Anxiety Alert
Proverbs 12:25a “Anxiety in the heart….causes depression”.
I could have been a poster child for this verse. Ms. Anxiety herself unless there was a swimsuit competition, then not so much: I have nervous ankles, quaking thighs, jiggly arms and a Jell-O midsection. But anxiety alone? I was really good at that. I could whip up a bath of concern over almost anything.
A cloud in the sky meant a dangerous storm. An unexplained glance from someone meant she despised me. A simple rash meant a deadly disease. I could go on and on. There was no end to how I could take almost any life experience and dip it into nerve-racking scrutiny, which eventually painted me into the corner of agoraphobia. Anxiety, while scary, comes with adrenaline rushes, which can be addictive, but almost always end in depression. The body wasn’t meant to be constantly on full alert.
After time, I realized that the anxiety controlling my life was mine. I was aware that my lifestyle supported my anxiety; watching sad movies, listening to the same threatening news, calling everyone I knew to talk up a problem. I also didn’t eat well, stewed over the past, didn’t exercise and slept way too much. I woke up one morning almost non-functional. I didn’t want to get out of bed, bathe, dress or take care of my family. On that eye-opening day, I made a decision…that I wanted to live.
The decision was huge. My journey wasn’t easy, but with the hourly choice to move forward things began to shift. With much prayer and strenuous effort, I gradually replaced negative life patterns. At first, it’s a wrestling match, but with time it becomes more of a natural response.
I also developed strategic plan to win over my taunting thoughts of misery and judgement. I searched the Scriptures and memorized uplifting verses. I joined a Bible Study, and I read heart-cheering, faith anchoring books that inspire me. I still do.
I learned the healing benefits of shaking the scary contents of my heart out into the open so they could be aired and examined in the light. Ah…the light. What a revelatory healer it is!
What habits have YOU successfully broken?
I was anorexic for years. then bulimic tried everything, in- hospitalization therapy, out patient therapy, antidepressants, programs for eating disorders, I tried and did it all. Met some ladies from church and my life changed forever. They prayed over me, with me and for me. I heard Jesus voice calling me. I asked him into my heart and my live was changed for ever. He healed me too… I struggle but not with eating issues…it’s the enemy always trying to discourage, but I have Gods word in my heart, in my music, in my studies, and in my total life. Life is good thank you Jesus and thank you Patsy for the touches you have added in my life also….you are a special one…..!!!
Earl you are a miracle! I love that God still does those every time He redeems a life. I too am harassed at times by the enemies lies about my lack of value…gratefully I’ve learned to identify a lie from the truth, which helps me reposition my thinking. God bless you!!
Thank you so much for this. I struggle with all the above! Lot of life changes happening here in my family… Trying to hand it all over to God, but not the best at it. I’ve suffered with depression several years ago though doing much better, I still struggle.
Thanks again! Jeri
Jeri One of the enemy’s lies is we are the only ones struggling, when in truth there are many who battle anxiety and lingering sadness. And while knowing that doesn’t cure us it sure breaks down isolation and intimidation which the Bully would use against us. Remember feelings are not facts and we have the will to bear the discomfort false feelings bring. Our wills are one of our finest weapons to protect ourselves.
Thanks, again. Please pray for me. I’m out of control with everything right now.
When I was reading this, I couldn’t help but think how this could have been me writing this story. Thank God, He has brought me a long way from my anxiety ridden days! I still have days when I am tempted to fall back into old habits, but when I cry out to Him, He brings me back to where I need to be. I am so grateful for His never ending, forever love & patience!
Amen…and glory hallelujah!
Wow….this is great…I’m a very anxious person, esp. worry about what other people think of me…praying to become a God-pleaser instead of a people-pleaser and it is work! I’ve been a people pleaser all my life, beginning with my Mom. It is so hard to even recognize sometimes when I’m doing it. I’m reading a great book “The Disease to Please” and realizing how manipulative this behavior of mine is and can be. It isn’t pretty to look in the mirror and see it. Thank you for this great blog.
this is exactly the way I feel…most everyday! So much so, I thought you’d written the words of my heart. Desperately trying to become a God-Pleaser too! Thank you for showing me the girl in the mirror.
Thanks Kristi. People pleasing and worry are energy zappers. And I should know. They are my tendency. Gratefully I’ve learned I can build new habits that serve me and others with respect and balance. You are very brave to look at your weaknesses and very wise to seek out wise counsel…the book title sounds great.
