M
momfromwi
Guest
I too struggle with terrible anxiety. If this is clearly an anxiety situation, you may try to change things up a bit: sit in a different section of the church–maybe near the wall, at the end of the pew, or up in the front row, where the only way you would know someone is looking at you, is if you looked back, or maybe the back row would be good. Perhaps this isn’t the right Catholic church for you. Maybe a larger, more diverse congregation would make things better. And as you probably know, the best way to prevent a panic attack is to not think about having one!
The Catholic church I was attending was very serious and solemn, but that also seems to be part of the Catholic religion–all the churches I have visited have been like that. I was going through RCIA and have put it on hold for several reasons, one being that the two churches I tried were extremely unfriendly. I even saw the deacon yell at an elderly man for no good reason. I stay in my seat during communion, as I must, and I have caught many people staring/glaring at me, almost like I am not welcome there. I don’t understand this and it is not my anxiety or me being paranoid. It could just be coincidence and bad luck, but my nerves and I had enough.
I grew up in a Protestant church. It was serious and respectful towards the Lord, yet the people were very friendly and always made everyone feel welcome, just as God would. For me, that is where I feel at home right now.
I’m not trying to say anything negative about being Catholic, but you should know there is a seriousness that goes along with it and you may need to try different techniques to keep your anxiety at bay in a place with that type of atmosphere.
And you ARE good enough. You are perfect because God created you!
Peace and blessings!
The Catholic church I was attending was very serious and solemn, but that also seems to be part of the Catholic religion–all the churches I have visited have been like that. I was going through RCIA and have put it on hold for several reasons, one being that the two churches I tried were extremely unfriendly. I even saw the deacon yell at an elderly man for no good reason. I stay in my seat during communion, as I must, and I have caught many people staring/glaring at me, almost like I am not welcome there. I don’t understand this and it is not my anxiety or me being paranoid. It could just be coincidence and bad luck, but my nerves and I had enough.
I grew up in a Protestant church. It was serious and respectful towards the Lord, yet the people were very friendly and always made everyone feel welcome, just as God would. For me, that is where I feel at home right now.
I’m not trying to say anything negative about being Catholic, but you should know there is a seriousness that goes along with it and you may need to try different techniques to keep your anxiety at bay in a place with that type of atmosphere.
And you ARE good enough. You are perfect because God created you!
Peace and blessings!