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Religion, Anxiety and Panic Attacks
I have recently benefited greatly from buying and using The Linden Method and I admired its concise and unambiguous approach. Whilst I was trying (anxiously) to decide whether or not to buy it, I sought reassurance from the help-line counselors over the exact nature of the programme.
As a committed Christian, I wanted to be assured and subsequently reassured that there were no malign philosophies, cults or quasi-religious organisations hiding behind the method and no 'new age' stuff!
I actually met Charles Linden while acquiring the programme and he gave me appropriate assurances that I need have no worries on that score. He described it as religion-free, in order to make the programme accessible to all.
However, for those interested, I would like to affirm the programme more positively from a Christian perspective. I do this as an encouragement to anxious Christians of whom, according to Charles Linden, there are many! I think the Linden Method worked very well for me and I give it my support.
My support is based on the following reasoning:
It doesn't claim to be any more than it is - an extremely effective anxiety management programme.
Anxiety management is a worthwhile and entirely scriptural aim.
Without going deeply into the theology I would make the following points backed up by a few words of scripture:
There are numerous examples in the Bible of God or His agents telling people not to worry, not to be afraid, not to be anxious, not to be troubled but to do something else (i.e. trust in God.) It's very understandable that we worry, but God doesn't condone it.
As an example Philippians 4 v 6-8 tells us not to be anxious but to switch our thinking to other things. This is exactly what the Linden Method encourages.
Jesus enjoins people not to let their hearts be troubled, making it quite clear that we have control.
2 Corinthians 10 v 5 tells us to "take captive every thought to make it obedient" again stressing our responsibility to think right!
2 Peter 3 v 1 talks of being "stimulated to wholesome thinking. "I think that is an excellent description of what the Linden Method does, within its specialist field of anxiety management
You are welcome to use these thoughts to show to others. In summary, I believe the Linden Method to be Christian-friendly and readily adaptable in small ways to accommodate any specific beliefs or to use more personal wording in certain sections.
With best wishes and warm regards,
Jeremy Clare
Religion can cause both positive and negative emotion. Some find it to be the solution to every problem, others find religion to be the source of anxiety and distress. The internal dialogue regarding life, religion, judgment and sin can be too much for many people and may cause anxiety and in some cases panic attacks and other anxiety-related disorders.
It is important to acknowledge that some people are negatively affected by religion. Many 'healthy' people are able to remain mentally calm about religion, but for anxiety sufferers it can be unsettling. Sometimes, our clients report becoming obsessed with their religion, to a point far beyond what that religion would advise.
This happens because anxiety and panic attacks sufferers worry about the things which are most important to them like the loss of loved ones, their health etc. For deeply religious people, faith is paramount, so they worry about it!
Some people join groups founded on the basis of religion, which are unhealthy - such as those that focus on death, the end of the world and such things. Is it any wonder that their more sensitive followers suffer with anxiety or panic attacks?
Some people become anxious because they believe that being anxious about their religion means that they are somehow giving all of themselves to the faith and that 'at least they are trying' and that must mean something; almost like paying penance.
Religion is not something that judges you, so it is important to realise that whether you are an anxiety and panic attacks sufferer who happens to have those conditions or whether you have become anxious as a result of concerns about your religion, the religion itself is not the most important factor. The most important thing is to address your anxiety at its core... and that's physical!
If you are involved in a religion which causes you anxiety, you must get out. Sure, that may have short-term repercussions. However, it is better to face repercussions, than years of anxiety and panic attacks in the name of a religion.
Any religion that causes YOU harm is not worthy of having you as a member!
Your personal calling is to do the best you can for yourself and others, immersing yourself in anxiety and panic attacks isn't doing you, or your loved ones, any favours.
The Linden Method is fast and has no religious links or references. It's plain, simple and practical advice about how you can free yourself of of anxiety and panic attacks right now!
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- The Linden Method Manual - Simple to read, understand and implement
- The Linden Method Audio - Powerful, relaxing sound tracks
- The Linden Method Video - Targeted anxiety relief and reassurance
- Advice and support from qualified and experienced specialists
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