That Sunday Morning: A Battle with Anxiety

It was a cold Sunday morning, and I was getting ready to go to church. I was excited at the thought of being the lead vocalist for the worship session that day. I was over the moon, if there’s such a thing! My clothes were ironed, I was well-dressed like everyone else, and I just needed to add the final touch to my makeup. But then, as I caught sight of my reflection in the mirror, the image of standing in front of an audience struck me, and suddenly, I couldn’t breathe.

Just then, my sister stormed into my room, shouting my name, which brought me back to reality. She noticed my distressed expression and how sweaty I had become. Initially, I couldn’t speak, but knowing that she understood my anxiety (which often comes with panic attacks), she took the time to calm me down. She reminded me that I had already rehearsed successfully. With her encouragement, she urged me to gather courage and blow everyone away with my sonorous voice. Feeling slightly reassured, I joined my family, and we drove to church.

Sunday school went well, and when the service commenced, I felt a mix of anticipation and dread. A few minutes before the worship session, I rushed into the restroom for a final outfit check. I took a moment to inhale and exhale deeply, constantly reminding myself that I could do this.

When the General Secretary called on the choir, I quickly rushed back in to join the others. The worship began smoothly, and to my surprise, I felt amazed at what I was doing. However, I made the mistake of opening my eyes to check the atmosphere. In that moment, I spotted Mama Yetunde, our nosy neighbour, in the audience with the most disdainful look I had ever seen. Instantly, all the songs I had rehearsed vanished from my mind, and I felt completely blank.

The anxiety had been triggered by the fear of judgment and failure as I prepared to perform in front of others. Physically, my heart raced, my palms became clammy, and I felt an overwhelming sense of dread wash over me. My thoughts spiralled as I worried about disappointing not only myself but also those who believed in me.

To manage my anxiety during this moment, I focused on deep breathing techniques and positive affirmations. Reminding myself of how past successes helped ground me. Despite the challenges, I tried to shift my focus back to the music and the joy of worship rather than the fear of judgment.

Understanding Anxiety

Anxiety is more than just nervousness or worry. It’s an overwhelming sense of fear that can take hold of your mind and body, sometimes without warning. It often creeps in during important moments, like public speaking, job interviews, or even social interactions, making simple tasks feel daunting. While some level of anxiety is natural, excessive worry can interfere with daily life, making it difficult to function as you normally would.

Anxiety can manifest in various ways, from racing thoughts and difficulty concentrating to physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, sweating, dizziness, or even nausea. For some, like in the story above, it can trigger panic attacks, making it feel as though they are losing control. These moments can be terrifying, especially when faced alone, which is why having a strong support system is important.

One effective way to cope with anxiety is through grounding techniques, such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and focusing on the present moment. Seeking professional support, practicing relaxation techniques, and gradually exposing yourself to anxiety-provoking situations (believe it or not) can significantly improve how you handle anxious moments.

If you or someone you know struggles with anxiety, remember that it is okay to ask for help. You are not alone, and with time, patience, and the right strategies, anxiety can be managed, allowing you to thrive in situations that once felt impossible.

Featured Image by Lars Nissen from Pixabay