First off this is not a blog about popping literal pimples but instead, it is something I use as a metaphor for anxiety. To be honest I really don’t like pimples and I am not a fan of popping pimples or watching them pop on others. I don’t understand the show Dr. Pimple popper. Maybe you like it and can explain to me why it’s interesting but for me, I am grossed out by it. You might be saying, “Megan, if popping pimples grosses you out so much, why would you choose this as a metaphor for anxiety?” Well, I’ll tell you, that is because it really is the best example for this and let me explain why. A little disclaimer if you are squeamish you might want to skip the next paragraph, if not continue on reading.
A pimple lies under the skin and sometimes we don’t know it’s there until we see a whitehead or blackhead push its way through our skin. That is exactly like our anxiety. It lies underneath the surface and we don’t recognize it until it reveals itself. When we first recognize our anxiety we can place it on the back burner thinking it’s not a big deal. Just like if we don’t initially treat pimples that start to pop up through the skin. As anyone who has dealt with ance you realize you need to treat it at the first signs because if left untreated it will continue to grow. When the dirt and grime that is filling the pimple grows and pushes out through the skin even more so, the pimple becomes larger and larger until it cannot hold it in any longer and it pops. When you use this analogy the same can be said for anxiety if you don’t take steps to help at the first sign of your anxiety and it will continue to grow. From experience, as the anxiety builds up inside of you, even the smallest triggers can be the cherry on top that will cause your anxiety “pimple” to pop. This is not good for anyone.
Becoming aware of what the first signs are and your own anxiety triggers is key to keeping your anxiety pimple from popping. I have had those moments when I pushed everything down deep inside of me and thinking it wasn’t a big deal I pressed on with my daily life. Until one day when the smallest thing set me over the edge into a full-blown anxiety attack. I don’t recommend it. Looking back I can see where those triggers were and what caused the biggest part of my anxiety. I use what I have learned over the past few years; so that I don’t get to that breaking point again.
Moral of the story: Don’t let your anxiety become a pimple and reach its popping point.
I pray that this blog today was an encouragement to you and can help in your daily life. Always know I am available to pray with you or just be someone to talk to when life gets hard. E-mail me at megan@churchanywhere.us if you need prayer!
Talk to you next Monday!