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Anxious and Alone

Hello. I've been a Christian for 25 years and have mental health issues including anxiety. I've had a run of anxiety for about 5 weeks now. I have a terrible time reaching out to anyone when I have it. I finally texted my pastor's wife she gave my the usual answer...spend more time with God and trust Him more. I know she means well but she doesn't understand the racing thoughts and that I try to pray through them all day but am not able to. I told her that I feel that I'm on the edge of a breakdown and she said that she'd pray for me. I feel like I need so much more but I won't go to a hospital. I feel so alone. I'm trying to worship and stay close to God. I"m on the edge of tears all the time and worried about my salvation for no reason, just part of the anxiety. I don't wan't to go to church because I know everyone can tell I'm just wieid or something. There is still so much stigma attached to mental health. I hate it so much and I feel so sick.
 

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With much love in Christ;

My mom used to tell me to forgot about myself. My wants, my desires, basically “me” it was some great advice. It helped me to know where to keep my focus, (on Christ.) Helped teach me what “denying self” meant. Once that was learned, the joy never ends. All I have to do is “deny self” (what I want,think, desire) and trust in Him, the joy is fresh every day.

in Him, Not me
 
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anna ~ grace

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Hello. I've been a Christian for 25 years and have mental health issues including anxiety. I've had a run of anxiety for about 5 weeks now. I have a terrible time reaching out to anyone when I have it. I finally texted my pastor's wife she gave my the usual answer...spend more time with God and trust Him more. I know she means well but she doesn't understand the racing thoughts and that I try to pray through them all day but am not able to. I told her that I feel that I'm on the edge of a breakdown and she said that she'd pray for me. I feel like I need so much more but I won't go to a hospital. I feel so alone. I'm trying to worship and stay close to God. I"m on the edge of tears all the time and worried about my salvation for no reason, just part of the anxiety. I don't wan't to go to church because I know everyone can tell I'm just wieid or something. There is still so much stigma attached to mental health. I hate it so much and I feel so sick.
On CF you will find many, many Christians with similar struggles. Praying for *other people* instead of my own anxiety helps a lot.
 
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Neogaia777

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Hello. I've been a Christian for 25 years and have mental health issues including anxiety. I've had a run of anxiety for about 5 weeks now. I have a terrible time reaching out to anyone when I have it. I finally texted my pastor's wife she gave my the usual answer...spend more time with God and trust Him more. I know she means well but she doesn't understand the racing thoughts and that I try to pray through them all day but am not able to. I told her that I feel that I'm on the edge of a breakdown and she said that she'd pray for me. I feel like I need so much more but I won't go to a hospital. I feel so alone. I'm trying to worship and stay close to God. I"m on the edge of tears all the time and worried about my salvation for no reason, just part of the anxiety. I don't wan't to go to church because I know everyone can tell I'm just wieid or something. There is still so much stigma attached to mental health. I hate it so much and I feel so sick.
Try not to be paranoid, I have similar issues, and I find that a welcome distraction can do wonders, if it's something your passionate about and interested in... Their is a lot of stigma connected to mental health issues, but try not let that bother you, if you can, cause I know it/that causes anxiety...

Sometimes your afraid of talking about your mental health issues or of everyone knowing the details and labeling you insane, and maybe you don't fully understand it yourself and that can be unerving to say the least, and other people are too quick to make assumptions and draw conclusions and think they know, when you don't even know, and that can be unerving also... Sometimes you can get afraid and paranoid, and you can feel like a snowball effect of emotions and feelings even you do not understand, which can be very unsettling, uncomfortable, and very unerving...

I don't know if you need to go to a hospital, or at least, I hope not, but maybe you need someone to talk to like a counselor or something... Do you have many friends...? Do you get out enough...? I know sometimes you don't want to, but if you can brush aside that intial feeling and do it anyway, you usually feel better after and good and glad that you did...

Oh, and, Your "saved" if you simply believe, your saved, all else is just like icing on the cake...

Is there a specific thing causing this, something happen to you or in your life recently...?

Be praying for you...

PM me anytime you want, I ahev similar issues I think anyway, and would be very willing to talk with you about this if you want...

God Bless You Man!
 
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Neogaia777

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With much love in Christ;

My mom used to tell me to forgot about myself. My wants, my desires, basically “me” it was some great advice. It helped me to know where to keep my focus, (on Christ.) Helped teach me what “denying self” meant. Once that was learned, the joy never ends. All I have to do is “deny self” (what I want,think, desire) and trust in Him, the joy is fresh every day.

in Him, Not me
I agree for the most part, but if you spend a great deal of time by yourself, with yourself, and have mental health issues, that can be extremely diffcult, but I do agree with you for the most part and think that is some very good advice...

God Bless!
 
