Struggles with Anxiety (support group)

[Roughsoul1991]

Hey everyone, so we hear a lot nowadays about mental illness and we still are not fully sure why the an extreme rise in mental illness. How much of it is environmental, genetic, or nurtured?

Either way, times are hardly any more stressful than the historical past. We just have different stressors but what we now face is the bombardment of stressors at a faster pace.

Anyways as one who struggles with anxiety and panic attacks, there is no judgment here. I know the late nights of defeats. The loudness of silence. The phantom pains. The mental prison of anguish.

These I know all too well.

But I also have known the victory to surrender it to Christ.

I wish I had a definite answer but sometimes God doesn't remove the pain. It is in these moments that praying and seeking His response can be the most exhausting.

Anxiety will affect you physically. It is exhausting to be in a continuous state of fight or flight. You don't know what to fight and you have nowhere to hide. The threat just stays on like a broken traffic light that stays on red.

Sometimes overthinking and constant analyzing are a strength but not when a perceived threat is falsely flagged or a minor threat is made into something severe.

Doctors have tried prescribing medication but I have not taken them because the side effects sound way worse.

Praying for you or anyone who fights this existence.

 

[LifelongLearner]

Nowt rough about your soul, think you wear your war wounds well. How can one not be prone to getting low when you understand just how unnatural and plain messed up the world is now? There's nowhere to run to anymore either, one can't just upsticks and join or form a new community easily, in the West obey and consume seems to be the main commandment from the powers which shouldn't be.

I started to feel uneasy during the early eighties but was certain something nasty was up, when education started resembling indoctrination during the early nineties. Thankfully, i was largely a stay at home Mum, due to doing some accountancy work from home, so could sort out issues caused by what they were taught at school. I too have experienced quite a few episodes of major depression, it rocks now knowing what's behind the evil and that the LORD will end the misery and suffering when the time is right.

Blessings to you and yours Roughsoul, all that's good and cheers for another thoughtful, lovely post from you.

 

[Roughsoul1991]

Nowt rough about your soul, think you wear your war wounds well. How can one not be prone to getting low when you understand just how unnatural and plain messed up the world is now? There's nowhere to run to anymore either, one can't just upsticks and join or form a new community easily, in the West obey and consume seems to be the main commandment from the powers which shouldn't be.

I started to feel uneasy during the early eighties but was certain something nasty was up, when education started resembling indoctrination during the early nineties. Thankfully, i was largely a stay at home Mum, due to doing some accountancy work from home, so could sort out issues caused by what they were taught at school. I too have experienced quite a few episodes of major depression, it rocks now knowing what's behind the evil and that the LORD will end the misery and suffering when the time is right.

Blessings to you and yours Roughsoul, all that's good and cheers for another thoughtful, lovely post from you.

Thank you Lifelonglearner, you bring to mind that it often feels like obey and forced consumption. It is difficult to escape consuming what the world dishes out. We live as lower middle class so just enough not to get assistance but enough to still struggle. The forced consumption of taxes, necessary bills, cheap food that also doesn't contribute to mental health, and the social norms that are expected even if internally you are collapsing.

I've been through the car repo, the house threatened with foreclosure, the kids being mad because we are eating spaghetti for the 3rd night. Very stressful moments that had to be consumed after taking in 2 more boys and then Covid hit.

Obey the power while we must balance the problems that the power creates. And then if you do not manage the problems well enough, the power makes more problems for you.

I'm not denying personal responsibility either, obviously, some of what we are forced to consume is due to poor choices or poor stewardship.

Thank you for your kind words. Very thankful.

 

[LifelongLearner]

Thank you Lifelonglearner, you bring to mind that it often feels like obey and forced consumption. It is difficult to escape consuming what the world dishes out. We live as lower middle class so just enough not to get assistance but enough to still struggle. The forced consumption of taxes, necessary bills, cheap food that also doesn't contribute to mental health, and the social norms that are expected even if internally you are collapsing.

I've been through the car repo, the house threatened with foreclosure, the kids being mad because we are eating spaghetti for the 3rd night. Very stressful moments that had to be consumed after taking in 2 more boys and then Covid hit.

Obey the power while we must balance the problems that the power creates. And then if you do not manage the problems well enough, the power makes more problems for you.

I'm not denying personal responsibility either, obviously, some of what we are forced to consume is due to poor choices or poor stewardship.

Thank you for your kind words. Very thankful.

