175. More On Anxiety and Fear

In episode 175, I dive deeper into the topics of anxiety and fear. As we approach the Halloween season, I reflect on how fear and anxiety are not inherently bad emotions - in fact, we often seek them out through spooky movies, haunted houses, and other thrilling experiences. However, I acknowledge that unprocessed anxiety can escalate into more debilitating emotions like panic and terror. I share a message I received from a concerned parent, whose son is struggling with anxiety but is hesitant to open up to his church leaders about it, fearing they may see it as disqualifying him from serving a mission. I emphasize that anxiety is a normal human emotion, not an illness, and that we need to do a better job of normalizing these feelings, especially for youth and young adults. Leaders and loved ones should create safe spaces for people to be honest about their fears and anxieties, offering support instead of judgment. Ultimately, I encourage listeners to look to Christ, who can provide the courage to face our doubts and fears, even if He doesn't immediately take them away. By relying on the Savior's plan and Atonement, we can navigate our very human emotions with more self-compassion and resilience. As always, if you found this episode helpful, I want to invite you to subscribe if you aren't already, share this episode with your friends and missionaries you know, and write a review. I know this work will help LDS missionaries around the world and it would mean so much to me if you did. Until next week my friends.   Website | Instagram | Facebook   Get the Full Show Notes and Text/PDF Transcripts: HERE   Free PDF Download:  Podcast Roadmap   Free PDF Download:  Preparing Missionary Cheat Sheet   Free Training for Preparing Missionaries:  Change Your Mission with this One Tool   RM Transition Free Video Series:  3 Tools to Help RMs in Their Transition Home   Free Guide:  5 Tips to Help Any Returning Missionary   Schedule a Free Strategy Call:   Click Here