Anxiety and Depression are Real.

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I really appreciate your concern. However, The Problem is not finding a Woman. I actually get A lot of attention. The problem is the Wrong attention. As in Women looking for Sex Only. Which is what has led me to where I am at now. After my divorce, Which was lacking in the sex department for Me. I never Cheated despite that fact in the 18 Years that we were together, Married for 15. Well, Right after my Divorce a Woman threw herself at me only 2 Months later and I More than Accepted knowing that was all that it was. I am not that kind of person and I still let it go on for 3 Years. The Toll that it took on my Heart and Soul has left scars that I am not sure will ever Heal. What I Embraced that I thought and needed turned into something Very Vile to Me. And now I am so disgusted with myself that I don't know if I will ever trust anyone with my Heart again, Not Even Myself. And to be Clear, I don't blame her or have any bad thoughts about her at all as I am a Grown Man. I do hurt for her and I Pray for her constantly as well as Myself for Freedom from that kind of behavior. To find Peace and Self Worth through Jesus Christ and not embrace the Enemies Lies. God has Corrected me, That is why I am at No sex Until Marriage. God has shown Me first hand by grabbing my attention to the depths of my very Soul. That sex Outside of Marriage ONLY Leads to Destruction. So, Without going into even More detail than that. Thank You for your Concern.
And to be Clear. The Three Years Part is Because I have recently found out that I was in something called Limerance. Which is I fell in Love one sided. She told me from the beginning what it meant to her. And I was so lonely that I let myself, We both actually let each other be treated like doormats in different ways out of pure carnal pleasure and desire for each other. When in Reality we were both Just Masking our Pain. Hurt people, Hurt People...
 
Your "feelings" are your choice, and spiritually mature person must be able to control their emotions.
If you keep claiming sickness and distress you are showing you wish to keep it.
If you wish to keep it and not recognize it as an attack of the enemy who only comes to steal, kill, and destroy, He will let you keep it, sounds like you have been claiming distress for some time, without knowing the root and how to defeat it.
Your picture looks like you should be much farther along in your walk.
best wishes
Dude. That is incredibly cold-hearted, even for you.
 
And to be Clear. The Three Years Part is Because I have recently found out that I was in something called Limerance. Which is I fell in Love one sided. She told me from the beginning what it meant to her. And I was so lonely that I let myself, We both actually let each other be treated like doormats in different ways out of pure carnal pleasure and desire for each other. When in Reality we were both Just Masking our Pain. Hurt people, Hurt People...
I pushed a relationship early on and it was amazing for about the first year. But, when it became apparent that it was more of a fantasy and not a reality. Then you can only imagine how the next year went. And then I broke it off and starting seeing someone else which obviously what I am not trying to do now as that was a mistake in itself as I was not even remotely healed. And then she came back to me and I took her back. Hence the Last Year. And I know that I am Oversharing. And Yes, I am and have been going to Therapy for the First Times in My Life. Through the Church and Otherwise. But they are so booked up that I have to wait Months in between or to even get in to see them. I actually have an appointment on November 4th. We will see how that goes and if I will be able to see them more frequently...
 
I really appreciate your concern. However, The Problem is not finding a Woman. I actually get A lot of attention. The problem is the Wrong attention. As in Women looking for Sex Only. Which is what has led me to where I am at now. After my divorce, Which was lacking in the sex department for Me. I never Cheated despite that fact in the 18 Years that we were together, Married for 15. Well, Right after my Divorce a Woman threw herself at me only 2 Months later and I More than Accepted knowing that was all that it was. I am not that kind of person and I still let it go on for 3 Years. The Toll that it took on my Heart and Soul has left scars that I am not sure will ever Heal. What I Embraced that I thought and needed turned into something Very Vile to Me. And now I am so disgusted with myself that I don't know if I will ever trust anyone with my Heart again, Not Even Myself. And to be Clear, I don't blame her or have any bad thoughts about her at all as I am a Grown Man. I do hurt for her and I Pray for her constantly as well as Myself for Freedom from that kind of behavior. To find Peace and Self Worth through Jesus Christ and not embrace the Enemies Lies. God has Corrected me, That is why I am at No sex Until Marriage. God has shown Me first hand by grabbing my attention to the depths of my very Soul. That sex Outside of Marriage ONLY Leads to Destruction. So, Without going into even More detail than that. Thank You for your Concern.
Best of luck to you.
 