Oh Patsy, you touch my heart when you write. I, too, have struggled with anxiety, depression and panic attacks. It became frightening in my life and I wondered if I would find my way out, but with God’s help and the wonderful support of my family, I did find my way back to a peaceful walk with Christ. It took a decision on my part and the journey was not easy…but praise the Lord…I have learned so much. You inspired me the first time I ever heard you speak at a Women of Faith meeting because you shared your testimony. It made me know I could overcome the trials I was facing too. Thank you for sharing once again. You have a great sense of humor and a love for the Lord that makes me smile! I now practice verses whenever I feel just the tiniest level of anxiety rising within me. The Lord takes that fear and drains it away with the Word. I also do a lot of praying when life starts to get overwhelming. That has been an anchor for me. Blessings to you dear sister in the Lord!
Barbara….I love your sentence “It took a decision on my part and the journey was not easy…” I so get that. Long road….right choice. Getting mentally and emotionally healthy is the hardest work I’ve ever done…and the most rewarding. God doesn’t waste our struggles or brokenness, but uses it to make us stronger and wiser and of greater service to those we encounter.
God bless.
Patsy
Thank you for sharing this post. I am lying in bed trying to get some sleep. My sons bike has been stolen twice in three weeks. This has left us feeling like it is someone who is watching for us to go to bed but before my husband gets home from work. The last one within 48 hours of him getting it for his birthday. I am in our home with five children. I have just been feeling rather on edge especially once my husband leaves. Your post has helped me to remember not to let them take more than the bikes. I have the control over my emotions and not the other way around. It will lead to a worse problem if I don’t give it to God right now, even if it takes a prayer everytime I hear a noise instead of jumping out of bed. Have a good night.
Kiy I am so sorry you are being harassed but you are so right you can not afford for them to take more than the bike. Leaving outside lights on is a deterrent…also a chain and lock on the bike might help…or roll it into the house before dark and your husband can put it where it belongs when he gets home. Make sure you make a police report, which I’m sure you did.
How wise you are to use this time to teach those five children what faith looks like under pressure. God bless.
Patsy – I have lived your ‘old’ life for several years. Some seasons feeling almost normal, some feelng that if I became vertical that day I was doing good. This past week has been one of the worst I’ve ever experienced. Waking in the morning, my first thought has been “is today the day that I’m not going to make it thru”. Today was my first day back to feeling almost normal after a week of “it’s a blood clot, a stroke, a heart attack, cancer” or “i’m going to lose my mind”. It’s funny how when you’re thoughts are so irrational, the rational part of you can tell yourself that you’re being ridiculous yet you still can’t make yourself think differently. Then your FB post with this article………I had to raise my eyes and you grin at God and respond “Alright already. I hear You!”. Thank you for your honesty. I just love you! Becca
Sounds like you wrote this post about my life…
I am still conquering it.
Thanks for the encouragement tonight…right before I hit WebMD to figure out…
Los
The kissing cousin of anxiety is paranoia…esp. about our bodies. I spent more time worrying about me than taking care of what was mine to do. I was so certain every symptom was a disease and that I would die young….now here I am old and spinning like a top. My friend said, “Self is a cul-de-sac.” To that I say Amen!
Thank you for stopping by and leaving a note. Keep on keeping on! You’ve come a long way…and there’s more just around the next bend.
About 20 years ago, I went through a year and half struggle with anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. I do come from a family of worriers, but my struggles came from having to deal with an assault that happened in college.
That year and half were not the best days of my life, but they were the days that, when I look back, where the ones that I had the greatest Spiritual growth.
Would I want to go back and re-live those day? Absolutely not! They were some of the most scariest and uncontrolled feeling days of my life. To get through the times that I had panic attacks and uncontrolled bouts of crying and feeling like I was losing my mind…I would quote to myself 2 Timothy 1:7 “God did not give me a Spirit of fear, but of Power and of Might and Sound, sound mind.”
This verse was a reminder to me that what I was going through was not from God and I was not going crazy and God was still in control. Listening to praise music was very calming as well as journaling, praying, and reading the Bible. I did need to get some medical help as well as some psychological help. It helped to have a third person that didn’t know me, my situation, or people near me that could give me unbiased feed back. I didn’t have very many sessions, but the psychologist gave me breathing exercises that I still do when I feel like I’m getting overly stressed. Focusing on my breathing and praying through what ever the worry is, puts things in the proper perspective.
Thank you for sharing Patsy. I too felt a kinship to your testimony when I heard you at a Women of Faith conference. Even if I didn’t get to the point of agoraphobia, I could still relate. Keep sharing and spreading that there is hope on the other side of the anxiety attacks and depression.
May God continue to bless you as you minister to others.
