Anxiety

"Do not be anxious about anything; but in everything, let your requests be presented to God by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving." (Philippians 4:6) Jesus taught, "Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries." (Matthew 6:34) The Christian faith offers peace through trust in God. Anxiety is seen as a lack of faith, but treated with compassion. The practice of prayer turns concerns over to God, and the faith community offers support. Source ✤

"Certainly, with difficulty comes ease." (Quran 94:5-6) Islam teaches tawakkul (trust in Allah) as an antidote to anxiety. The believer recognizes that Allah controls all things and that trials are tests of faith. Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) calms the anxious heart. The Qur'an states: "Is it not with the remembrance of Allah that hearts are at ease?" (13:28) Source ✤

"Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind." (Yoga Sutras of Patanjali 1:2) Hinduism offers multiple approaches to anxiety: Yoga calms the mind through asanas, pranayama and meditation. The Bhagavad Gita teaches detachment from results (nishkama karma) as the path to peace. Krishna says to Arjuna: "Fix your mind on Me, be My devotee, offer Me worship, revere Me. Thus you will come to Me." (18:65) Source ✤

"The root of suffering is attachment." (Four Noble Truths) Buddhism teaches that anxiety arises from attachment and resistance to the present moment. The practice of mindfulness (sati) trains the mind to remain in the here-and-now, observing anxious thoughts without identifying with them. The Buddha said: "You must not grieve over what has passed, nor worry about what has not yet come." Source ✤

"At rest, be like a mountain; in movement, be like a river." (Tao Te Ching) Taoism teaches wuwei (non-action, natural flowing) as an antidote to anxiety. Resisting the natural flow of life creates tension. The wise accept changes like the seasons. Confucianism offers structure and ritual that provide stability. Knowing your place and duties reduces uncertainty. Source ✤

"Ogun gives strength, Oxóssi gives calm in the forest—each Orixá helps in its own way." (Candomblé saying) In the Yoruba and Afro-Brazilian view, anxiety is an imbalance of axé. Different Orixás help: Oxalá brings peace, Nanã calms, Iemanjá welcomes like a mother. In Umbanda, caboclos and pretos-velhos guide wisely. The terreiro is a welcoming space—no one faces problems alone. Consulting the buzios reveals paths, and ebós rebalance. Ancestors (Eguns) protect when honored. Source ✤

In African Traditional Religions, guidance on anxiety focuses on inner steadiness, awareness of emotion, and returning to calm attention. The tradition encourages observing the feeling without feeding it, then choosing a response aligned with clarity and care. The aim is to transform intensity into composure and wise action. Source ✤

"Fear disappears when you know God." (Guru Granth Sahib) Sikhism teaches that fear (bhau) is overcome through love for Waheguru. The Mulmantra declares that God is "nirbhau" (without fear) and "nirvair" (without enmity). By meditating on the divine Name, the devotee participates in this fearless nature. The sangat (community) offers support, and seva (service) takes the focus away from personal concerns. Source ✤

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God." (Isaiah 41:10) Judaism offers bitachon (trust in God) as a response to anxiety. The Psalms are filled with expressions of fear followed by affirmations of faith. Shabbat offers a weekly respite from the anxieties of work. The concept of hashgacha pratit (divine providence) teaches that God is present in every detail. Source ✤

"Be not grieved! Be not despairing!" (Bahá'u'lláh) The Bahá'í Faith teaches that trust in God (tawakkul) is the antidote to anxiety. Bahá'u'lláh assured believers that tests and difficulties are opportunities for soul growth. Daily prayer and meditation provide an anchor. When anxious, believers are encouraged to turn to divine writings and serve others. Source ✤

"Courage and wisdom are the best weapons against Angra Mainyu." (Zoroastrian tradition) Zoroastrianism teaches that anxiety can be an attack by Angra Mainyu (destructive spirit). The answer is to strengthen yourself in Asha (truth, righteousness) and maintain good thoughts, words and actions. The sacred fire symbolizes the light that dispels the darkness of fear. Source ✤

In Ancient Egyptian Religion, guidance on anxiety focuses on inner steadiness, awareness of emotion, and returning to calm attention. The tradition encourages observing the feeling without feeding it, then choosing a response aligned with clarity and care. The aim is to transform intensity into composure and wise action. Source ✤

In Sumerian Religion, guidance on anxiety focuses on inner steadiness, awareness of emotion, and returning to calm attention. The tradition encourages observing the feeling without feeding it, then choosing a response aligned with clarity and care. The aim is to transform intensity into composure and wise action. Source ✤

"The great gods determine destinies; the wise accept their lot." (Sumerian wisdom) The Sumerians believed that destinies were decreed by the gods. Anxiety about the future was mitigated by accepting what was determined and by seeking divine favor through prayers and offerings. The structure of the temple and rituals offered order in an uncertain world. Source ✤

"Horus protects against all evil; Isis protects her children." (Egyptian tradition) Ancient Egypt had protective gods for every aspect of life. Amulets, incantations, and rituals offered protection against physical and spiritual fears. Maat (cosmic order) guaranteed that chaos would not prevail. The afterlife offered hope that death was not the end. Source ✤