Open Conversation About Anxiety and Panic Attacks!

[Galilea]

When I first became a member of this forum, I came in asking for prayer about my anxiety. But to my surprise, even many prayer warriors have suffered or are still suffering from anxiety or panic attacks. So I’ve become curious, if this anxiety issue has been around for long, or is it now that is spreading like a virus? When I was growing up, the only person I knew with this issue was my grandma. She had to have her med before going to bed, or else she would not sleep. But on a daily basis she was always happy, very social, normal I guess. At the begining with me, I was really embarrased thinking, this was something weird, that I just had. But to my surprise the more I talk about it, the more people open up and tell me about their stuggle with it.
I used to be called, “The strong one in the family”. Whenever there were difficult news, I would be told first, and I would take everything with such ease. When I got married, I was willing to travel the world with my military DH. I would get in a plane, like I get in a car, I worked, I took the underground subway in NY with the same ease I took the bus, and “alone” that is. Today, I do not recognize “me”. I do not even drive the car down the street, I do not work, I have not taken a plane in four years, I get overwhelmed at mass if I do not have my medication.
But I am determined to overcome this thing! Even if I have to talk and talk my way out of it. I take my med., I walk, I meditate, I write gratitude journals, I push myself, I talk my way out of the anxiety sometimes.
So I would like other people, to write about how they handle their issues with this. If anyone has completely overcome them. If anyone knows any good research on this topic. (I know about Saint Dymphna, I joined the devotion ) If anyone knows how many of their friends or relatives have it? I know that as humans and christians, we are stronger than this thing, I just wish I knew exactly where to go in “me” and fix whatever got broken.
I’m not trying to make this thread into a, BOO HOO poor me thing. On the contrary, kind of like, How can we get better, freer, happier kind of thread.

 

[edwest2]

Of course, people had this problem in the past. I was told it was called “bad nerves.” Fortunately, there is medication for this condition but everyone recovers at their own rate.

I would recommend making little plans and watching your response to certain things. You should have a therapist you can talk to who has the knowledge and experience to evaluate and help you cope with your individual symptoms and problems.

God bless,
Ed

 

[ghaybyers1]

I also have a problem with anxiety- it stems from having a whacked-out ex-fiance that has… well, tried everything in the book to frighten, coerce, and/or force me back into a relationship with him.

It’s difficult sometimes, I’ll be honest. I took a job I believed would be far from him, only to find that he “found out” (oh, the loveliness of “mutual friends” ) where I work, and took a job a block away.

My anxiety comes in when I feel I need to protect myself or my family from him. Sometimes, even just talking about him, and the situation, is enough to make my throat feel like it’s closing and my heart to beat faster. It’s a confusing mess in my head, because I promised this man that I’d be his wife. I won’t even speak to him now, and I miss the partner and friend I used to have. He just doesn’t exist anymore.

But, back to the proactive, right? It’s being proactive that get’s me through it, honestly. Prayer is the only way for me to calm down, and the only way for me to protect my own self from even more anxiety is to literally protect myself. Once I have a game plan for if he comes after me, I feel so much better. I pray after that, not for myself, but that he doesn’t destroy his life acting the way he does. It feels unnatural- praying for him, I mean. He’s put me to a place where I literally may need to leave my home to stay away from his violence and negative influence. But I can’t help it… he’s just so lost. It feels like I should be praying for myself, for protection. But sometimes I just can’t help but think that maybe he needs my prayers more.

 

[Zelie_Louis]

Unfortunately, threads of this nature are beyond the scope of CAF. People suffering with mental health issues should contact their professional care providers and/or utilize pastoral resources for guidance in overcoming their struggles. Thanks for your understanding.