Because I have several people close to me that live with this, I wanted to share some thoughts on the subject.

I never knew this was another all consuming battle until I had experienced a full blown anxiety panic attack myself and started talking about it.

-While this is not something I struggle with daily, (of course I have my own particular struggles,) I now understand that this is more common than I had known.

So when something happens that throws you into this state and all you think about is the worst case scenario….

What if that worst case scenario happens? What if? Ask yourself. Can you handle it? You can!

What you’re feeling is not dumb or stupid, which is what I hear all too often. 😢

It’s OK!

It’s real!

It’s what you’re experiencing and should be validated!

Sometimes it doesn’t even seem like it makes sense to anyone else or even yourself.

•PHYSICALLY No…no one can see this. (unless it’s an actual full blown panic attack) but internally there is a chaos of sorts that feels like the world is off its axis or some catastrophic event has taken place. Even though you feel like this is happening, it’s usually not! Just take a deep breath!

•MENTALLY you may feel like five minutes ago you were stable and now you’re in this place again. It’s ok. It’s ok. You’ll get through it. You won’t stay there. Think about other good possible scenarios that could play out!

•SPIRITUALLY, doubt over-takes you. Your certainties don’t feel so certain. But God is always in control even if you don’t feel you are.

•SOCIALLY, loneliness overcomes, in the sense that you feel that no one else but you struggles this way.

“How could you possibly tell anyone, let alone anyone being able to understand what you’re feeling?” It seems so ridiculous, right?!

Remember you’re NOT alone. Many many people are struggling with this at the very same time.

Well I’m here to tell you that these are real things. They happen every day with a lot of people and you are not alone!

Some of the things that seem to have helped are…

•PRAYER, if you believe, pray. Keep praying and asking. Basically, annoying Him!

•TALKING to someone you trust. Because they love you they will do their best to help you!

•RECOGNIZE the outcome you fear is NOT even remotely likely to happen. But if it does, you will be able to handle it!

•PARALYZATION, ANGER OR ISOLATION is NOT the answer!

•MOVING FORWARD in some sort of action, whether it be reaching out to someone you trust OR facing the fear head on.

(You’re stronger than you think you are!)

Lastly, I want you to remember…

Where you’re at is real!

It’s as real as you’re experiencing it and validation is what will propel you along with very loving trusted people that you can walk along with and guide you down a different path!

My heart is with you, this is a very difficult struggle to live with daily!

But you got this!

There is Hope!

Keep trusting!

Keep going!

If you have no one that you trust, and you’re willing to talk, you can always reach out to me!

I’m so excited for your future! Excited for what is to come and how you’re going to move through this!!

You can!

I promise!