Gene Van Son on Overcoming Anxiety in 2019

"Just about everyone experiences some anxiety from time to time. But today instead of saying we are 'feeling anxious' we say we are 'stressed' or 'stressed out.'

"It's okay to feel 'stressed out' once in a while. Stress happens.  In 1988 singer/songwriter Bobby McFerrin advised the world not to dwell on it.  In his Grammy Award-winning song he said: 'Don’t Worry, Be Happy.' Of course, that's often easier said than done.

"But while it is okay to feel stressed, apparently it's no longer okay to say 'I'm feeling anxious.'  And it's really not okay to say 'I'm experiencing some anxiety.' This is because stress is considered a short-term reaction to something, whereas anxiety is now considered a sustained mental health disorder.

"If you think this sounds a little bit like psycho-babble you are not alone. 'Feeling stressed' is okay but 'feeling anxious' means you have a mental health disorder?  Gimme a break.  Stress and anxiety are one in the same.  But what's more worrisome than such semantic nitpicking is that anxiety seems to be running rampant these days."

In a recent commentary, writer Gene Van Son reflected on some ways one can overcome anxiety.

To access Mr. Van Son's complete post, please visit:

Catholic Stand: A Short Catechesis Course for Overcoming Anxiety in 2019 (9 JAN 19)