In today’s episode, Andrea Bassett joins John and Jim again to talk about trauma, anxiety, and the damaging lies people tell themselves. Andrea unpacks practical pathways to successfully deal with these three challenges that threaten our well-being.

You can listen to this episode here.

You can watch the episode here.

Anxiety levels in our country are through the roof. What are some positive and practical steps a person suffering with anxiety can take?

1. Everybody experiences anxiety at some point in their life. Anxiety is worrying about and trying to control the future
2. Talk to a professional if it’s impacting you negatively
3. Identify the thought that is triggering your anxiety. Then identify all of the proof against that thought. Use Scripture to assist here
4. Practice relaxation techniques
5. Spend time in nature – this activity grounds you
6. Get your body moving

One of the areas you specialize in is recovery from trauma. What are some of the most helpful things a leader can do for someone in their organization who has suffered trauma?

1. Avoidance prolongs recovery – if fact the issue comes back worse than if it had been dealt with right away
2. Avoidance is morally injurious as well – victims of PTSD often feel like they are going to hell
3. Get them the proper type of help
4. Encourage them to not isolate themselves – reach out and talk with them
5. Help them to understand that their brain is reacting normally to the trauma they’ve experienced
6. They can change the story they tell themselves about their trauma

What are the most common lies that trip up people?

1. Most people believe they are unlovable
2. They feel they are not good enough
3. That their self-worth is based only on what others say about them

What practical tools are available to help us change unhealthy thought patterns?

1. See yourself as God does – you have intrinsic value because God created you
2. Find people who will listen to you and acknowledge your struggle
3. Changing our thought patterns requires both prayer and the examination of the blocks in your thinking process
4. Learning to forgive yourself – “I forgive myself for [insert the thought or behavior you’re struggling to forgive yourself] and then replace it with God’s truth about you
5. Find a coach or mentor and invite to help you process your thoughts