Freedom from Anxiety
Cast all your anxiety on HIM because HE cares for you. 1Peter 5:7 NIV
I want everyone to know out there who is having anxiety that you are not alone. Millions of people, including myself have experienced anxiety at one time or another in their lives. Anxiety can stem from stress, fear, worry, menopause and from other numerous situations in our lives.
I remember my first full blown anxiety attack after waking up through breast augmentation surgery. I was at home lying down, a smothering sensation swept over me and I yanked the pillow off my face, but I still felt like I was suffocating. I tried to inhale deeply but could only draw in short little gasps. Suddenly my heart began thundering. The thumping of my heartbeat ricocheted inside me and came booming up through my ears. I sat up clutching my hands to my chest . A spasm of panic shot through me as my chest began to throb. I thought for sure I was having a heart attack. That one episode of anxiety led me to several years of fear and misery.
I am not a doctor or anyone to give legal advice. The GOOD NEWS is I am a woman of GOD in CHRIST JESUS who has at one point in my life experienced the agony and pain anxiety can leave. The reason I wanted to share my experience with you is- I wanted you to know your not alone in the battle of anxiety. There is hope for you. There also is a way out of your current crisis. In fact, there are several ways out.
There are many things you can do to start feeling better. You can start with Cognitive therapy, psychotherapy, learning coping skills and some of you may even need medication. The things you need to stop doing that could be affecting your life is smoking cigarettes, caffeine and alcohol etc. You should start exercising, eating healthy, and have a complete examination from a licensed physician. Then you need to learn how to control your thoughts. Anxiety can get in the way of your thoughts and cripple your life with fear. Fear stands for false evidence appearing real.
There are ten principles written by Fensterheim that can help you cope with fear:
1) It does not matter if you are frightened.
2) Just because you feel the sensation does not mean you are sick.
3) Let the feelings come-they will pass.
4) Make yourself as comfortable as possible without escaping.
5) Stop adding to your distress with negative thoughts.
6) Refocus your body.
7) Wait- give it time to pass.
8) View the situation as an opportunity to practice.
9) Try and distract yourself.
10) When your feelings subside-let your body go loose.
These are just a few things that can help get you started on a road to living a peaceful life. The most important factor that helped me overcome anxiety was trusting in GOD, accepting JESUS CHRIST as my personal Savior and prayer. A closer walk with HIM.
GOD BLESS you
Trust in THE LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge HIM, and HE will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV