Those are the words of local author Caris Snider when speaking out about anxiety. Anxiety impacts the lives of over 40 million people in America alone. The majority of those developed symptoms before their 21st birthday. Unfortunately, many folks like Caris are unwilling to admit they need help.
Caris Snider is like many of us in the sense that she always appears to be happy-go-lucky on the outside, but in reality, she has the same daily struggles that we all face at some point in our lives. “I will say this….depression, I have been there….anxiety, yep, there too….fear, pain, shame, failure, being told you are not enough, feeling not enough, wanting to leave this world, wondering if I had let God down, feeling hopeless, worthless, purposeless…all those things are part of my story. I’m sure at least one of these has found its way into your story,” said Caris.
One day Caris was talking with a friend and was asked how she was doing. Out of left field, Caris said, NOT GOOD. At that moment, it hit her like a brick wall. She just admitted that she was struggling. Caris had been suffering from anxiety and depression while trying with all she had to please others and be strong for her family, friends, and the worldly view of herself. What she hadn’t figured out was that for her to fix the problem, she first had to admit there was a problem. “Finally, it was like a weight lifted off my shoulders. Ironically, my friends had been struggling with issues also.” Caris went on to say, “I had a miscarriage in 2011. I hit rock bottom, and the depression was taking over my life. The thoughts of fear, pain, shame, and failure went through my mind. I wanted to leave this world. I tried for years to be happy on the outside, but inside, I was struggling.”
Caris loves to speak, sing, write and has a passion for helping others even through her struggles in life. After many hours of prayer and talking with her family and God, she knew she had to write a book and give others the same hope that she endured. The hope and love of Jesus Christ.
Caris published her first book/devotional titled ‘Anxiety Elephants: A 31-Day Devotional To Help Stomp Out Your Anxiety,’ in December of 2019. The book was designed to give you hope and tools to overcome the anxiety that rips your life apart. Caris did it. She did her part in helping. However, there was one problem, her work wasn’t finished just yet. Caris was inspired by her daughters, Zoe and Allye Grace, to write another book. Still about anxiety but one that tweens could relate to their lives.
The wait is nearly over. ‘Anxiety Elephants for Tweens’ is coming March 1st, 2022. As many preorders have been placed, the latest book has become popular in Cullman and across the United States. Yates-Chance Christian Bookstore, Monograms Plus, and Ave Maria Grotto will locally carry the newly released book starting March 1st. In addition, Caris will be hosting a launch party at Frios in the Warehouse District from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. on March 1st for anyone wanting their book signed. Yates-Chance Christian Bookstore will have another opportunity to meet Caris and get your book signed on March 3rd from 3 p.m. until 5:30 p.m.
Many people face battles daily. We are all likely to struggle with something in our lives. The first step to fixing an issue in your life is admitting you have a problem. Some of the happiest people in the world are also some of the saddest on the inside. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And He has put a new song in my mouth, a praise unto our God.
Many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.
Psalms 40:1-3
