful for the transformative impact you’ve had on my life, and words cannot fully express my appreciation. Over the years, I have been an avid listener and follower of C&R and extend my heartfelt thanks for creating the C&R mobile app. It has allowed me to immerse myself in your lessons repeatedly, enabling me to grasp the profound significance about the Character of God, Design Law, the protocols for life, the reasons behind the current chaos, and Christ’s mission to restore everything. They have deeply touched me. Having studied with various churches, I came away with the perception that God is no different from the deities of ancient Greek or Roman mythology—demanding sacrifices and taking pleasure in bloodshed. Thanks to your transformative teachings, I have experienced a profound awakening to the true nature of God and the immense power of His love. It is truly a remarkable and liberating sensation to finally grasp the truth and embrace the empowering nature of God’s laws. My self-perception has become brighter and more infused with love. My journey of growth continues on a daily basis.

Chris P., Lake Mary, FL, USA

 

Testimony 16

Your seminars are still inspiring and changing our lives and we continue to share the principles we have learned from you. Your ministry has changed our lives!

E.W.

 

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 36

Thank you and may God continue to bless you as you share with others the intricacies of how we are all “fearfully and wonderfully made”. I must share that you have opened a whole new world to me, and I have found tremendous healing through what you have shared in two of your books, “Could It Be This Simple?” and “The God Shaped Brain.” I praise God for what you shared, what I have learned, and how I have grown and healed! My prayer is that My Precious Jesus will be seen by others in the way I live, act, talk, etc. and they may be encouraged to know He is truly a GREAT God of LOVE, desiring that no one should perish! God Bless you in your continued endeavors to present Him as He really is!

Joleen H. GA, USA

 

Testimony 62

I would like to express my thanks to the C&R team for creating a platform from which people can learn to trust in God and grow. My life is a witness to the effectiveness of this ministry. Without believing the truth about God as you have shown, I don’t know what my life would be like. I had given up on God helping me with certain sins – it was all useless. Given that the scripture is clear and God is so good, how could I have betrayed him so many times? I was a yo-yo christian; spinning up and down. My faith and enthusiasm was driven by discoveries/threats that prophecy is about to be fulfilled. But when I watched your “Healing the Mind” seminar, it was like a light finally went on. I could see God had no plan to hurt me, the danger came from sin, and that He is working to protect me and strengthen me. Thank you for allowing God to use you. The message God gave C&R saved my life!

Antony N. – Hobart, Australia

 

Testimony 46

Over the past couple of years God has been expanding my view of Himself and His character. Along my approximately 40-year journey, I have often had questions, but was hesitant to voice these and step outside the traditionally accepted thinking, for fear of admitting that I may in fact be eternally lost. In the recesses of my thinking has been the thought – if one blindly accepts (which is widely regarded as “real faith”) and does not question, is this really ‘truth?’ I often find it challenging to grapple with very theological ‘speak,’ but Dr. Jennings has a real gift of explaining spiritual concepts with clear practical examples. The weekly discussions are growing my Christian experience and slowly changing my view of how to live as a child of God in today’s complex world. Finally the whole Old Testament sanctuary teaching moved in my mind from fantasy to reality!

Beverly S., South Africa

 

Testimony 25

I just want to say thank you so much for your conversations via YouTube. I regularly tune in to your lectures, “Let’s Talk” sessions, and many others. Through these I’ve found greater depth and meaning to God’s word. Thanks for all that you do and please continue. I’m currently working in the middle of Silicon Valley at Stanford University. I feel like God really has me in the right place right now and I’m sensing that your teachings might be part of it.

B. F., Silicon Valley, CA, USA

 

Testimony 41

I have been blessed by your ministry. I have experienced personally, and deeply resonate with, the God of love and the beautiful picture of God’s character that you present. I have seen your seminar series on YouTube, read ‘The Journal of the Watcher’ book, used your mobile app, and also listen/study the bible study lesson with you each week. I concur with many of the thoughts and perspectives that you share. I understand your conclusions on natural laws vs imposed law and the legal/penal substitution (incorrect diagnosis). This makes perfect sense to me.

Bless you for all you do.

Melissa L.

 

Testimony 60

Just watched watched lesson 10 in the 1st quarter 2021 bible study classs on Isaiah. I want to thank you for your intellectual spirituality; it’s not an oxymoron! From the point of view of a teacher I also enjoy seeing how much personal pleasure you clearly take in not just tasting, but feasting on God’s word – it reminds me of Jeremiah not being able to hold it in! It makes me smile that your cup is so full and overflowing that you make it to Tuesday’s lesson (on a good day). It just goes to show the richness of God’s Word.

God bless the Come and Reason Team from our church here in Great Britain.

Andrew H., Great Britain