Five tips for dealing with anxiety as a Black Christian woman
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3 minute read
Shannel Grantis an undergraduate student at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David with a keen interest in the relationship between Faith and Mental Health.
Shannel explores how and why coping with anxiety as a Black Christian woman has its unique challenges and her tips for managing it.
Anxiety is a commonality in our society today that can affect anyone.
As a Black Christian woman, I discovered the challenges associated with anxiety can be intensified due to the pressures of the religious community and from negative perceptions that are formed within social and cultural spaces.
Part of the difficulty in addressing anxiety within religious spaces is based on the lack of discussions about mental health difficulties, and its impact on our lives. Many of us face similar anxious thoughts:, whether it is concerning our grades, our finances or what to do with our lives after graduating from university. Being able to discuss these concerns within an environment that is often held as important to us can ease the burden on our shoulders and help to facilitate discussions of our issues.
As a believer whose faith has been the cornerstone of her life, there were instances where I felt like I did not measure up to the standard that was required of me, and that the presence of my mental health difficulties meant that I was not worthy to be called a Christian. These thoughts made it harder for me to share my struggles with anxiety and to be compassionate with myself.
By incorporating both practical and faith-based tools, I am able to overcome my challenges, and be more understanding with myself.
Five tips for dealing with anxiety as a Black Christian woman:
1. Be open and honest with yourself
Nothing is wrong with you. Understand that you are no less of a believer because you struggle with your mental health. Comparing yourself with others will only intensify feelings of anxiety and encourage insecurity. Be compassionate with who you are and where you are in your journey. Denial will only intensify feelings of stress, while honesty can provide peace and clarity as you take care of your mental health.
2. Know when to seek help
Anxiety can make it very difficult to concentrate on a task as it leaves you in a state of analysis-paralysis and overthinking. Your family and your peers may not understand your experience or be equipped to handle it. If it is becoming difficult for you to complete simple tasks or finish assignments, then this is a good place to seek professional help for your anxiety. A licensed mental health professional can help you to come up with safety plans and provide tools and strategies that can help you find the root cause of your anxiety. There is also the option of pastoral support and counselling from a professional who shares your faith and applies it to their approach.
It can be very easy to desire to be left alone when feeling anxious. However, being a part of a community can help with feeling valued and cared for which significantly decreases anxious thoughts. Surrounding yourself with reliable friends, church members and family can provide encouragement and help alleviate feelings of stress. Having a support system that can pray and worship with you can provide peace and strength.
Understand that this season doesn’t define your life
Sometimes anxiety can feel like you are stuck in a ‘rabbit hole’ or in a never-ending cycle. Due to this, it becomes easy to believe that this will always be your life. However, it is important to remember that it is just a season, and it does not define your entire life. Difficult seasons will fade away, and you will be able to find peace amidst the storm.
Keep a Journal
One of the most beneficial ways of dealing with anxiety that has helped me is journaling. This has provided an outlet for my anxious thoughts, worries and fears as I usually turn them into prayers and hand it over to God who knows all things and has the final say. Writing down your feelings can provide clarity and make it easier to manage anxiety. Also, being able to look back at your writings and see how far you’ve come can be a great source of comfort and encouragement.
Remember, having a mental health difficulty does not define who you are. It does not make you less than, nor does it take away from your value as a person. You still matter irrespective of it, and most importantly, you are not alone. By leaning on your faith, remembering that compassion must include self-compassion, seeking support, and journaling, you can navigate through these challenges with God’s grace and guidance.
