Living and Thriving with Anxiety

Summary In this episode, host Carole Leathem interviews Nichole Suvar about her experience with anxiety. Nichole shares her journey of living with undiagnosed anxiety and how getting a diagnosis helped her understand and address her struggles. She also discusses her ministry, The Intentional Life, which encourages people to intentionally seek out Jesus in every area of their lives. The conversation highlights the importance of normalizing mental health issues and having open and transparent discussions about anxiety and depression. The conversation explores the topics of mental illness, struggling with anxiety, and the impact of technology on anxiety levels. It emphasizes the importance of removing shame and normalizing mental illness, as well as the need for support and understanding from loved ones. The conversation also touches on the concept of intentional living for caretakers and the importance of self-care. Takeaways: Anxiety can be overwhelming and affect every aspect of life, but it can also be managed through intentional living and seeking help. Getting a diagnosis for anxiety can help remove shame and provide a better understanding of the condition. Separating faith from the biological aspects of anxiety can help in addressing and managing the condition effectively. Normalizing mental health issues and having open conversations about anxiety and depression is crucial in supporting individuals who struggle with these conditions. Mental illness should not disqualify someone or make them feel unworthy. Struggling with anxiety does not mean you are not loved by God or that you are not needed. When supporting someone who is struggling with anxiety, avoid phrases like 'just calm down' and instead listen empathetically and offer support. The increase in anxiety may be attributed to the prevalence of phones, technology, and high-speed internet, which can lead to a lack of face-to-face connection and a constant influx of information. An intentional life for a caretaker involves recognizing the temporal and eternal aspects of their caregiving, reconnecting with an eternal perspective, and refocusing their intention with God in mind. Self-care for caretakers should be nurturing rather than numbing, and can include activities like taking walks, drinking water, and slowing down to communicate safety to oneself. Understanding Anxiety: The Power of a Diagnosis The Intentional Life: Seeking Jesus in Every Moment Nurturing Self-Care for Caretakers. The Impact of Technology on Anxiety. Chapters: 00:00 Living with Anxiety: Nicole's Journey of Intentional Living 08:08 Understanding Anxiety: The Power of a Diagnosis 15:26 The Intentional Life: Seeking Jesus in Every Moment 21:49 Removing Shame and Normalizing Mental Illness 25:30 Supporting Someone Struggling with Anxiety 29:22 The Impact of Technology on Anxiety 33:32 Living an Intentional Life as a Caretaker 36:37 Nurturing Self-Care for Caretakers Connect with Nichole: Website: https://livewithintent.org/ Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/mrs_nichole_suvar/ Connect with Carole: Website - https://www.thecaretakersjourney.com/ Social Media -  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/carolesjourney/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/carolesjourney Book - https://www.carolesjourney.com/book