My dear brave friend…thank you for your honest note and for sharing some of your recovery.I kow it offer many hope.
I too quoted that same Tim. verse a thousand times over. And music was very helpful to bring some peace into my environment. (During one long disruptive season I played Keith Greens “Slow Down” many. many times) Also learning some deep breathing and relaxation techniques was helpful. I used what I learned in Lamaze.
Many women have suffered assaults may you continue to share your recovery to bring them hope. Blessings.
I understand because I am there. For over three years now the lows outweigh the highs. I have cried out to Jesus but still the depression is such that every time I take a shower, go to school, stay dressed until dark, I thank our Father
Recovery is hard work. Jesus hears your cries and invites you to be an active participant in your own “get well program.” If you can’t take the important steps check with your doctor because you may need some assistance. Sometimes we are missing certain chemicals that help to blow away the dark clouds that Velcroe to our brains. With help you can win this battle. We weren’t meant to do this life alone…its important to be pro-active and take steps out of this sad cycle.
I too celebrate your victories…keep moving forward…sometimes I had to drag myself-Cindy, you will get better! honest.
Mrs. Patsy, I loooove this post!! You have inspired me so much in dealing with anxiety. What books are you reading?
Right now I’m pouring over Ken Gire’s brilliant offering “Windows of the Soul”…don’t miss it.
Thanks for sharing! Wondering if Jesus used medications as well on your road to recovery?
I was on medication for a couple years. I thank God he gives mankind the properties we need to design medicines that help us get through rough patches and for some a iife-time of chemical imbalances. Before you take your meds thank God for the provision and ask that it work in a way that helps you think more clearly and live more fully.
I love your blogs Patsy! I’m sharing them with my Widow’s Might group at church. You’ve been encouraging me AND making me laugh for a long time and my group definitely needs to hear your truthful, encouraging and joyful words!
Jody Jones
Thanks Jody your words cheer me on!! God bless you for reaching out to others.
I am there! What scriptures and books did you find helpful? I am even taking medications to help but they are not sufficient. Please share!
As you read my responses you will see there were many elements involved in helping me get well and functional. The journey has been slow and ongoing. I haven’t found shortcuts, but I must say there is much help available today that was not in place when I suffered the most. I had to slough my way through. Joining a support group was helpful, reading good books was essential, studying God’s Word with others was critical, learning to own my weaknesses was imperative, etc,etc.
Fera has torment…peace has power. I had to give up the bad habit of being frantic and learn to quietly trust that God had my best interest in mind. That didn’t happen quickly. Practice sitting quietly and relaxing all your muscles. They will tighten and twitch at first, but with effort they will obey you and the stress in them will begin to drain out. Honest–try it.
Dear Patsy, I first heard you speak this past October at a Women of Faith event. While you were speaking, I felt that you were going to day that you had also experienced anxiety and depression before actually said it. I was just coming out of an episode of anxiety and depression that I was experiencing for the first time as an adult. Being a wife and mother of 3, it was the most difficult thing I had ever gone through. Thankfully I got medical help after about 6 weeks. I thank God for a supportive husband, friends, and doctor. I am also thankful that you talk about it. I wished more women would. I have been surprised how many of my good Christian women friends have had similar experiences with anxiety and depression. Thankfully I too have come out of it, yet still treating it . As difficult as it was, it was a blessing because I’ve come out of it a stronger and more compassionate person. I thank you Patsy for being such an inspiration for myself and so many women. When I shared at our church about the Women of Faith Conference that we attended, I added I only wished Patsy lived next door to me! Don’t we all! I am so happy to find you on FB. Some day I’m going to cut my hair just like yours and get me some heels too! Keep on keeping on sister friend!
Thanks for being a cheerleader my friend!
It’s not easy to talk about our struggles for several reasons…one being its hard to re-live those awful days. But I find speaking of them from the healing side liberates me and encourages others.
Anxiety is a world-wide problem for men as well as women. Learning ways to deal with it equips us to handle hardships and relate with others in meaningful ways. I’m so glad Jesus is a Redeemer!!
Patsy, I, too “read heart-cheering, faith anchoring books that inspire me”, most written by Women of Faith authors like you. And when I really feel down, I remind myself that God loves me just the way I am. Some days he pats me on the back and says, “well done, Dorothy”, and other days he shakes his head at me and says, “Dorothy, Dorothy, Dorothy”. Either way, I thank Him for loving me regardless and strive to be the best I can be, each and every day. Thank you, dear Patsy, for showing so many of us how to laugh with the Lord!
How kind Dorothy…thank you.
