Mitigating a Meltdown

I’m have been on the verge of a meltdown for the last few weeks. Appropriate for a hot mess I guess, and menopause doesn’t help – just sayin’. But there have been some unusual things going on – COVID, crazy election, full moon on Halloween, time change, storm and power outage to name a few. It definitely has been a stressful time and I, for one, am not managing it all that well.

I like Max Lucado’s definition of anxiety. He describes it as a low-grade fear. An edginess, a dread. A cold wind that won’t stop howling. A meteor shower of what-ifs. That pretty much hits the nail on the head for what I’m feeling. And I’m pretty sure I’m not alone. Excessive anxiety can most certainly lead to a meltdown and I have been teeter-tottering on the edge.

We aren’t the first generation to struggle with anxiety. It goes way back. Adam and Eve must have been quite anxious when they heard God calling as they hid in the garden (Genesis 3:8). Noah likely felt anxious as he labored for years on an ark, as others likely mocked him (Genesis 6). David’s writings offer insight into his fragile state of heart and mind (Psalm 139:23). Mary (who was just a teenager) must have felt quite anxious thinking about the responsibility of giving birth to the Son of God (Luke 1:29).

Here are some things that you can do to help mitigate a meltdown.

Take care of yourself

• Maintain a routine as best you can
• Take time out for activities you enjoy
• Get out in nature
• Find ways to exercise and move your body
• Eat healthy
• Get enough sleep
• Avoid self-medicating with alcohol or other substances – whoops, I MAY have been drinking some wine here and there.
• Take up a relaxation practice

Trust in God

No matter who is President (and I personally am not too wild about our options), remember that Jesus is King! He knows what He is doing and He has this. Trusting in Him is our ultimate remedy.

Pray through it

This requires us to focus on God and shifts our attention from our earthly issues. Read and meditate on scripture and invite the Holy Spirit to work in your heart.

Seek community and help others

The body of Christ is meant to strengthen us when we’re weak, help us in times of need, and support us during difficult times.  Stay connected with people who care about you. Ask for help if you need it! Also, doing kind and helpful acts for others can help you regain a sense of control over your life—as well as adding meaning and purpose

Reflect on these Scriptures.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things. Whatever you have learned and received or heard from me – or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

Philippians 4:6-9

“The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? The Lord is with me; he is my helper.”

Psalm 118:6-7

“In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul.”  

Psalm 94:19

He’s got this ya’ll. Keep the faith and stay strong!