anxiety epidemic

Seriously…I really do feel like there is one.
Even though, I never lived it, I miss the Good Ol’ Days.
I feel like we are so overworked. So overstimulated.
We have so much access to information that we get overwhelmed.
We are required by others, but most often by ourselves, to wear as many hats as we can. To be all things to all people.  
The pressure we feel, the celebrities we’re up against, the impossible state of “perfection” most are striving to achieve.  
We don’t really know how to relax. How to unwind. How to connect.
Don’t get me wrong, I love technology. I adore my Mac. But, there are days I wish I could go back to the time of Little House on the Prairie.
Did they even have anxiety back then?  
The thing is, I don’t want to give up my Mac. Or my Blog. Or my access to information on the web.
So, how do we stop this Anxiety Epidemic? How do we keep things simple like the Good Ol’ Days, but still keep to the ways of Today?
I get caught up in thinking.  Too much thinking.  And instead I need to stop and pray.
My prayer, every day, is for all of us who struggle with this, that we will never see the ugly face of anxiety again.  That we can all find a way to take a deep breath.  Slow down.  Relax.  And somehow find a way to escape this awful epidemic.  
Thinking is good, but the first step should always be prayer.
© 2009 “Le Musings of Moi”
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Comments

  1. slow down? relax? what’s that? it’s been too long since i’ve done either!

  2. What a beautiful post. I wouldn’t want to give up any of those things, either, but it sure would be something else to live in the “Little House on the Prairie” days just to see what it was like. I’m guessing anxiety has always been around, but I agree with you – I don’t think it’s ever been like THIS. It’s just everywhere. The majority of the patients that I see at the hospital have anxiety and depression in their medical history. Once I saw how prevalent those things were, it just floored me.

  3. I also wrote about anxiety! Freaky deaky.

    This was beautifully written!

  4. Great post. It’s all about balance, I think it is important to step away from all the information and technology and experience nature and people. I’m not saying turn your back on all things current, burn all your belongings and hug a tree. But like you, I think it is important to truly assess what is important, or what should be important, our priorities need to be in balance and prayer is a perfect way to settle all your thoughts and things to do 🙂

  5. I agree.. and you are one of the few that wrote on prayer, in a positive way.

    Prayer is a touchy subject it seems.

  6. I think I’d go into technological anaphylactic shock or something.

  7. It’s how I start and end every day and I sprinkle it in throughout as well. Beautiful post.

  8. there’s nothing like hugging a tree to calm anxiety :).

  9. yes, they did have anxiety in those days. remember when nelly olsen tried to steal almanzo from laura?

    summer, this is a great post. one i really needed to read. letting go of control is a major step in reducing anxiety and it is HARD for me to do.

    good job, little lady!

  10. I hear you … sometimes you just need to unplug, walk away from everything and find a quiet place inside to sort out all the noise of life.

    And if I had a Mac, you would never be able to pry it out of my hands.

    And you know … they didn’t have indoor plumbing back on Little House. So maybe you might want to take modern plumbing with you too!

    Great post (as always).

  11. I think anxiety has always been around and always will be. Finding a peaceful, personal space certainly helps one deal with it. Whether that space is prayer or a time out with nature, sharing love with a friend or family member, or
    simply doing something that makes you happy in a heartfelt sort of way, the search for that peace is part of the human condition. Prayer certainly helps to develop perspective and to cope; and it really calms us to know that Someone exists to help shoulder your burden

  12. Nicely done!
    Balance between technology and simplicity… hmmm.

  13. I like to take a technology break every once in awhile. Does a lot for the soul, and stress takes a back seat for a bit.

  14. Oddly enough… my computer and the internet… especially the blogs I read…Are my break from having to be everything for everyone. My anxiety levels are outrageous and usually my own personal fault… I tend to over think and over analyze and over everything… it is nice to know I am not the only one!

  15. Thanks for a great post! I agree with you 🙂

  16. So well said. How are we suppose to stop with the whole world right at our finger tips?

  17. Beautiful! I love how silly you are, and when you write something like this I am in awe. Great job!

  18. Prayer helps. Focusing on other people beside ourself helps.

    Lexapro helps. 🙂

    NO seriously. That was a beautiful post. I wouldn’t give up any of my technology! And I think that in every time period people have had their fair share of worries.

    Prayer really makes a difference.

  19. I wonder if I have anxiety and I just don’t realize that’s what it is.

    I think I need drugs.

    And I think you’re totally right. People are so strung out these days. Too much to do and worry about. It’s funny though because if you go to Hawaii things slow WAAY down. I feel like I need ridalin when we go there.

    I loved this!

  20. This is a great post!
    If only it were that simple to just slow down and relax. But I think we, as women, are expected to do more with raising a family, being housekeepers and doing more than we get paid for at work. If anyone knows how to balance that out, please let me know! 🙂

  21. I loved your post. I love your blog. It is so beautiful! Lovely. I am so glad I came over to visit today!

  22. Beautiful post! I think about the same thing. I’ve been trying to figure out how to find a balance. Thanks for the inspiration. And the reminder to pray about it. 🙂

    Stoppin by from Mama Kat’s.

  23. I’m with you on the good old days. . .but do we have to go clear back to little house on the prairie? I’m thinking life was kind of rough there with all that manual labor and fear of crop failure and no good doctors for illness or injury. But maybe I am over thinking things. Simpler sounds very good about now–and I am praying for less stress continuously!

  24. Hey there Summer! Hope you are having a wonderful day….found your blog through the UBP and wanted to say hi!

    Looking forward to reading more…

    Blessings and Happy Friday!

    -Summer

  25. I posted something very similar to this. Just don’t give up the Mac. They rock.