Too much stuff can lead to hoarding.
A recent article in a popular magazine told a story of a person who decided to engage in “retail therapy.” She reported that her new habit was therapeutic in the fact that she experienced sheer joy when shopping. Eventually, this endeavor resulted in an 8 foot dining room table disappearing under a mountain of clothes, purses, and books. Eventually she stopped having friends over. She was too embarrassed.
Unfortunately, many of us can relate to this chain of events. There is an underlying tension in our lives that is temporarily satisfied by buying stuff. But the relief gives way to burden. Indicators show that the average household is overloaded with stuff. For middle-class Americans, it’s never been easier to feel consumed by consumption.
- Burdened by unexpected expenses?
- Concerned about how you will pay your monthly bills?
- Feel bombarded with too much stuff?
- Have a sense of being overwhelmed and over-complicated?
The more anxious we are, the more we’re inclined to accumulate stuff.
Overspending and accumulation of debt is like emotional eating and weight gain. They both can be fueled by a need to avoid stress and anxiety, but both provide only temporary relief. Studies show that shopping is connected to the release of dopamine in the brain, giving us a brief feeling of euphoria. In the end, these “quick fix” habits only make the problem worse.
Hoarding is an extreme example of a compulsive need to accumulate large amounts of what eventually becomes junk. Hoarding dramatically takes over entire households eventually creating an uninhabitable environment. Popular television shows document how this clinical disorder impairs a person’s life, and can even put someone at physical risk. In some tragic cases, those affected by Hoarding Disorder have lost their lives when crushed underneath collapsing piles of clutter.
Although the above example is quite extreme, anxiety driven lives can result in dysfunctional habits that significantly impact our ability to experience fulfillment and purpose in life. The key to resolving anxiety is first to end the “quick fix” habit. This can provide an opportunity to genuinely manage the problem. Consider this basic strategy for managing anxiety:
- Change Your Thinking Habits — read Philippians 4:8
- Detect Everyday Anxiety Triggers – keep a journal of daily hassles and their consequences. Small hassles are often the worst triggers.
- Be Patient – set goals to manage the everyday problems in a new way.
- Get support – develop a circle of friends who will encourage you.
Jesus tells His disciples… “Do not be worried about your life…But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will take care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own (Matthew 6:25 – 34).
The most important key to managing anxiety is to get started before it becomes chronic.
A lifestyle that is guided by the Holy Spirit and nurtured by His church is uniquely anxiety resistant. When dealing with anxiety, the church is the place to find healing, growth, and supportive relationships. This can be your first right step!
Is your anxiety getting out of control? Have people who care about you, noticed your anxiety? Freedom from anxiety is possible. Christian Counseling from Pittsburgh to Erie, Beaver to Johnstown, and all the points in between is available at Christian Counseling Associates. Our trained experts work with even the most severe forms of anxiety using specific, proven strategies that will help you get life back on track.
Has anxiety gotten a foothold in your life? Continue to read “Mind Matters” in the upcoming weeks for more information about how God’s design for our life can help. In our next installment, we will talk about panic attacks, a severe example of anxiety disorder.