God gets us. He knows we are but dust bunnies; fragile. Yet dusty as we might be, He made us in His likeness that we might be in relationship with HIm …and it tickles Him when we turn to Him on our good days and our bad.
I’m so grateful.
Your testamony is right on, Patsy. We all have our trials to go through. They will either destroy us or make us stronger. Praise God, we get to choose. One way leads us to the deepest unhappiness the other to pure joy. God is the answer to all problems great or small. We should never forget that. To have God as our mentor is the best thing that can happen to us.
Hello Sweet Lucy…How good of our Lord God that He is our Mentor via His Holy Teacher and because of His dear Son.
My greetings to Jack.
Blessings
So many similarity, Patsy if I were a writer,I could have written the same story. Anxiety has almost destroyed me . (After losing a marriage and a son.) Lucy is so right on, It either will
destroy you or make you stronger. But God will ask you to choose, do you want to live in my glories presence, or be miserable with no joy. I choose JOY! Praise God He gives us a
chose. Thank You as always dear Patsy..
So many similarity, Patsy if I were a writer,I could have written the same story. Anxiety has almost destroyed me . (After losing a marriage and a son.) Lucy is so right on, It either will
destroy you or make you stronger. But God will ask you to choose, do you want to live in my glories presence, or be miserable with no joy. I choose JOY! Praise God He gives us a
choose. Thank You as always dear Patsy..
What a timely post!!!
I too struggle with anxiety. It’s a daily fight. I have just recently (in the last 2 months) gotten back into working out semi-regularly & not eating late. I’m on a high intake diet of scripture that admonishes me in the character & faithfulness of God. I’m on a journey, but I’m determined to knock worry of it’s throne in my life. Thank you for sharing this
I never thought of myself as an anxious person because I was comparing myself to those around me who were far more anxious. A recent series at church on Philippians and a sermon devoted specifically to anxiety caused me to begin to see it was a problem in my life that, left unattended, would grow. God’s timing is perfect. Things were going smoothly at the time but they are not now. I would not have been equipped for this season of my life without the revelation that I was letting anxiety get a foothold in my life.
My first step in breaking the habit of anxiety was to see it and call it out. I literally spoke out loud at times and said, “Paula, you are letting yourself dwell on this. You are being an anxious person!” I would stop, think of a way I am blessed and then thank the Lord for the blessing (and the reminder that I was being anxious.)
Patsy, thank you for bringing this into the light! Reading the comments alone has been healing for me. I amen-ed every one of them. Anxiety DIsorder is real. For me, it ALWAYS leads to depression. It almost cost me my life last year. I cried out to God and he told me to go get help. 🙂 Thank you and others who left comments for sharing your stories. Letting me know I’m not alone!
Patsy,
Thank you for sharing your journey so that it might help someone else. I believe we are all called to do just that, share our story to help someone else. I have and still do at times struggle with self-worth in life, and more importantly in my value to Jesus. I know all the head knowledge, but my heart struggles with accepting my true value as co-heir with Jesus and daughter to the King.
Have a blessed day! Megan
I went to WoF last year in columbus and you have no Idea how much you touched me with your story of anxiety. I was diagnoes borderline agoraphobia and paranoid OCD. I was put on many different medications and they either made me a zombie, worse, or very sick. I struggle daily with these problems BUT I am not letting them get me down I am still a homebody who worries, but it’s not crippling and I’m doing this with the strength of God and my children, because the rest of my family doesn’t really seem to understand the extent to which this problem is. I have my ups and downs but try to look at each day as an adventure and to see what I can overcome that day most of the time this works, tho some days I do relapse and I guess that’s just part of my journey to pick up again the next day and fight even harder. Thank you for this story it has helped me so much, and I can’t wait to purchase your book I wanted to last year at WoF but was unable too at that time. Much love to you and yours and what you do!
Patsy, your words are so encouraging. I have recently been experiencing anxiety that has stopped me in my tracks. It completely turned my world upside-down. I went from being an extravert, outgoing social butterfly to someone who couldn’t leave my couch without a panic attack. I waws avoiding places and people that I once loved.
During this time, I have been drawing closer to God. In the middle of my panic episodes, I ask fellow believers to pray over me and I recite scripture outloud. God is taking this experience to mold me and changing me. I realized that I have been trying to take all my problems on myself and fix it all. Since then I have been seeking Christian counseling to deal with my issues. I also have wonderful brothers and sisters in the Lord praying for me, holding me accountable and are walking beside me.
