Dealing with phobia&anxiety - prayer request

[Annunciata]

Shelby Grace:

I’m sorry for everyone who deals with phobias, panic and anxiety disorders…
…The reason I tell this is to share the fact that distraction and laughing seems to help me overcome them before they get out of hand.
Good luck to all on these problems.

Wow SG! I never did go to the hospital and I’ve been having panic attacks for over 40 years now.
I went to a support group years ago where “Behavioral Therapy” was used…I learned “thought switching” and “diaphramic breathing”…these are the things that help me most to get a grip on the situation… I medicate sometimes and of course I always pray… “Offering it up” is my best medicine! I think just knowing that I’m not going to die and using these little tools I’ve been able to cope and live a relativly normal life.
Annunciata:whacky:

 

[bapcathluth]

I would really like to learn these behavioral therapy techniques. I am on Zoloft and would like to get off it. It makes me tired and I am gaining weight. I haven’t had a panic attack though and for that I am thankful.

Shelby your story was very funny. I went to the hospital more than once. I really thought I was dying. I am also not the type to get these. I was always very adventurous. It is hereditary.

 

[Annunciata]

bapcathluth:

I would really like to learn these behavioral therapy techniques. I am on Zoloft and would like to get off it. It makes me tired and I am gaining weight. I haven’t had a panic attack though and for that I am thankful.
…

I have read numerous books over the years on the subject and have had counseling. I would suggest that you get a hold of a good Catholic/Christian therapist to decide your course and don’t just go off your medication on your own!

As far as techniques go, see what you and your therapist come up w/ that will work for you. Diaphramic breathing helps you regulate shallow breathing which cause the hyperventilation. I was trained to imagine that I had a book on my stomach and was trying to push it off.

Thought switching: Try to figure out the thoughts that will calm you. I had a series of index cards w/ Biblical passages, i.e. 23rd Psalm, 91st Psalm… Teresa of Avila’s “ Let nothing frighten you, let nothing disturb you, everything passes but God”, etc., etc. And, of course my beautiful Rosary—biggest help ever for me.

Hope this helps.

God Bless,

Annunciata

 

[bapcathluth]

Thank you, Annunciata. I have a friend who is a psychologist and she uses biofeedback with her patients very successfully she says, but I don’t want to go to her since I know her personally. I will check out your suggestions.

 

[Mummybee]

well, it happened. my baby came down with a tummy bug last night, and i fell apart. had to have my sister come over to help w/baby (hubby had his hands full w/me & kids). please pray for me!!! terror like this is indescribable. it triggers so many other fears, too. (will i get it, other daughter get it, hubby get it…)

please beg God to heal me. please. :crying:

 

[jarg1946]

I know what you are going through. I had anxiety attacks (agoraphobia) for 22 years on and off. My doctor would help me for a bit and then they would come back. Over and over that happened. Then finally…

The Blessed Mother put all of this at my fingertips through a petition I sent with a friend on pilgrimage. The first petition I sent was a weak cry for help. The second one was a specific prayer for what I needed and She heard and answered through Her most precious Son, Our Lord Jesus!

Then one day I prayed to God to help me find someone who could help me with my fears. He did! He was a therapist who specialized in changing the way you think. Then he sent me to a psychiatrist who put me on a drug that stopped the attacks. I’m serious.

Prayer is your most important way out of this fear. The Rosary is a weapon that is so powerful I don’t have any words to explain it. It chases that feeling away and a wonderful peace covers you.

God has chosen to put doctors in our path to help Him help us. So we must avail of them and the drugs that are out there to help us through this. I don’t like taking the drug I take and yes there has been weight gain and less sexual drive. But I am blessed to not be stuck in my home fearing everything in the world outside. Changing your thoughts are a big part of this. So Cognitive Therapy is a plus. But you are stronger than you realize. Anyone who goes through this has lost the realization that your strength is what keeps you going and keeps you seeking help. God Most Holy Father, Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit, Blessed Mother Mary, and all the saints and angels are working with you. All you have to do is let them in all the way to bring knowledge to your door. They are there already they just want you to let them work for you.

May God Bless you in your journey to freedom of fear!

Jo Anne

 

[Convert_in_99]

Does anyone else here struggle with a legitimate (diagnosed) phobia and/or anxiety disorder? I am a (relatively ) normal person, but I have a phobia of vomiting (others, myself, anybody) that can send me into a tailspin of obsessive thoughts and panic attacks. When at it’s worst, it leaves me a weeping, useless heap of jelly, with my loved ones powerless and perplexed about how to help me. I take an anit-depressant/anti-anxiety medication, which helps me to cope a bit better, but I know the problem will never leave unil I successfully address it spiritually. I’ve gone to therapy (EMDR therapy, specifically, which is another thread altogether) and prayed and prayed and prayed about it, and also asked God to heal me of this. At this time of year, with flu bugs running amuck, I struggle with this the most. Flu season started early in these parts this year; my husband and one of my daughters have already had a stomach bug already. Anyway, I just wanted to know if anyone else out there struggles with a phobia or anxiety, and how they deal with it spiritually. In theory, abundant faith should cure any anxiety, right? At some point, some people do need help, though. Any (name removed by moderator)ut and/or prayers would be most appreciated!

Prayers for you during this trying time. I, too, struggle with anxiety and it can get severe at times. I also have a fear of vomiting. I used to fear it SO much as a child/teen. I think having neices/nephews who kept giving me the stomach flu helped me get over it some. I DO know what you are going through and you are in my prayers!

 

[Catherine_Grant]

This thread is over two years old and is now veering into medical advice and treatment options, banned topics here at CAF.

Please take this opportunity to review the banned topics sticky at the top of the Prayer Intentions and Spirituality forums.

Thank you to all who participated. This thread is now closed.