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Do you struggle with anxiety, or have a friend or family member who does? Check out this comprehensive list of resources – books, blogs, Scriptures, and more to help deal with anxiety and fear.
I am very proud of this post, because it is the compilation of many of my writings and the ones which have ministered to me in difficult times. If there are other resources that you think are helpful, please share in the comments! One thing I have learned in my 10+ years of dealing with anxiety on and off is that it is very common! Many more people than you would think have dealt with it and one time or another.
- Calm My Anxious Heart: A Woman’s Guide to Finding Contentment – It’s hard to find any woman, anywhere, who wouldn’t benefit from this book. I’ve done it as a group Bible study, and personally for reading. Christian-based resource that helps with general fear and worry.
- Healing Anxiety and Depression– this book is clinical in nature but also very practical. It was definitely a help to me.
- Change Your Brain, Change Your Life – by the same author as above, similar information. Loved both.
- A good counselor. So important. You can use this link to find a local Christian counselor recommended by Focus on the Family. My first preference would be word-of-mouth, though. I would probably ask my pastor or women’s ministry director for recommendations.
- The One About Anti-Depressants (by Jessica) – this was a little controversial, but I’m glad I wrote it.
- 20 Things To Do When You’re Anxious (by Jessica) – This is VERY helpful. A must read. This helped me so much.
- Overcoming Hopelessness Through Essential Oils – by the Confident Mom. I liked this lady’s take on oils and emotions.
- Rescue Remedy (20ml vial) – This is a homeopathic product I use and like. It’s not a magical cure for an all-out panic attack (for me anyways). But it is
- Eye Movement Desensitization Therapy (EMDR). This is a clinical process that quite honestly sounds a little odd (uses eye movements and sounds to reprogram the mind). The first time I heard about it, I was skeptical. Since then it’s been recommended to be by conservative pastors, elders, counselors and several friends. It is especially helpful if your stress arises from a certain triggers like trauma. But I think it can be helpful to most kinds of anxiety. If my anxiety rears its head again, I will utilize this therapy. You can locate a licensed EMDR clinician using this link.
- To The Mom Who Feels Depressed – I’ve learned that depression and anxiety are very closely linked. This is a post I wrote for The Humbled Homemaker that seemed to resonate with many.
- Dr. Oz’ Worry Cure and Diet Plan – For me, diet wasn’t the all-cure, but it definitely helped. I had to eat ENOUGH, for one thing! I like the sample foods in this article.
- For The Parents Who Worry About Their Kids – this post I wrote specifically addresses, from a Christian perspective, the mom-worries that can be overwhelming in parenting.
- Stress Free (Anti Anxiety) Synergy Pre-Diluted Essential Oil Roll-On – I haven’t used this, but I do use other oils in this budget-friendly line of essential oils. I am interested to try this, as it has terrific reviews.
Are there other resources you’d like to share? If you have specific questions, I would love to hear from you at jessicasmartt (at) gmail.com.
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Jamee says
I would highly recommend http://www.anxietybc.com for some terrific self help tools. They have suggestions for people of all ages. It is a secular site but I have not found it to contain anything anti-scriptural. I would especially recommend this pdf – http://www.anxietybc.com/sites/default/files/Managing_Obsessions.pdf
Amber Marland says
I’m struggling had with bipolar anxiety and depression I’ve waves of good days/bad days even weeks. There’s things I know I need to get done outside the house and I can’t even leave the couch. I’ve a 4 yr old son, I need help.
jessica says
Hi Amber, having a professional counselor as well as a doctor who prescribed medication was invaluable. I would urge you to see a doctor THIS WEEK. You are welcome to email me with further questions and to chat more. jessicasmartt at gmail.com
Tammy says
I had an anxiety attack many years ago. I went to the doctor and he put me on Paxil. I was on Paxil for 10 years. Big mistake. I wish I would have dug for alternative ways to deal with my anxiety besides prescription medication. It was a downward spiral after the paxil. Now I’m on kolonipan for anxiety. Very addictive drugs that just make the problem worse.
Tammy says
I would like to add that if a person would turn to scripture versus medications. The Bible is the cure. The Word of God. I would like to be a psychyitrist and keep people from going on anyidepessants and psychiatric drugs altogether. Read Romans 10:9. There’s where the healing power begins. Everyone can be blessed with a healing spiritually and physically. Just pray. Be patient and a healing will come.