Thank you for being open and bold about your struggles and triumphs. It’s nice to know that I am not alone in how I feel or what I am experiencing. I’m praying for you and your ministry. May God continue to bless you in your journey and your life.
patsy. thank for for being so open and honest. you are transparent and that helps others.
struggling with anxiety and indecision. keep up the good work
Patsy,
Thank you so much for sharing your struggle openly and honestly. I had the honor of hearing you speak in Philadelphia WOF faith last year and you just have no idea how God is using you to help women who are or have gone through their own struggles with anxiety and depression. It has been a little over 10 years since I broke through my anxiety and panic attacks, and some days it still wants to show its ugly face but I do take comfort int he fact that God is bigger than my fears.
Thanks again for being such an inspiration!
I would love to read the scriptures you used. This is affecting someone very dear to me. It makes me soo hopeful that they can get better.
patsy,
i am so glad i stumbled upon this today. it was no accident. i gave the verse u quoted to my friend while chatting online. please pray for me and my friend, we r both struggling with anxiety. we both need medication adjustments, but we live in different states. i’m struggling with anxiety, but i am trying to cope. knowing that others struggle with anxiety is a big comfort and help. that verse popped into my had at just the right time, while i was chatting w/her.please pray for my friend that she can be hospitalized, with her family’s support.
See all the responses you have?! This is such widespread, and reading about your struggles gives hope to others.
Bless You
Anita
I’ve always considered you an inspiration, Patsy.
I’m 23 years old, and I’m definitely prone to anxiety. I am afraid of change. I remember leaving to go to my first dance class at age 3 and clinging to my mom. Same with going to Pre-School. I felt awful in Junior High when everyone was going through awkward changes. I dreaded going to a new high school, where I wouldn’t know anyone. And it took me a year to get accustomed to living away from home at college.
I’ve been dating my fiance for 8 years. I’ve known him since I was 9. We have grown up together, and both of us have anxious hearts. Usually, it happens that bouts of struggle alternate and we can be each other’s rock. Lately, we’ve both been a mess. He just recently graduated, and is still searching for employment. He really feels the pressure since we are getting married in October, and have yet to know where we will live.
And I’m doing my thing…which I never ever thought I’d do when it came to getting married. I’m scared. I understand being nervous about all the school changes, but I’m so disheartened that I feel the same anxious feelings I did then right now. He’s been my best friend and comfort for years. And yet, we feel a lot of strain these days. I feel like his stress is justified. Mine really isn’t. I can’t explain the fear I have, except for that I don’t like change and a whirlwind of just that is headed towards me.
I’ve been doing my best to remember my favorite verses (1 Peter 5:7 and 2 Timothy 1:7), and to pray, but patience is a minute-to-minute struggle. It helps to find posts like this and know that I am not alone and to know that I can make it through. I just wish this only affected me, and not my fiance. The doubt I have is starting to take a toll on both of us. : (
I remember an encounter with you and Les at the Winning Women’s first bookstore in Farmington shortly after you came to the Lord. Les wasn’t too sure about any of us. We were a motly crew of different backgrounds, sizes, ages and personalities. I was a new Christian too. It was amazing to watch you go through the metamorphosis in your life. I felt very secure in who I was —or so I thought. I was a people pleaser; knocking myself out to be the “Good Christian”. I felt like a rock star as I made my way up rapidly in Christian circles while faliling to internalize the real message of God. After many years of role playing I realized that I didn’t know who I was and went into a state of depression.. It has been 15 yrs, in the desert very parched and often lonely. I’m ready to take the next step forward with who I am now. Some things about me have changed but I’m comfortable with that because that’s me. The one thing that hasn’t changed is my love for the Lord. I know He has been carrying me during my journey. Interestingly enough, I have a daughter and a grandson who suffer from the same anxiety and my grandson is not shy, but agraphobic. (Is that learned behavior?) I’m giving my daughter your book because I’m confident it will motivate her to seek help. Thanks Patsy for who you are and your willingness to share with others.
Patsy,
You are an encouragement to me. I have struggled with anxiety and panic for about 4 years now and it is absolutely miserable and draining. I trust that God will help me get things under control but its so hard to be patient in the process. I don’t want it to take charge of my life. I have a wonderful and supporting husband and I want to be there for him like he is for me. Please pray for me that I will overcome just like you did. I was taking medication for the anxiety but I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired. 🙂 I can do all things with God on my side. I really wish I wasn’t such a worry wart. Thank you for your testimony and encouragement.
I’m still learning from you, but I’m trying to reach my goals. I absolutely enjoy reading all that is posted on your blog.Keep the stories coming. I liked it!