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-This "go to" Serenity prayer goes where I go, now for over two decades.
And it has been instrumental in many lives, mine for sure.


-I have also learned to let go of the past, or the past will never let me go.
Only you know your story. I hope you move forward with a positive outlook and
confront your issues as the past is the past.
 
I feel compelled to respond to this as someone who has horrible anxiety, from the time of birth. Its okay, you arent condemned by God, youre loved. And your anxiety isnt even a automatic display of your spiritual progress as some have implied. You can be very spiritual, and still struggle. And honestly, I would love to see their whole life because im 100% sure that everyone here has at least one area where they are not fully "christian" in. My definition being this "christian like" sinless perfection, which is almost God level. I honestly doubt we'll ever get there here on this earth, though we all strive for it.

Anxiety and depression are hard. I wish that more Christians understood this! It seems that many dont, their words do not help in any sense. The lack of compassion and true understanding grieves my heart. They mean to help but they do not. I want to extend forgiveness towrds these people with compassion for their ignorance, sometimes its hard. Its the right thing to do though. Lord knows nobody knows everything, and really its honorable that they try to help.

It is worth noting that you are doing the right thing, depending on God through it. This doesnt mean youll find peace, or even feel it. But it does mean you'll have stability. God never leaves, and you have guidance. I dont know if ill ever feel peace, but I hope to one day. I pray very often, and read the Bible. These things have not healed me completely, because only God can, and despite my endless petition he has chosen not to. I still keep my faith, as do you and this is a wonderful thing.

My advice would be that you remind yourself of his love, his forgivness and compassion towrds you. Remember that hes not dissapointed or ashamed, and that he loves you unfathomably in ways you cant comprehend through these dark times. Continue trying to have faith through such difficult times, its important to keep our piety even through times of hopelessness. And remember, even when you don't slip, if you get burnt out as I do, God still loves you. Hes willing to accept you as you are and help you through to get to where you need to be. He will help.

As for being alone, its not good for man to be alone. We need people. We cant live completely alone. We are social beings. If you have good Godly friends, I would recommend you spend time with them, or even a pastor:)

Im not at the point where I trust many people, though im only 23 so I have time to continue to learn. My friends are few and far between but I do have a pastor i seek counsel from. This helps greatly. I also have an awesome husband.

Try not to rush being in a personal relationship with a person to fill the gaps of loneliness and isolation. But remember if you do, it can still turn out beautiful, honor God with everything you do and he can turn any situation into a better one. I married my husband after two weeks of dating( and two years of freindship) and it was rough at first but we are doing SO much better. We both want to honor God and seek to follow the God through his word faithfully. Have grace on yourself. And dont let others tell you whether or not youre where you need to be spiritually, consider their opinions but also be mindful that many times they're wrong.

I hope my advice can help, though these topics are so personal its so hard to know what will or wont help. And im sorry if I give more pain than encouragement.
 
I feel compelled to respond to this as someone who has horrible anxiety, from the time of birth. Its okay, you arent condemned by God, youre loved. And your anxiety isnt even a automatic display of your spiritual progress as some have implied. You can be very spiritual, and still struggle. And honestly, I would love to see their whole life because im 100% sure that everyone here has at least one area where they are not fully "christian" in. My definition being this "christian like" sinless perfection, which is almost God level. I honestly doubt we'll ever get there here on this earth, though we all strive for it.

Anxiety and depression are hard. I wish that more Christians understood this! It seems that many dont, their words do not help in any sense. The lack of compassion and true understanding grieves my heart. They mean to help but they do not. I want to extend forgiveness towrds these people with compassion for their ignorance, sometimes its hard. Its the right thing to do though. Lord knows nobody knows everything, and really its honorable that they try to help.

It is worth noting that you are doing the right thing, depending on God through it. This doesnt mean youll find peace, or even feel it. But it does mean you'll have stability. God never leaves, and you have guidance. I dont know if ill ever feel peace, but I hope to one day. I pray very often, and read the Bible. These things have not healed me completely, because only God can, and despite my endless petition he has chosen not to. I still keep my faith, as do you and this is a wonderful thing.

