Attending Mass with terrible anxiety and panic disorder

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I love the Mass. I think about it all the time. Even while trying to fall asleep I listen to one online.

I see there are some threads on this, but I would like to hear how some who battle anxiety and panic disorder cope with going to Mass.

I’m usually ok once in the church, but an absolute basket case beforehand. As I get older I am terrified of social situations and crowds, and events I can’t control.

Up to a few years ago I was an acolyte, a lector and Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. For a while I’ve back off all three.

My pastor, a great guy, gives me great latitude, and knows I have this issue. He’s been beautiful in helping me rebuild my faith after many years of depression and anxiety.

Thanks!
 
I presume you’re getting treatment for this? Can your doctor or counselor suggest strategies to help?

I too used to have a lot of anxiety about going to Mass and about life in general. However, I did not have depression, my anxiety was relatively mild and I was able to clear up most of it myself by getting extra sleep and being cognizant of what I was eating and drinking. It still rears its head from time to time and I will have a bad day that I just have to get through and pray for a better one tomorrow.

Mass is not much of a problem for me anxiety-wise nowadays, simply because I go so much that it has become routine. If I’m not feeling well I will try to sit away from people if possible.
 
Last October I overcame a terrible addiction to Valium that really wrecked my system. I’ve been reluctant to try another med.
 
fair enough, typically quieter masses ehlp more, just do your best, it’s good tatyour priest is aware. God knows your heart, you have legitimate medical issues
 
I recommend finding a good psychiatrist (not your GP, and it takes trial and error to find a good psychiatrist), and try other meds. Not all anxiety meds are benzos, there are many non-addictive options you can at least try.
 
I’d start there. He may refer you to a neurologist like he did with me.
 
I share this cross with you!. no, not all anxiety is treatable by worldly means but there are things, meds, counseling, etc that help.
It is different each time I go to Mass, sometimes none other times severe. I just know if I can make it up near the altar and Jesus I will be ok. He will not allow more than we can bear, but I think this requires us becoming as infants. Surrendering, abandonment, completely dependent
just thought of a book I picked up in a thrift store. Peace Of Soul by Fulton J Sheen, 1946. Pg 16 begins the chapter The Philosophy Of Anxiety. A worthy read if you can find it.
And I just checked, it is available from book sellers!
 
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I had to overcome this myself. I spent months before I went to mass the first time, a big part of that was social anxiety.

However, keep in mind that you are not going to mass for other people, you are going there because of the Eucharist.
 
At times in my life I’ve had bouts of terrible anxiety, it really can be awful and affect life in so many ways. Are you on any medications at all? SNRI antidepressants can be wonderful for anxiety and are not addictive. They aren’t fast acting like valium but they balance you out over the long term…otherwise maybe one strategy you could use during mass would be to sit in the last row and on the end so that you are closer to an exit and not “stuck in the middle of a crowd”. Before mass and are anxious (during too if need be) try distracting yourself…counting backward from 100 or counting pocket change, etc. A lot of people say that grounding yourself helps a lot; focus on something you can see, hear, smell and taste. You could keep a handkerchief with you lightly scented with lavender essential oil (calming) for the smell and maybe a breath mint for taste. I hope you are able to find something that helps you and can get your life back. I will pray for you!
 
Praying for you! I would listen to your priest. I have the same problem with anxiety. What helped me the most is going to Daily Mass. Do you have someone to go with you to Mass? It may help having someone there to give you support.
 
I think the only time I get a little anxious is when I am receiving the sacrament. I have the fear of the priest or eucharistic minister missing my tongue with the bread or possibly dropping the cup of precious blood. My heart always pounds a little harder until after I am back safely in the pew.
But what a feeling to receive the sacrament!!!
 
God bless you. I dont have anxiety about mass but have had it about other things. What helped me is breaking down what specifically is causing it. You say you are a basketcase before but are usually ok in mass. So is it the journey there? walking in? etc. I am not meaning you should tell me/us…just think about what it is and what can make it less so. For instance if it is walking in when there are so many people in there and worrying about people looking at you as you walk in etc. then could you come earlier so there is less people in the church when you walk in or even be first in. Or could you practice this with quieter masses, like weekday masses or would that make it worse. How do you manage with going other places? the same? I presume you have tried CBT therapy or cant for some reason. It’s great that you still go.
 
Thank you all so much.

About 3.5 years ago I had a psychological breakdown requiring two hospital stays. One last October. I did conquer the Valium addiction.

Thankfully my whole life I’ve had priests who are awesome. My current pastor understands agoraphobia and me.

Thank you for your prayers and support.
 
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