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dreadnought

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Hello. I've been a Christian for 25 years and have mental health issues including anxiety. I've had a run of anxiety for about 5 weeks now. I have a terrible time reaching out to anyone when I have it. I finally texted my pastor's wife she gave my the usual answer...spend more time with God and trust Him more. I know she means well but she doesn't understand the racing thoughts and that I try to pray through them all day but am not able to. I told her that I feel that I'm on the edge of a breakdown and she said that she'd pray for me. I feel like I need so much more but I won't go to a hospital. I feel so alone. I'm trying to worship and stay close to God. I"m on the edge of tears all the time and worried about my salvation for no reason, just part of the anxiety. I don't wan't to go to church because I know everyone can tell I'm just wieid or something. There is still so much stigma attached to mental health. I hate it so much and I feel so sick.
I think your pastor's wife was on the right track. I would tell you to go to church. I know you don't want to, but I think it would help, unless it's one of those churches that has extraordinarily long services, in which case you might try another church. Be there on time and when it's over, head home - no pressure. Later, you might want to find some church activity (or several) you want to involve yourself in.
 
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angeltrue

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Hello. I've been a Christian for 25 years and have mental health issues including anxiety. I've had a run of anxiety for about 5 weeks now. I have a terrible time reaching out to anyone when I have it. I finally texted my pastor's wife she gave my the usual answer...spend more time with God and trust Him more. I know she means well but she doesn't understand the racing thoughts and that I try to pray through them all day but am not able to. I told her that I feel that I'm on the edge of a breakdown and she said that she'd pray for me. I feel like I need so much more but I won't go to a hospital. I feel so alone. I'm trying to worship and stay close to God. I"m on the edge of tears all the time and worried about my salvation for no reason, just part of the anxiety. I don't wan't to go to church because I know everyone can tell I'm just wieid or something. There is still so much stigma attached to mental health. I hate it so much and I feel so sick.
Hi Amy. I've had anxiety when I was pushed into the rough world and particularly after having a family. I think sensitive people tend to be more anxious. I don't think all problems are spiritual; some can be physical, and/ or a combination of both, and the advice your pastor's wife is giving you may not be wholly wise in your case because it doesn't really do anything.

Anxiety can be caused by lack of probiotics believe it or not. Probiotics actually control mental functions. I like Hyperbiotics, Culturelle, and Align. A quality multivitamin with all the B-complex vitamins is good for anxiety. You can also purchase Lithium (Swansons) and Inositol and you would have to adjust the dose going by your reaction. If you do a search online you can find a lot of quality information such as from Safe Harbor. When I took psychology in college (I didn't graduate) I did a report on how the brain is made up of fat - I believe 60% so if you don't get enough fat in your diet your brain will suffer. I don't like omega 3 fish oil after watching a documentary on how many are rancid. I'm taking chia seed oil. Lecithin may help as well because of the phospholipids.

Someone on the edge of a breakdown means your brain isn't having trouble, it's one's adrenals that actually break down. You can look this up. Sometimes if we shoot up beyond the psychological stress scale (each life stressor is assigned a numerical number in psychology) our adrenals can burn out. Adrenals can be supported with vitamin C, B vitamins, standardized glycyrrhizin (licorice root) and depending on your age, Dhea and Pregnenolone.

When you said 'racing thoughts' it made me think of first, a physical problem, as in the above, and second, something I was reading today about spiritual strongholds. You may want to look up 'spiritual strongholds.' (As you can see, I'm seeking my own answers!)

If you're tormented with thoughts about your salvation it sounds like it can be a dead ringer for a spiritual attack. I'm usually attacked for awhile before I recognize where the source of distress is coming from. Satan attacks in our thoughts, and through other people. I struggle with 'taking every thought captive.' When I became a believer I went through it because I didn't know any Christians I could turn to, and no church. I went through a lot. But a neighbor had become a believer and I met her out one day and she told me to read the book "The Adversary." What an eye-opener. That was many years ago. I still recall some things from it.

This much I know: Even on a beautiful, sunny day, satan is still roaming the earth looking to harm. And you are in his cross-hairs. I'm in the midst of a battle now.

Good luck. I hope something works.
 
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Hi there, I pray that I can help you as I have suffered with panic attacks and depression for years. I overcame a step at a time and now preach. So it can be accomplished. I encourage you to take small steps, Just one at a time by prayer and fully trusting in the Lord. Get occupied in something. Like a hobby, like walking, fishing, or something that gets you outside. Try to focus on these positive things { I know that is easier said than done} But you can with the correct breathing method, such as taking deep breaths in through the nose and slowly releasing through the mouth while praying is very effective. Finally PM me anytime day or night and we can visit and get you through those bad days. God bless you
 
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Neogaia777

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Also, I think it really helps if the things you are interested in or have a passion for, involved God, or you would somehow permit, or allow God (cause he is a gentlemen) or find a way for God to be involved or involve God in your passions and interests and not leave him out...

God Bless!
 