My advice would be that you remind yourself of his love, his forgivness and compassion towrds you. Remember that hes not dissapointed or ashamed, and that he loves you unfathomably in ways you cant comprehend through these dark times. Continue trying to have faith through such difficult times, its important to keep our piety even through times of hopelessness. And remember, even when you don't slip, if you get burnt out as I do, God still loves you. Hes willing to accept you as you are and help you through to get to where you need to be. He will help.

As for being alone, its not good for man to be alone. We need people. We cant live completely alone. We are social beings. If you have good Godly friends, I would recommend you spend time with them, or even a pastor:)

Im not at the point where I trust many people, though im only 23 so I have time to continue to learn. My friends are few and far between but I do have a pastor i seek counsel from. This helps greatly. I also have an awesome husband.

Try not to rush being in a personal relationship with a person to fill the gaps of loneliness and isolation. But remember if you do, it can still turn out beautiful, honor God with everything you do and he can turn any situation into a better one. I married my husband after two weeks of dating( and two years of freindship) and it was rough at first but we are doing SO much better. We both want to honor God and seek to follow the God through his word faithfully. Have grace on yourself. And dont let others tell you whether or not youre where you need to be spiritually, consider their opinions but also be mindful that many times they're wrong.

I hope my advice can help, though these topics are so personal its so hard to know what will or wont help. And im sorry if I give more pain than encouragement.
You Are More than Encouraging. Thank You. And you are very insightful, especially for your age. I believe that you are on the right path. I am so Happy to read these words from someone so young. Praise Jesus...
 
I feel compelled to respond to this as someone who has horrible anxiety, from the time of birth. Its okay, you arent condemned by God, youre loved. And your anxiety isnt even a automatic display of your spiritual progress as some have implied. You can be very spiritual, and still struggle. And honestly, I would love to see their whole life because im 100% sure that everyone here has at least one area where they are not fully "christian" in. My definition being this "christian like" sinless perfection, which is almost God level. I honestly doubt we'll ever get there here on this earth, though we all strive for it.

Anxiety and depression are hard. I wish that more Christians understood this! It seems that many dont, their words do not help in any sense. The lack of compassion and true understanding grieves my heart. They mean to help but they do not. I want to extend forgiveness towrds these people with compassion for their ignorance, sometimes its hard. Its the right thing to do though. Lord knows nobody knows everything, and really its honorable that they try to help.

It is worth noting that you are doing the right thing, depending on God through it. This doesnt mean youll find peace, or even feel it. But it does mean you'll have stability. God never leaves, and you have guidance. I dont know if ill ever feel peace, but I hope to one day. I pray very often, and read the Bible. These things have not healed me completely, because only God can, and despite my endless petition he has chosen not to. I still keep my faith, as do you and this is a wonderful thing.

My advice would be that you remind yourself of his love, his forgivness and compassion towrds you. Remember that hes not dissapointed or ashamed, and that he loves you unfathomably in ways you cant comprehend through these dark times. Continue trying to have faith through such difficult times, its important to keep our piety even through times of hopelessness. And remember, even when you don't slip, if you get burnt out as I do, God still loves you. Hes willing to accept you as you are and help you through to get to where you need to be. He will help.

As for being alone, its not good for man to be alone. We need people. We cant live completely alone. We are social beings. If you have good Godly friends, I would recommend you spend time with them, or even a pastor:)

Im not at the point where I trust many people, though im only 23 so I have time to continue to learn. My friends are few and far between but I do have a pastor i seek counsel from. This helps greatly. I also have an awesome husband.

Try not to rush being in a personal relationship with a person to fill the gaps of loneliness and isolation. But remember if you do, it can still turn out beautiful, honor God with everything you do and he can turn any situation into a better one. I married my husband after two weeks of dating( and two years of freindship) and it was rough at first but we are doing SO much better. We both want to honor God and seek to follow the God through his word faithfully. Have grace on yourself. And dont let others tell you whether or not youre where you need to be spiritually, consider their opinions but also be mindful that many times they're wrong.

I hope my advice can help, though these topics are so personal its so hard to know what will or wont help. And im sorry if I give more pain than encouragement.