My heart goes out to you and your family friend, i see so many young families seriously struggling now and offer what help i can. My generation grew up when ordinary people had much freedom, choice and financial security, there was even a decent safety net for people with problems, including financial. Pretty sure you know many of my generation fell for the greed is good lie, not realising it was a trap to enable the evil ones to take complete control.

It should be the happiest time of your lives, hard work for sure but truly wonderful, not the daily struggle i know it is for young families now. However, your children are luckier than most, you and your Missus know what's really going on and they know this evil system isn't their future. The Big Guy upstairs will soon call time on it.

God's blessings and hugs from me to you all.

 

[LifelongLearner]

Thank you Lifelonglearner, you bring to mind that it often feels like obey and forced consumption. It is difficult to escape consuming what the world dishes out. We live as lower middle class so just enough not to get assistance but enough to still struggle. The forced consumption of taxes, necessary bills, cheap food that also doesn't contribute to mental health, and the social norms that are expected even if internally you are collapsing.

I've been through the car repo, the house threatened with foreclosure, the kids being mad because we are eating spaghetti for the 3rd night. Very stressful moments that had to be consumed after taking in 2 more boys and then Covid hit.

Obey the power while we must balance the problems that the power creates. And then if you do not manage the problems well enough, the power makes more problems for you.

I'm not denying personal responsibility either, obviously, some of what we are forced to consume is due to poor choices or poor stewardship.

Thank you for your kind words. Very thankful.

Also just realised this forum looks very much my cup of coffee

 

[Roughsoul1991]

My heart goes out to you and your family friend, i see so many young families seriously struggling now and offer what help i can. My generation grew up when ordinary people had much freedom, choice and financial security, there was even a decent safety net for people with problems, including financial. Pretty sure you know many of my generation fell for the greed is good lie, not realising it was a trap to enable the evil ones to take complete control.

It should be the happiest time of your lives, hard work for sure but truly wonderful, not the daily struggle i know it is for young families now. However, your children are luckier than most, you and your Missus know what's really going on and they know this evil system isn't their future. The Big Guy upstairs will soon call time on it.

God's blessings and hugs from me to you all.

You are so right. Just knowing that this isn't the future and that this is just temporary. Things can feel difficult but I get encouraged by history knowing that it could be worse and that I know many struggle worse than us.

God blesses us continuously. Thank you I guess much in life is finding beauty in the small things because much in life is about the little things and not the snapshots. It is a sad reality if we lose the beauty of the day by day 185 days waiting for a 7 day vacation.

 

[Roughsoul1991]

Also just realised this forum looks very much my cup of coffee

Well, the coffee pot holds 10 cups lol. This is the first moment of downtime I've had all day. We took the Trail Life scouts camping and the coffee is one of the biggest things I look forward to lol.

 

[LifelongLearner]

You are so right. Just knowing that this isn't the future and that this is just temporary. Things can feel difficult but I get encouraged by history knowing that it could be worse and that I know many struggle worse than us.

God blesses us continuously. Thank you I guess much in life is finding beauty in the small things because much in life is about the little things and not the snapshots. It is a sad reality if we lose the beauty of the day by day 185 days waiting for a 7 day vacation.

That is a truly beautiful comment, wiping tears from my eyes. Think the LORD probably has a soft spot in his heart for you and your family, so many literally drown in self pity when things are rough. Which is understandable for sure, we live in evil times for but the only answer is to love and trust the LORD.

 

[LifelongLearner]

Also thinking about starting a film club on this forum, thought this film might be a lovely one to start with:

THE AMAZING MR.BLUNDEN [1972]

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0068200/

It's a time travel film, not a ghost film and i still love it, first saw it at the local ABC cinema in 1972. It's also the source of my saying snuff it instead of popping one's clogs I have the original DVD and the Bluray version, that's the DVD, not 1080p in the yt link, not well encoded but watchable. Do you think this would be a good forum for a film club friend?

 

[LifelongLearner]

Subtitle issues with that video, this one is better for sure:

 

[Roughsoul1991]

That is a truly beautiful comment, wiping tears from my eyes. Think the LORD probably has a soft spot in his heart for you and your family, so many literally drown in self pity when things are rough. Which is understandable for sure, we live in evil times for but the only answer is to love and trust the LORD.

Thank you, it isn't easy to trust always but I find it easy to love always. Out of love, I abide, I cling, I hold on, and although trust is difficult sometimes but when your car hydroplanes all you can do is hang on and accept that we are all in God's hands.

