What is your anxiety like?

This is in reply to Em1954. I know the Bible verses of which you speak. I have anxiety still. I know the more you love God, the more Satan tries to pull you away. He and his demons (minions?) are everywhere and after Christians. I know that when a person is saved, the Bible says your Father forgives your sins as far as the East is from the West. I thought I would live a life for Jesus after being saved. However, I keep sinning and then Satan says: "you are not saved or you would you wouldn't do those things". I just don't have the peace I had as a child when I accepted Jesus Christ as my savior. I know the devil is alive and well, always after people. "Be sober-minded, be watchful, your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1Peter 5:8 Satan goes for the stragglers, the hurting people. Anyway, the point I am trying to make is this: I pray for the peace I once have (you have it now). I pray my name is written in the Book of the Lamb. I have not lived as God wanted me to all these years. I'm into the what ifs. What if I had done this, done that, instead of ____ ____??? I pray for the peace that passes all understanding. May God bless everyone who suffers from anxiety. Yes, reading my Bible is what I do each morning. My husband is reading his for the sixth time at the moment. He was baptized just a few years ago. He does not have anxiety. He had a wonderful life. His parents were Christians, lived a wonderful life. He says he is ready to go to Heaven any time. This is fantastic. I have belonged to a Bible study group for several years and I love those women as if they were my sisters. We actually are, I know. They don't understand my anxiety. I pray we all have peace.

As a fellow Christian, after reading this, I know we will be friends for eternity. Don’t be so hard on yourself, the Peace the Lord has given you is you are Saved! It is the Peace that passes all understanding, here, you and I, are the most undeserving, miserable sinners imaginable, we deserve nothing and Jesus says, “You are forgiven of everything, in my eyes you are perfect, welcome to heaven!” Now living here on this earth we suffer the temporary effects of sin! Both of us have imperfect brains and the part of that imperfection is the anxiety we suffer from. We have never been promised a perfect existence on this earth, just forgiveness and a perfect eternity. Remember, Paul asked for his earthly affliction to be taken away and God told him, “My Grace is sufficient for you.” The definition of Grace is: The free and full forgiveness of sins which we do not deserve! I still suffer from anxiety when certain things occur, but I have no anxiety concerning the most important thing there is, what happens after I die, no anxiety there just a joy knowing heaven awaits my arrival.

***Important Reminder from the Community Director***
Mayo Clinic Connect's Community Guidelines offer 10 short rules of conduct that help keep the Mayo Clinic Connect community safe, supportive, inclusive, and respectful. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/about-connect/tab/community-guidelines/

I'd like to draw your attention specifically to guideline 2 regarding respect and being inclusive.
2. Remain respectful at all times.
– Exercise tolerance and respect toward other participants whose views may differ from your own.
– Be inclusive. Not everyone shares the same religious or political beliefs. Don't impose your beliefs on others.

For some faith is integral to health and healing; for others this may not be the case. For those who wish to continue the conversation about faith, religion and mental health, I invite you to participate in one of these discussions:
- How Spirituality Can Help Stress https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/how-spirituality-can-help-stress/
- Spirituality, religion and getting through life's challenges https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/what-do-you-rely-on-to-get-you-through-lifes-challenges-spirituality-or-religion-or-what-else/

Hey there! I am 22 years old and a novice massage therapist. I do get massages sometimes especially on my back but I am a bit worried because I am a deep sleeper myself and on ocassions I can't hear my smartphone's alarm in the morning! I know falling asleep is fine during a session but what if my friend wouldn't be able to wake me up and leave me on the table all night?

Hi @pepsi97, You will see that I have moved your discussion to an in-depth conversation that is already in progress about what different anxiety disorders look like. In addition to General Anxiety Disorder (GAD), have you been diagnosed with depression at all? Deep sleep, over sleeping, excessive sleeping...what it can mean is that often, the problem isn’t the problem, but it’s a symptom of a different problem. Have you spoken with your physician about your deep sleeping angst?

As far as your friend leaving you for the night should you fall asleep, I think you can reassure yourself and your friend by setting several alarms towards the end of the massage to help you wake up. If those don't work, it's important to use the correct tactics in waking deep sleepers like warm clothes to the face, gentle speaking and reassuring arm squeezes. You don't want your friend to cause extra trauma by blowing an air horn or anything of that nature.

Hi Amanda

I have thoughts that give me anxiety attacks and I cant stop these negative thoughts do u have this

Hi @rab, I have had my own struggles over the years as well. The important thing is that you found Connect, a safe place where you can talk - even about the tough stuff. I’m so sorry you are going through this. I understand how difficult it can be to struggle with anxiety attacks and negative thoughts. It’s important to know you are not alone! I would like to tag @gailb and @gingerw, two of our mentors that have experience with depression and anxiety and then @parus, @kdo0827, @johnhans, @marjou, @rollinsk, @joy425 and @lilypaws who are members of the group that have shared their stories as well.
@rab, are you currently seeking any medical treatment for your attacks and thoughts? What's one thing that you feel helps calm you?

I have the same problem with negative thoughts that keep escalating. Then I burst out in anger. I also have depression and OCD. What could be the causes of this anger. Help! Maria.

My psychiatrist put me on Fanapt for negative thoughts. I worked pretty agressively to overcome them and now the thoughts are easier to control.

Hello Kim here, I also have anxiety, depression, panic attacks and OCD plus I am a germaphob (YEAH ME) It was hard for me, I had this my whole life up until 20 years ago when I saw a stress management dr. I learned to except my so called issues. I eventually found peace with these issues and except them for what is part of me. I then was able to work through my mind controlling me and would give myself little pep talks. I am also a clean freak so I would put my thoughts and energy in cleaning. Today I still have these issues but I have excepted them and we have a little talk when they want to disrupt my life. I do take medications but once in a while these issues get past the meds, so far I think I am winning the battles in my mind😊😊😊. Don’t be hard on yourself, find some go to sayings or phrases that will help you win back the positive thoughts. Hope this helps or at least you know your not alone.