@Carlyw ...Your heart is so tender and it is a beautiful thing to see...
The love of God that has been poured out into your heart is seen by how you pour it out to others...It is so refreshing to read your thoughts...May your heart always be tender as you grow , in Jesus name Amen...
 
Hey Michael dear please consider my contribution.

Five things that help a man who is starting over
- The word: I am happy you are reading it. Because God's power lies in His word.
- A job:
- people: One thing that keeps people anxious is lack of contact with other people, Soul did a post about this. Family, a job, fellowship at church will keep you in contact with people.
- Cutting off: cut off the source of anxiety from your life. what ever it may be, do away with it. sometimes it's hard but make the decision. please don't call it my anxiety. Reject it in the name of Jesus. And when you feel it start whispering prayers. praying in tongues helps me a lot.
- Will: God can do nothing to someone who is not willing or who procrastinate. Make little goals and stick to it.
My little contribution
please do not take offense if I misspoke. God will see you through. I know He will He has never failed.

I love you with the love of our Christ and I am waiting for you to cross this bridge so you can be a great witness for the Christ and His marvelous love for us
 
(Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV):

“Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland.


(Isaiah 43:1-3 NIV):

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
 
Hey Michael dear please consider my contribution.

Five things that help a man who is starting over
- The word: I am happy you are reading it. Because God's power lies in His word.
- A job:
- people: One thing that keeps people anxious is lack of contact with other people, Soul did a post about this. Family, a job, fellowship at church will keep you in contact with people.
- Cutting off: cut off the source of anxiety from your life. what ever it may be, do away with it. sometimes it's hard but make the decision. please don't call it my anxiety. Reject it in the name of Jesus. And when you feel it start whispering prayers. praying in tongues helps me a lot.
- Will: God can do nothing to someone who is not willing or who procrastinate. Make little goals and stick to it.
My little contribution
please do not take offense if I misspoke. God will see you through. I know He will He has never failed.

I love you with the love of our Christ and I am waiting for you to cross this bridge so you can be a great witness for the Christ and His marvelous love for us
Thank You Edith, Your Kind Words and Compassion are ALWAYS Appreciated... 🫂 Outside of Church and Work. I do spend A lot of time alone. The WILL Part is my biggest issue right now. I really have zero motivation and I am searching for it desperately. The only solace that I get when I am in my home alone comes from keeping my Bible close to me. I sleep with it next to me, Usually with my hand on it for comfort. I lay on my back and hug it on my chest when I feel so bad that I do not know what else to do. My heartbreak is beyond measure. However, I will stop calling it. "My" Anxiety. I know this post is Full of, "My's". So, Thank for that. I will start watching what I say as I don't want or need to be claiming these things over myself. That is a Very Good point. I Truly Hope that you find the Love and Peace that You Deserve as Well. I Hope and Pray that God sets You Free. I Pray that the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY. Sets US ALL FREE... AMEN 🤲🙏🙌
 
Thank You Edith, Your Kind Words and Compassion are ALWAYS Appreciated... 🫂 Outside of Church and Work. I do spend A lot of time alone. The WILL Part is my biggest issue right now. I really have zero motivation and I am searching for it desperately. The only solace that I get when I am in my home alone comes from keeping my Bible close to me. I sleep with it next to me, Usually with my hand on it for comfort. I lay on my back and hug it on my chest when I feel so bad that I do not know what else to do. My heartbreak is beyond measure. However, I will stop calling it. "My" Anxiety. I know this post is Full of, "My's". So, Thank for that. I will start watching what I say as I don't want or need to be claiming these things over myself. That is a Very Good point. I Truly Hope that you find the Love and Peace that You Deserve as Well. I Hope and Pray that God sets You Free. I Pray that the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY. Sets US ALL FREE... AMEN 🤲🙏🙌

Rejoice always,
17 pray without ceasing,
18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
I Thess.5:16-18.


I do know something about Limerance and it is indeed very debilitating, but it can be resolved.
:)

The emotional, psychological, physical and spiritual all need to be considered in overcoming depression.

There is much information on all this to help, however I would just like to hone in on few things.