 

[Roughsoul1991]

Also thinking about starting a film club on this forum, thought this film might be a lovely one to start with:

THE AMAZING MR.BLUNDEN [1972]

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0068200/

It's a time travel film, not a ghost film and i still love it, first saw it at the local ABC cinema in 1972. It's also the source of my saying snuff it instead of popping one's clogs I have the original DVD and the Bluray version, that's the DVD, not 1080p in the yt link, not well encoded but watchable. Do you think this would be a good forum for a film club friend?

I think having a group that shares media content is great. I teach and study the scriptures so it is very helpful to be made aware of great media content.

 

[LifelongLearner]

Thank you, it isn't easy to trust always but I find it easy to love always. Out of love, I abide, I cling, I hold on, and although trust is difficult sometimes but when your car hydroplanes all you can do is hang on and
accept that we are all in God's hands.

"Thank you, it isn't easy to trust always but I find it easy to love always."

That's one of the most truly beautiful things anyone can say, certain your Missus knows she found a good 'un, sure you're a fabulous Dad too.

Known about the evil going down now for several decades friend, also knew there was nothing we could do to stop it. Many called me a conspiracy theorist, sadly, it's clear people like me are actually conspiracy realists.

It's a beautiful, amazing relief to me now knowing it's all in the Lord's hands. Even if we sorted it out somehow this time, i'm certain the entities behind what's happening would go for it again. It will be tough and frightening but is a great lesson learned too, nor will such evil ever arise again. I'm an in the wind style entp, so can't help trying to imagine the adventures the Big Guy Upstairs might take us on when we're free

 

[LifelongLearner]

I think having a group that shares media content is great. I teach and study the scriptures so it is very helpful to be made aware of great media content.

That's really good thinking, it probably would expand beyond films naturally but think i can sort a decent, more wide ranging intro. Cheers for a very useful reply.

 

[Roughsoul1991]

"Thank you, it isn't easy to trust always but I find it easy to love always."

That's one of the most truly beautiful things anyone can say, certain your Missus knows she found a good 'un, sure you're a fabulous Dad too.

Known about the evil going down now for several decades friend, also knew there was nothing we could do to stop it. Many called me a conspiracy theorist, sadly, it's clear people like me are actually conspiracy realists.

It's a beautiful, amazing relief to me now knowing it's all in the Lord's hands. Even if we sorted it out somehow this time, i'm certain the entities behind what's happening would go for it again. It will be tough and frightening but is a great lesson learned too, nor will such evil ever arise again. I'm an in the wind style entp, so can't help trying to imagine the adventures the Big Guy Upstairs might take us on when we're free

My family knows my humanity better than anyone but yes they keep me sane and when fighting against the forces of evil they are my homefront from the battle front. It is devastating when the homefront is attacked because then there is nowhere to rest, recover, and regain strength. I suppose there is a lesson there but I digress.

We must head to the days of Noah before the Lord returns. When will that be? I don't know. But I do know, we are seeing many still coming to Christ due to the actions of evil. They are making converts for us but they are so wicked that one death is a victory to them.

Ever since starting in ministry, the forces of evil have attacked me relentlessly. From my health, to my father's heart attack, to family deaths, through anxiety, depression, and my own failures that the enemy uses to sow doubt, shame, and defeat.

But God's love and grace carry me to the point of restoring me. In many ways, He shows up.

Evil will do what it does while God does what He does. Knowing that God has not forsaken us is enough for me to take comfort in the fact that God is working even in the midst of evil.

 

[LifelongLearner]

My family knows my humanity better than anyone but yes they keep me sane and when fighting against the forces of evil they are my homefront from the battle front. It is devastating when the homefront is attacked because then there is nowhere to rest, recover, and regain strength. I suppose there is a lesson there but I digress.

We must head to the days of Noah before the Lord returns. When will that be? I don't know. But I do know, we are seeing many still coming to Christ due to the actions of evil. They are making converts for us but they are so wicked that one death is a victory to them.

Ever since starting in ministry, the forces of evil have attacked me relentlessly. From my health, to my father's heart attack, to family deaths, through anxiety, depression, and my own failures that the enemy uses to sow doubt, shame, and defeat.

But God's love and grace carry me to the point of restoring me. In many ways, He shows up.

Evil will do what it does while God does what He does. Knowing that God has not forsaken us is enough for me to take comfort in the fact that God is working even in the midst of evil.

Wow! It's rare for me to feel real affinity with someone new to me but i do with you, you've said quite a few things i say myself. My heart goes out to parents with young families in these evil times, my children are grown up and probably less vulnerable than me now i'm old.

You're so right, these are the last days but i think 70 years plus to go is very possible and they will be increasingly horrific. A chaplain friend of mine also said there's a fantastic increase happening, the LORD is probably facilitating the increase? Look what happened to me in March '24 and think similar happened with you?

"Ever since starting in ministry, the forces of evil have attacked me relentlessly. From my health, to my father's heart attack, to family deaths, through anxiety, depression, and my own failures that the enemy uses to sow doubt, shame, and defeat."

So similar to me, i've been prone to anxiety and depression ever since i can remember, struggle with ocd at times as well. Which i have learned to keep something of a handle on but obviously, it still runs away with the biscuit barrel at times. Think you mean our enemy tries to make you think the LORD can't love you? Ditto me when i'm on a downer but like you, i know it's rubbish when I'm on the up again. There are just so many scriptures where He pleads with people to turn from evil so he doesn't have to destroy them. I don't think we can attain salvation in any way ourselves but i've had quite a few moments where i thought there must be a God throughout my life; which might have contributed to him offering me a helping hand. A couple of other Christians i know have said similar and the way early Christian communities functioned really appeals to me. i'm not impressed with the way modern religions function but have found good Spiritual companionship, through occasional attendance of Baptist chapels.

Oh dear! My keyboard running away with me some there, time to wind up this comment. Think i forgot to reply to the being decisive... thread too. It's lovely chatting with you friend, God's blessings and hugs from me to you all for now

 

[Roughsoul1991]

Wow! It's rare for me to feel real affinity with someone new to me but i do with you, you've said quite a few things i say myself. My heart goes out to parents with young families in these evil times, my children are grown up and probably less vulnerable than me now i'm old.

You're so right, these are the last days but i think 70 years plus to go is very possible and they will be increasingly horrific. A chaplain friend of mine also said there's a fantastic increase happening, the LORD is probably facilitating the increase? Look what happened to me in March '24 and think similar happened with you?

"Ever since starting in ministry, the forces of evil have attacked me relentlessly. From my health, to my father's heart attack, to family deaths, through anxiety, depression, and my own failures that the enemy uses to sow doubt, shame, and defeat."

So similar to me, i've been prone to anxiety and depression ever since i can remember, struggle with ocd at times as well. Which i have learned to keep something of a handle on but obviously, it still runs away with the biscuit barrel at times. Think you mean our enemy tries to make you think the LORD can't love you? Ditto me when i'm on a downer but like you, i know it's rubbish when I'm on the up again. There are just so many scriptures where He pleads with people to turn from evil so he doesn't have to destroy them. I don't think we can attain salvation in any way ourselves but i've had quite a few moments where i thought there must be a God throughout my life; which might have contributed to him offering me a helping hand. A couple of other Christians i know have said similar and the way early Christian communities functioned really appeals to me. i'm not impressed with the way modern religions function but have found good Spiritual companionship, through occasional attendance of Baptist chapels.

Oh dear! My keyboard running away with me some there, time to wind up this comment. Think i forgot to reply to the being decisive... thread too. It's lovely chatting with you friend, God's blessings and hugs from me to you all for now

A couple of other Christians i know have said similar and the way early Christian communities functioned really appeals to me. i'm not impressed with the way modern religions function

It is indeed rare but if you hang around long enough there are quite a few regulars that connection is easy.

I think most of us feel the same way about your quote. Most want the early church setting but I think the sacrifice is more than most want to give. They were like family, constantly together, sharing, and if anyone was in need, they found a way. There was no cost of running a church because the houses were the churches. They would sing and do communion together. Here in America, it is so institutionalized and bureaucratic. It is frustrating. I've tried starting a home church. My gifts involve teaching and counseling but I'm not that great at evangelizing so I ended up getting adopted by a church just kidding but they really quickly took me in. In one week they are ordaining me to Deacon which is wonderful but I'm always hesitant to see how the bureaucracy is. How do they function internally?

I have worked really closely with the leadership already with them allowing me to establish a scouting troop for boys. They are all really great people but still, it is so difficult in this modern age to find those who want the early church function. Everyone is too busy to build real relationships. We are more socially connected than ever in human history but yet people feel so so much alone. It's sad. Even in our Bible studies, we meet for an hour or so and then have a good night until Sunday we sit another hour and then good day until Bible study.

The biblical knowledge is being obtained but relationally it isn't applied. To be fair this introvert doesn't make it easy but still .

 

[MsMediator]

Most want the early church setting but I think the sacrifice is more than most want to give. They were like family, constantly together, sharing, and if anyone was in need, they found a way.

Here in America, it is so institutionalized and bureaucratic.

I don't want to derail the thread, and I don't know the answer, but I wonder if there are some cultural issues at play. I went to other churches (in the U.S.) such as Ethiopian, Indian, and Korean churches and there was a more family vibe. There appears to a family vibe with Chinese churches, as well as black churches, based on what I hear.

 

[Roughsoul1991]

I don't want to derail the thread, and I don't know the answer, but I wonder if there are some cultural issues at play. I went to other churches (in the U.S.) such as Ethiopian, Indian, and Korean churches and there was a more family vibe. There appears to a family vibe with Chinese churches, as well as black churches, based on what I hear.

It has to be a cultural issue for sure. The American church culture has done it the same way for 150+ years at least. Probably began to change after the industrial revolution when the family began to be put to work. Then poor economics and poor tariff deals like the Smoot-Hawley Tariff led the country into a recession and eventually the Great Depression forcing low and middle class families to work. The father, mother, and children. The work industry tried to keep the children but union laws and labor laws protected them. Then came WW2 and the Femenist movements where woman had to work and many no longer wanted to be the housewife. So the producers reacted to the consumer two-income homes. The family now becomes a hustle and bustle family. Success is portrayed as bigger and better. No fault divorce and same sex marriage has made marriage a simple agreement and not a covenant with God. Broken homes enslaved the single mom or child care paying father to the workforce.

Our culture runs night and day and no one feels like they have enough time for family much less friends. Downtime is spent on rest or the few hobbies someone can afford.

Either fortunate or unfortunate many are finding that 2 incomes can't even make it. So rooms are rented out, rent is shared, or people share the house payment.

Community of people is being forced due to prices going up. We was blessed to get a house after the recession for a very low rate. But I was doing good before many in my generation and many are just now affording a home.

Our church culture adopted much of the business culture. We chase the dream of becoming big to reach millions but sadly that is a very low percentage. Most churches can barely afford to keep the doors open.

If our mindset changed on how we did church, that wouldn't be a problem. It seems that church culture changed to cathedrals when Constantine came to power and established Christianity as the national religion. Instead of the underground church and house churches, they could all gather in big buildings.

Positives and negatives to mass gatherings but I fear my American culture has found love for religion and not relationships. More pew warmers than fire starters.

 

[revivalunleashed]

I wrote this a while back, I hope it helps you.

The Importance of Protecting Your Mental Health
In today’s fast-paced world, it can feel like we are always “on.” Between work, family responsibilities, social media, and the weight of everyday struggles, it is easy to let our own mental health slip through the cracks. The truth is this: caring for your mental health is not optional—it is essential.
We often treat mental health like an afterthought, only paying attention when the weight becomes too heavy to carry. But just as we would go to a doctor for a broken bone, we must also nurture and protect our emotional and mental well-being before reaching a breaking point.
Why It Matters
Ignoring mental health can lead to exhaustion, disconnection, and even despair. But when we take time to slow down, reflect, and find balance, we give ourselves the chance to heal and grow. Protecting your mental health allows you to be more present, more joyful, and more resilient in the face of life’s challenges.
God created us as whole beings—mind, body, and spirit. That means caring for your mental health is also a way of honoring Him. Philippians 4:6–7 reminds us: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
You Are Not Alone
One of the most dangerous lies we tell ourselves is, “I’m the only one who feels this way.” The truth is, many people silently struggle with anxiety, depression, and stress. Talking about it, seeking help, and leaning on community are powerful steps toward healing. You do not have to carry your burdens alone—God places people in our lives to walk beside us.
Practical Ways to Protect Your Mental Health

• Take time to rest – True rest is not laziness; it is renewal.
• Limit the noise – Disconnect from negative influences or endless scrolling.
• Move your body – Exercise is not just for your body; it strengthens your mind.
• Stay connected – Reach out to friends, mentors, or support groups.
• Pray and reflect – Pour out your heart to God and let His peace fill you.

Final Thoughts
Protecting your mental health is an act of courage, not weakness. It is choosing to care for the life God has given you. Remember—you matter. Your story is not over. And when you take care of your mental health, you are not only building strength for yourself, but also creating space to be a light for others.
At Revival Unleashed, we believe mental health awareness and faith walk hand in hand. Together, we can break the stigma, start conversations, and remind one another that healing and hope are always possible.