Big Faith Through Anxiety
I haven't really chatted much lately about my anxiety. But I have had several of you ask me how I have been doing. For those of you who haven't been following me for long, I suffered from severe panic attacks and anxiety disorder back in August. I am now on medication to help with my symptoms, which is a huge blessing, but those of you who also suffer from anxiety understand that it is a daily battle.
You see, my anxiety and panic attacks are "non-trigger", which basically means I do not have a sense of feeling anxious or stressed, but my body reacts as if my mind is completely overwhelmed from heart racing to dizziness and complete weakness. It's really kind of crazy to even describe, and comes out of nowhere. With my medication though, praise God my symptoms are few and far between and much less intense.
A question I often get is, how do I cope with my anxiety? When you suffer from panic attacks it can be really easy to live life in fear, but my first coping mechanism helps me with my fear. I have completely handed this burden in my life to God. I wholeheartedly believe his plans are greater than my plans and his ways are higher than my ways. I have so much peace that whatever journey I walk, He has walked before me, and He will not leave me or forsake me. Through Him, I can still find joy each day I wake up to face the day. I know the enemy seeks to steal my joy, and I refuse to let him!
Now my second coping mechanism has more to do with triggers and knowing what causes me to experience my anxiety symptoms. I know I have to stay very well hydrated, that I need to be careful with the amount of caffeine I drink, and the second I feel an attack come on I have to focus on my breathing and stay calm. Thankfully with my meds, as quickly as they come, they also go away. Also, focusing on fresh whole foods and less processed foods is HUGE and getting in regular exercise!
Now, of course I would love to not be on medication for this for the rest of my life, but God has given me peace and an understanding that right now I need it. Right now it is helping me and it's okay! He is telling me that He wants to use me to let others know it is okay too!! You see, having anxiety has NOTHING to do with your lack of faith in God! It's a physiological response that your body has that is completely out of your control.
I am just so thankful to walk this journey with Jesus, because with Him my anxiety has no hold on my life!