How has anxiety limited your life?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 9:41 am

Fearnot,

Everyone with anxiety always thinks they are the worst, and then we all get together, and we feel so much better knowing we're not the worst:). Thanks for having the courage to share your story:) to help others.

I agree about the Satanic attacks, etc. However, one thing that has really helped me in my recovery is to know that God is actually strong when we are weak. One time I read that in a lesson in the book "Quiet Times for Women". Page 65 quotes the scripture from 2 Corinthians 12:8-9, in which Paul talks about boasting in his weaknesses because when he was weak God was strong. In addition on page 66 it says, "Know who you are and accept yourself. Don't covet someone else's abilities, but recognize your own assets and use them. Also accept your limitations. God doesn't ask you to account for what you don't have. Isn't that a relief? The Lord puts less pressure on us than anyone in the world, because He knows us as we really are." This doesn't mean we are not supposed to take steps to heal from anxiety, but it does mean that we should work very hard to see ourselves through God's eyes and not through the eyes of the people who are judging us when we have anxiety. In addition, we should NEVER EVER think that because we have anxiety and no matter how severe it is that God is not using us from right where we are if our hearts are open to Him. I think that Satan lies to us when he tells us that God can't use us in certain situations, and usually it's when we feel weak for some reason whether it is from anxiety, unemployment, cancer, having autism, etc. that we fall for this lie. Satan wants us to believe that God only uses perfect, squeaky clean, rich, successful people who are always strong, and in my opinion, that's very damaging. That's extremely comforting to me to know that God uses me even when I'm anxious and at my worst, and I hope it is comforting to you too.

One time, I shared on here before how I was in grad school, I have a son with autism, and he, myself, and my husband were all at home for spring break. I wouldn't let my husband leave me at home alone, and I wouldn't go only a few feet to a grocery store. Ofcourse, my husband was ticked off because we kept ordering take-out. What I was doing was clearly wrong in my mind. I wasn't being a good wife or mother because of my fear, and I was in desperate condition. My son wasn't sleeping because of his autism, and one night he was screaming so badly, that I just went out to our car to get away. I was sure God thought badly of me for my condition. I reached over and opened up a Quiet Times, and every page I opened it to in a row was on fear, and how God loved me, and didn't judge me because of my fear. He was telling me that He wasn't the one who had a problem with me, and He was going to love me through this.

The next day, we were able to go to the grocery store. That was three years ago. I don't go by myself, but I go shopping many places now:), and have a lot of successes over the past few months especially. I have found that the more I realize that God loves me no matter what, and the more I accept myself right where I am, the better I do. Yes, it's anxiety, and it needs to be treated, but even if I am the worst of the worst, I have the same value as everyone else in this world. All people have weaknesses, and anxiety just happens to be mine and yours. No one's better then us.

As far as wanting to help people who are hurting, that is great that you want to use your experiences to help others. However, I've learned not to overlook things that you may consider to be "little" when doing so. You coming on here and posting today probably helped a lot of people by you having the courage to tell your story. You are helping people right now. God is using you right now. He uses us at times when we feel the most weak because that's when He gets all of the glory. I just encourage you not to underestimate that. You could very well be traveling the world in time and helping thousands if it is God's will, but it may also be God's will for you to smile at a neighbor, say a prayer for one person, help someone on this support page, or kiss your child's "bo bo". I've learned that, and it's helped me tremendously, and I hope it helps you:). As Patsy Clairmont who is a Christian author who had agoraphobia says, "God uses cracked-pots":)! You may also want to look at some of her books. I think her autobiography is "I Grew Up Little Believing in A Big God."

Take Care,
luvpiggy

jillzmind · Post by **jillzmind** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 9:46 am

I have been struggling for the past 5 years with anxiety. Looking back I've been building up to this since I was a child (I just turned 40) I didn't know what was really going on with me until last year when I took the assessment test from StressCenter. It really started to take over my life when I thought I was having a heart attack or about to pass out at work and just about everywhere I went. I went to the hospital a few times. Every time I would go food shopping or clothes shopping I would feel so overwhelmed I just knew "this is it! I am going to pass out!" I didn't know why I would feel this way. I would reason with myself to stop thinking that I am about to die in public. Next thing I know I don't want to go anywhere. This condition has changed my personality. I know I need help to get out of this nightmare. My thinking is very warped. I've been stressing out my daughter talking about dying all the time. I think I am preparing her because she will be on her own without me. I plan to worry about things even after I am dead. I just want to feel ok again. I am going to stick with this program, It's just about my last hope. I figure if it helped other people, I am no diffrent from them. We all have the same behavior patterns. None of us are crazy because we know we need help, and we are seeking to get it.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 10:36 am

Thank you so much to every one for your posts, especially luvpiggy.

About the shower!...a clear vinyl shower curtain (no shut in feeling), one of those shower stools/chairs (no falling) and a hand held shower works for me. This is also a good idea for older folks with no anxieties!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 12:48 pm

Hello guys!You'll never know how much these posts mean to me.All I have around is people who just can't understand.I'm ok for having to go through all this because it's mad me see just how precious life really is.It's made me humble.It will hopefully make me stronger.I say that my desire is to help people because I know what it's like to have most people turn there heads and act like you're useless and a misfit.They have destroyed my self confidence and anything I do will never be good enough.I know what it feels like to feel like you've totally let your family down.My 2 daughters won't even let me give them a hug.There's no real love in my home.The last time that I can remember feeling what love really feels like was from my mother whom I lost when I was19 years old.I am now 37 years old.I do know that God loves me and I too am building my strength from that.What an awesome God we do have.He does except us with love.Let's make Him happy and put all our trust in Him and just start letting go of all these fears and lies.May the healing begin!God Bless!

Gman5256 · Post by **Gman5256** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 1:44 pm

Dear fear not. How I wish I could just be there with you and give you the biggest hug and show you the love we all deserve.How sorry that yout daughters do not want you to hug them . How did that happen? i guess there are benifits in being elderly, for when I go to churrc, I gladly accept all hugs from all ages. I tell them I'll take all the hugs I can get.We hava very huggy church and I do appreciate that. You are not useless God loves you.

I had a victory day ,but it took a lot ofjust plain persistence,. I had to have2 medical procedures done, and the last one was in a very confusing area to get there. And I had it in my mind that I could not drive to thar Mrd, center. Due to cercumstancesI had to do it alone and with the help of the program and just claiming God's promise, "That I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me" I did do it and even went into a storein the mall.Haven't been able to do that comfortably since I'm alone. I feel this is a milestone for mr.
I have prayed tonight for all who need help/It would be interestingto have an idea of how many are participating in the corporate prayer. So many people have the anxiety and depression problems.Thanks for listening. Ernajoy

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 1:47 pm

I was diagnoes with panic disorder when I was 14. However, I think my anxiety started LONG before that. I got the stomach flu when I was eight years old and ever since that day, I have had anxiety about throwing up. My first day of school freshman year of high school, I got my first panic attack. I know I don't have to describe the feelings, because we all seem to have them. But I just got the urge to run. I had to get out. I ran out of the classroom as fast as I could and headed for the bathroom, thinking I was going to be sick. But I never got sick. As soon as I left the room, the feelings subsided. I shrugged it off and went back to class (just typing this is making me anxious). Since that day, those feelings and attacks got stronger and more frequent. I was put on medication, and my life was back to normal...or so I thought.

That whole scenario was in 2000. In 2005 I had another major panic attack out of nowhere while I was driving to a friends house. I turned around and went home and didn't leave the house again for 8 months. Since then, my anxiety has been on and off. There will be periods of time where i'm fine, and then one little stressful event will flare it up again.

In October of 2007, I learned I was pregnant. I was not fit to have a child, so I had an abortion. That set my panic disorder into another big flare, and it hasn't gone away since. Luckily I have not let my self become housebound again. But simple little things like going to the grocery store, or geting gas, or going out to dinner (which I have to do tomorrow night for a date, Gog help me) have become so hard.

I just started this program in February, so I'm still learning...somedays it helps. Yet somedays, my anxiety is so bad that I forget everything that the tapes tell you to do. Everything just leaves my mind except for the panic.

I know one thing though. I will never give up on myself. And I will give this program 100%. I owe it to myself to be happy. And so does everyone else who suffers from this debilitating disorder. Before this program came along, I thought I was the only one who felt like this. But it has brought me comfort to know that I can come on this website and let my feelings out knowing that I won't be called "crazy" or told to "just relax". If anyone is anything like me, being called crazy and being told to relax are not the things you want to hear when having a panic attack.

I wish everyone the best of luck with their situations. Never give up on yourself.

sturgesscribe · Post by **sturgesscribe** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 3:52 pm

Hi Allie,

I am also 21 years of age and my anxiety escalated more and more as the years went by. I don't remember how it began for me, I just know I was at least 5 years old the first time I recall feeling anxious and depressed. It had gotten so bad that I quit public school my senior year, I was constantly getting horrible stomach aches because of all the stress and worry.

I too have days where I am more anxious than others. I went the past week feeling great compared to the usual, but last night and today I feel like a wreck. I do my best to keep on track and tell myself that tomorrow will be a better one, and that all this patience and effort will soon enough pay off. You have my support and you are welcome to message me at any time. Keep your head up and always keep focused on what makes you happy. I promise your days will begin to shine a little brighter..

Peace & Love
-Dustin

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 7:14 am

Fearnot,
you just reminded me I didn't check the mail yesterday...but I didn't ask my son to do it either. I just heard the mail truck go by...guess theres no time like the present.here i go-------->

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Mar 07, 2008 1:30 pm

Wow, reading these posts really hit home. I have had anxiety for probably the last ten years. I didn't realize how much it affected my life until I read these. I don't get the mail either. I refuse to answer the phone. I do all my shopping online (except the grocery). I wait until the very last minute to stop and get gas because I don't want to talk to anyone. I go to my son's games and sit by myself way out in the outfield. I hate riding in cars with other people driving. I don't initiate conversation with anyone. And for some unknown reason I cannot stand to be touched on the head??? Anyway, I realize that I have been very limited and I am not going to take it anymore. I am going to pour my heart and soul into this program and get better. I don't care how many times I have to do it. What I just described sucks!!!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Mar 07, 2008 2:19 pm

Yes, it has really hit home for me too. I feel as if I have stated avoiding more places in the last year due to dizziness/off balance feelings.

I was wondering for those of you who avoid going out............ are you symptomatic at home too or only when you go out? I am symptomatic at home as well as in the mall, stores, school functions, parties, restaurants etc... however I feel SAFER at home. It is hard to have a conversation with someone or enjoy myself when I am feeling so bad I cannot even concentrate and all I want to do is FLEE!!!!!!

I would love to hear others thoughts.

Thanks

Coco