Mental Health In The Proverbs: The Weight Of Anxiety Series

MENTAL HEALTH IN THE PROVERBS: THE WEIGHT OF ANXIETY

PROVERBS 12:25

#mentalhealth

READ PROVERBS 12:25 (ESV)

Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.

ILLUSTRATION… A WHOLE LOTTA NUMBERS

Globally, approximately 275 million people, or about 3.5% of the world population, were living with anxiety disorders in 2024. In 2024, anxiety levels among American adults are notably high, with 43% reporting feeling more anxious than the previous year. In 2024, this increase was partially attributed to stress related to national and world events, the economy, and the election (LAOP Center). In the United States, anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness, affecting over 40 million adults.

Among Specific Populations (US):

* Around 1 in 5 children aged 6-17 experience anxiety

* About 31.9% of adolescents aged 13-18 struggle with anxiety disorders

* A significant number of college students report struggling with their mental health, with 70% reporting mental health issues since starting college. Around 20% of college students experience serious psychological distress, and 35% are diagnosed with anxiety.

* Seniors: Approximately 15% of adults aged 65 and older experience anxiety.

* Gender: Women are nearly twice as likely as men to have anxiety disorders

* Native Americans have the highest prevalence of anxiety symptoms (68.67%)

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health conditions, affecting 19.1% of adults. Specific Types of Anxiety Disorders: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) affects about 6.8 million adults (3.1%), panic disorder affects 6 million (2.7%), social anxiety disorder (SAD) affects 15 million (7.1%), and specific phobias affect 19.3 million (9.1%).

Stress is a major contributor to anxiety, with 53% of adults citing its impact on their mental health. Current events like the economy (77%), the 2024 US election (73%), and gun violence (69%) are significant sources of anxiety. Lack of sufficient sleep (40%) also impacts mental health.

In summary, anxiety disorders are prevalent globally and in the US, affecting various demographics and increasing over time. Factors like stress, current events, and lack of sleep contribute to anxiety.

READ PROVERBS 12:25 (NIV2011)

Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.

The English word "anxiety" comes from the Latin word "ango," meaning "to constrict or narrow." This Latin root is related to other root words which give rise to words like "angst" (German) and "anxious" (English). In essence, the etymology of "anxiety" suggests a feeling of being constricted or tightened, which aligns with the physiological and psychological symptoms associated with anxiety. What may happen to and in a person, who is dealing with anxiety?

* Dizziness or lightheadedness, * Dry mouth, * Excessive sweating even in the absence of physical exertion, * Excessive worry and inability to concentrate, * Increased heart rate and restlessness

* Intrusive thoughts, * Irritability, * Muscle tension or aches, * Nausea, stomach aches, or diarrhea

* Sense of impending panic without a clear reason, * Shortness of breath or rapid breathing

* Sleep disturbances, * Trembling or shaking in the hands or legs

TRANSITION

As I was thinking about the topic of anxiety and praying over Proverbs 12:25, it occurred to me that the verse overall is a positive one. King Solomon says to us wisely that anxiety in a person’s heart is a weight, but a good word helps to lessen that weight. Do you see that? The verse is not difficult to understand. I also thought that while the verse is overall positive… the opposite… the negative… the unwise… is also true. Anxiety in a person’s heart is a weight, and a bad word increases the weight. What does that unwise-foolish-poor-negative reaction look like?

REACTING TO SOMEONE’S ANXIETY IN A FOOLISH MANNER

Reacting to someone’s anxiety in a foolish manner is easy to do:

A poor way to react to someone’s anxiety would be to dismiss their feelings or minimize what they are feeling. If I am honest, I think this is perhaps a ‘go-to’ bad reaction of mine. Saying things like: “Just calm down” or “You’re overreacting” or “It’s not a big deal” is not all that helpful and makes the person in front of you feel unheard, foolish, and alone.

A foolish way to react to someone’s anxiety would be to shame them for the way they are feeling. Saying things like: “You are being ridiculous” and “You are weak” is not helpful and only adds to the stress they feel.

An unwise way to react to someone’s anxiety would be to tell them exactly what they should do. Often, we give advice right away without listening which makes a person feel like they should not have shared in the first place. To someone with anxiety, we are making them feel even more unsafe.

A harmful way to react to someone’s anxiety would be to compare their struggle or issue with something else. Saying things like: “Well, at least you don’t have tooth decay” or “Other people have it worse.” While this is intended to offer perspective, it sorta ignores what is going on with the person right in front of you.