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You may want to see an integrative physician - one who is trained in natural therapies to help you through this and do testing to see if there is an underlying health problem. A famous physician said "all disease begins in the gut" - and many mental issues are really physical issues. However, be aware - if you're not already - that doctors vary widely in their knowledge. I've found I usually have to research on my own. You can research adrenal fatigue, supplements for anxiety, and probiotics and anxiety. There are also crisis hotlines you can call to help stabilize you through an emergency situation until you get through it. I did not obtain a degree and this is not to be construed as professional advice - but I hope it can give you some topics to research on your own.

I'll pray for you Amy - good luck.
 
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Seek medical advice too. If you decide to try some different supplements, again, seek sound professional advive. Anxiety is awful. People only see on the surface. They dont see the fires raging within.

You are not alone here.

May God grant you health and well being.
 
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angeltrue

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Seek medical advice too. If you decide to try some different supplements, again, seek sound professional advive. Anxiety is awful. People only see on the surface. They dont see the fires raging within.

You are not alone here.

May God grant you health and well being.
This is wise. I would be careful and research thoroughly before taking lithium or licorice but the other supplements are generally safe. A high quality vitamin such as Designs for Health or Thorne multivitamin have higher quality ingredients that will likely be absorbed. Also magnesium is an ingredient most people are deficient in. Magnesium glycinate is the most well absorbed, although magnesium taurate can give an additional calming effect. Here is something that may get you started. https://adrenalfatiguesolution.com/...Ym5qkg.0&utm_referrer=https://duckduckgo.com/
 
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Babe Ruth

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Hi Amy. I've had anxiety when I was pushed into the rough world and particularly after having a family. I think sensitive people tend to be more anxious. I don't think all problems are spiritual; some can be physical, and/ or a combination of both, and the advice your pastor's wife is giving you may not be wholly wise in your case because it doesn't really do anything.

Anxiety can be caused by lack of probiotics believe it or not. Probiotics actually control mental functions. I like Hyperbiotics, Culturelle, and Align. A quality multivitamin with all the B-complex vitamins is good for anxiety. You can also purchase Lithium (Swansons) and Inositol and you would have to adjust the dose going by your reaction. If you do a search online you can find a lot of quality information such as from Safe Harbor. When I took psychology in college (I didn't graduate) I did a report on how the brain is made up of fat - I believe 60% so if you don't get enough fat in your diet your brain will suffer. I don't like omega 3 fish oil after watching a documentary on how many are rancid. I'm taking chia seed oil. Lecithin may help as well because of the phospholipids.

Someone on the edge of a breakdown means your brain isn't having trouble, it's one's adrenals that actually break down. You can look this up. Sometimes if we shoot up beyond the psychological stress scale (each life stressor is assigned a numerical number in psychology) our adrenals can burn out. Adrenals can be supported with vitamin C, B vitamins, standardized glycyrrhizin (licorice root) and depending on your age, Dhea and Pregnenolone.

When you said 'racing thoughts' it made me think of first, a physical problem, as in the above, and second, something I was reading today about spiritual strongholds. You may want to look up 'spiritual strongholds.' (As you can see, I'm seeking my own answers!)

If you're tormented with thoughts about your salvation it sounds like it can be a dead ringer for a spiritual attack. I'm usually attacked for awhile before I recognize where the source of distress is coming from. Satan attacks in our thoughts, and through other people. I struggle with 'taking every thought captive.' When I became a believer I went through it because I didn't know any Christians I could turn to, and no church. I went through a lot. But a neighbor had become a believer and I met her out one day and she told me to read the book "The Adversary." What an eye-opener. That was many years ago. I still recall some things from it.

This much I know: Even on a beautiful, sunny day, satan is still roaming the earth looking to harm. And you are in his cross-hairs. I'm in the midst of a battle now.

Good luck. I hope something works.

Good analysis & advice..
I agree, it's important to take a spiritual and physical approach to treating anxiety.

I'll just add that exercise can help work off anxious energy..
Peace.
 
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Well I took one step in the right direction this morning. I went swimming .Sometimes I forget that exercise helps at least a little bit. My body is more relaxed today and a bit sore. I'm on a very tight budget so I'm not sure about which supplements yet but I had heard that valerian root might relax me. But then I heard that it might interact with the Topimax I'm taking for weight loss .Anyone know? I looked it up on Google but didn't see anything really.
 
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Andben

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I totally understand what you are going through. I get the exact same answers from my parents and family members. God bless em but I just don’t think they understand anxiety. It’s not always spiritual but it certainly can be. Or a combination as one said earlier.

What I’ve noticed is, it always feels like you’ll breakdown but nothing horrible ever really happens. Worst for my was when I had the flu, it overwhelmed me but thankfully a family member talked me through it and after only 30 mins on the phone I was able to cope with the situation.

I think like you do, I don’t want to be seen by someone because of the stigma. But it is a REAL problem and ultimately this is no way to live. Even just talking about it with a therapist may offer serious relief.

I pray that we both find the path we need to take to deal with this issue. Hang in there!
 
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