I am going to appeal to authority a bit, because my son is a neuroscientist and he has taught me a lot about the brain (not psychology but the physics of the brain) over the past few years and taking care of our brain is so very important and we sometimes forget to do this, nor do we know how.

One thing that is important is to reduce activities that cause dopamine rushes and work on activities which increase serotonin.
There is a lot information on the internet about how to increase serotonin, I urge you to do the research.

The spiritual side is found in the verse cited above. This is list of actionable items which I think (no research cited, lol)
increases serotonin.

Here is book on it. I highly recommend.
"Unconditional Joy" by Dr. Glen Nowell.

Also, remember that the Bible is the source for knowing about God..... but fellowship in His Grace is the source of knowing God.

Jesus invites us to draw from the well of life/grace daily.... enabling grace comes from agreeing with Him that all He states is true, the first on the list is that He is Love.

John 4:14:
Jesus offers "living water" to the woman at the well, saying that whoever drinks it will never be thirsty again.


I hope this is helpful. :)
 
Rejoice always,
17 pray without ceasing,
18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
I Thess.5:16-18.


I do know something about Limerance and it is indeed very debilitating, but it can be resolved.
:)

The emotional, psychological, physical and spiritual all need to be considered in overcoming depression.

There is much information on all this to help, however I would just like to hone in on few things.

I am going to appeal to authority a bit, because my son is a neuroscientist and he has taught me a lot about the brain (not psychology but the physics of the brain) over the past few years and taking care of our brain is so very important and we sometimes forget to do this, nor do we know how.

One thing that is important is to reduce activities that cause dopamine rushes and work on activities which increase serotonin.
There is a lot information on the internet about how to increase serotonin, I urge you to do the research.

The spiritual side is found in the verse cited above. This is list of actionable items which I think (no research cited, lol)
increases serotonin.

Here is book on it. I highly recommend.
"Unconditional Joy" by Dr. Glen Nowell.

Also, remember that the Bible is the source for knowing about God..... but fellowship in His Grace is the source of knowing God.

Jesus invites us to draw from the well of life/grace daily.... enabling grace comes from agreeing with Him that all He states is true, the first on the list is that He is Love.

John 4:14:
Jesus offers "living water" to the woman at the well, saying that whoever drinks it will never be thirsty again.


I hope this is helpful. :)
Very Helpful, Thank You.
I really like this part.
"Also, remember that the Bible is the source for knowing about God..... but fellowship in His Grace is the source of knowing God."
Great Stuff!!! Praise Jesus 🙌
 
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I don't believe that.
If you had zero motivation then you would not be here seeking and reaching out.
Excellent Point!!! 🫂 This Makes me feel Better. I am at least trying. I guess I was referring to me procrastinating on the things that I need to be doing. I Should be asking you and anyone reading this and willing to pray for me. Instead of Wallowing in self pity. I get home, And I constantly fill my time with this site, I call anyone that is available to talk to me. Just to keep me from Uncontrollably Crying Myself to Sleep. Because of negative ruminating thoughts. Instead of actually working on my house or working on myself. I have realized that I have always had such a passion to help others with their troubles. When the Truth all along was that I was Avoiding my Own. Thank You for calling me out and reminding me of these things...
 
Thank You Edith, Your Kind Words and Compassion are ALWAYS Appreciated... 🫂 Outside of Church and Work. I do spend A lot of time alone. The WILL Part is my biggest issue right now. I really have zero motivation and I am searching for it desperately. The only solace that I get when I am in my home alone comes from keeping my Bible close to me. I sleep with it next to me, Usually with my hand on it for comfort. I lay on my back and hug it on my chest when I feel so bad that I do not know what else to do. My heartbreak is beyond measure. However, I will stop calling it. "My" Anxiety. I know this post is Full of, "My's". So, Thank for that. I will start watching what I say as I don't want or need to be claiming these things over myself. That is a Very Good point. I Truly Hope that you find the Love and Peace that You Deserve as Well. I Hope and Pray that God sets You Free. I Pray that the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY. Sets US ALL FREE... AMEN 🤲🙏🙌

Amen Amen And Amen
Thank you very much for your prayer thank you.
Something that helps a lot is music.
For many years I played the Hillsong "in control" and also "from inside out" like it was a life line. it worked for me. may be it can for you.
 
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