Saron Lutheran Church
Encourage each other with support and compassion
The goal of Saron's Mental Health Ministry is to provide mental health awareness information and resources to the Saron congregation and the community at large.
Saron’s Mental Health Ministry will explore a different topic each month.
This month’s topic is…
A Journey Through Quiet Fears
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline:
call, text, or chat 988
Mental Health & Addiction Connection line:
866-603-0016
Minnesota Warmline,
for a safe, anonymous, and confidential person to listen and help. Monday – Saturday 12 noon to 10pm: 651-288-0400 or text “support” to 85511
Parent Email
Warmline:
parent.resource@namimn.org. Find resources, answers to your questions, a support network, and you will know that you are not alone.
First Call for Help:
800-543-7709 or www.211unitedway.org, for questions about services, assistance, housing and other areas of need
Meet Hannah. Every Sunday, she sits quietly in
the back pew, heart racing, palms sweating
—not because she doesn’t want to be at church,
but because talking to others feels scary. She
longs to join Bible study or chat with friends after
the service, yet the fear of being judged or saying
the wrong thing holds her back. Even when she
wants to connect, the anxiety can feel like an
invisible wall.
Hannah’s story is more common than we often realize. Social anxiety can affect anyone—young or old, newcomer or lifelong member, at church, school, work, or even at home. It is more than just shyness. For many, it is a persistent fear of being judged, embarrassed, or rejected. Physical symptoms like shaking, sweating, racing heartbeat, or a queasy stomach often accompany the emotional experience, making social situations feel exhausting.
Understanding social anxiety is important, both for those experiencing it and for the community around them. People with social anxiety may:
· Avoid gatherings, meetings, or new experiences
· Struggle to speak up, even when they want to participate
· Overthink social interactions long after they happen
· Feel isolated, lonely, or misunderstood
While social anxiety can feel overwhelming, there is hope. Small steps matter. Greeting one person, attending a group prayer, or sharing your struggle with a trusted friend, mentor, or church leader can help build confidence over time. Professional counseling or therapy can also be an important resource, offering tools and strategies for managing anxiety in everyday life.
As a church family, we can make a difference by practicing patience, understanding, and gentle encouragement. Welcoming someone with kindness, offering reassurance, and inviting participation without pressure can help create spaces where everyone feels safe and valued.
Remember, you are not alone. God sees your heart, your fears, and your efforts. He loves you completely and walks with you through every anxious moment. There is strength in seeking support, and courage in taking even the smallest step toward connection.
