coping skills for obsessive-compulsive and anxiety disorders

[paisleypanther]

Hi everyone! I wanted to make a thread that is a safe space for those with obsessive-compulsive related disorders and anxiety disorders such as general anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety, agoraphobia, other phobias, etc. I am curious about how other Christ-followers cope with awful symptoms like panic attacks and intrusive thoughts. How do you calm yourself down? What are the best coping skills you have learned? What Bible verses/Christian songs especially comfort you? I hope this can be a space where people can share techniques and skills that have most benefitted them in their struggles with mental illness.

 

[morefaithrequired]

Im highly anxious. My jokes are just a front for my highly agitated mind. Im moody. I can love you one day and only like you the next.
Im getting ocd too. I worry about whether I turned off the stove.
I panic too. I remember once I had a job as an athletics carnival manager for kids. My mouth became so dry I couldn't give instructions to other teachers. No words came out. Then I had such a frazzled headache after work I couldn't go to work the next day.
Im crazy but ocassionally cute...so says my partner.

 

[Iwillfearnoevil]

Hi everyone! I wanted to make a thread that is a safe space for those with obsessive-compulsive related disorders and anxiety disorders such as general anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety, agoraphobia, other phobias, etc. I am curious about how other Christ-followers cope with awful symptoms like panic attacks and intrusive thoughts. How do you calm yourself down? What are the best coping skills you have learned? What Bible verses/Christian songs especially comfort you? I hope this can be a space where people can share techniques and skills that have most benefitted them in their struggles with mental illness.

I have anxiety disorder and panic attacks. I am prescribed a medication for the panic attacks and have been on it for several years. I know the Lord takes care of all things and has never let me down, but there is still fear inside when something goes wrong. I've had several situations that cause the panic attacks and I work to change the situation for the better or remove things or even people from my life that cause anxiety. I think there has become a point where the body begins to respond to a lot of things with panic due to habit even if they are not that bad and I'm seeking the Lord to help me with it and be able to one day be off my medication.

 

[ArtsieSteph]

Yup, OCD and anxiety here as well.

I notice that if I talk to someone about my problems, they become far less powerful. When I have a thought or fear, all it takes sometimes is hearing my own self explain it to say “Wow that sounds COMPLETELY ridiculous why am I even freaking out about that?” That and not focusing so much on reacting negatively I a thought, or mulling it over obsessively to try and reason it away. The best way to forget it, is to not let it sit in your head.

These of course are my coping skills only, I don’t claim that they work for everyone.

 

[Deade]

My advice is to just chill. OCD is nothing but worry. Worrying just makes us try to take a situation back from God's throne where we should have left it.

♩ ♬ ♪ ♫ Have we trials and temptations,
is there trouble anywhere, ♩ ♬ ♪ ♫

♩ ♬ ♪ ♫ We should never be discouraged,
take it to the Lord in prayer. ♩ ♬ ♪ ♫

 

[Going_Nowhere]

I've been dealing with anxiety and panic attacks most of my life. If I stay home, I'm okay. But when I have to leave my house and go somewhere else, that triggers it. So I prefer to stay home as much as I can. And I'm happy doing that. I don't want anything to do with the outside world.

 

[morefaithrequired]

I've been dealing with anxiety and panic attacks most of my life. If I stay home, I'm okay. But when I have to leave my house and go somewhere else, that triggers it. So I prefer to stay home as much as I can. And I'm happy doing that. I don't want anything to do with the outside world.

thanks GN.
wish I had known earlier

 

[JaumeJ]

I've been dealing with anxiety and panic attacks most of my life. If I stay home, I'm okay. But when I have to leave my house and go somewhere else, that triggers it. So I prefer to stay home as much as I can. And I'm happy doing that. I don't want anything to do with the outside world.

Are you certain you are not just adverse to the world? That is being a faithful servant I believe.

My own experience is quite smilar. At 75 I have not ventured out nights or even after noon except for a couple of times when I was obliged to do so by an appointment or the like.

There is nothing for me outside of my home other than going out to satisfy daily needs. I do not have any anxiety nor fear, I simply do not like it away from my home.. Perhaqps much of what you see as problematic (if you see it this way) is merely more of being a faithful believer and trusting more in Godd and not this world. No matter, my prayers are for your continual safety and cre ind the sight of our Father...j

 

[oldethennew]

Brother Jack, you have hit the nail on the head for the so many who are feeling that is it not a good thing to NOT
want to venture out into 'the world and it's demonic activities'!!!
MFR should be very comforted by this Holy knowledge that you have shared, from your own personal/Spiritual experiences...

I, the wife, have had the most experiences with all of the above, - yes, my husband has experienced
many, but not anywhere near what I have, - merely because he was blessed with sincere, loving parents...

and so, I will share a part of my journey, not the in-between to much, but where I am now, and that is,
once I Truly received The Holy Spirit, I began to grow, day-by-day in strength and trust thus learning how
to 'over-come' all of the worldly bondage/fears - I started to mature and surrender and hope that what I was
experiencing was God's Reality, and it was, because I began to leave, let go of my 'past', and this could only
lead me into His future in making a brand new life, pattered after His ways, and not the ways that I was born into -
I saw myself becoming a new creature, and my desires were focused on Him and Him alone -
I was becoming His true, obedient daughter as He led me into the second genesis,,,...,

 

[JaumeJ]

Brother Jack, you have hit the nail on the head for the so many who are feeling that is it not a good thing to NOT
want to venture out into 'the world and it's demonic activities'!!!
MFR should be very comforted by this Holy knowledge that you have shared, from your own personal/Spiritual experiences...

I, the wife, have had the most experiences with all of the above, - yes, my husband has experienced
many, but not anywhere near what I have, - merely because he was blessed with sincere, loving parents...

and so, I will share a part of my journey, not the in-between to much, but where I am now, and that is,
once I Truly received The Holy Spirit, I began to grow, day-by-day in strength and trust thus learning how
to 'over-come' all of the worldly bondage/fears - I started to mature and surrender and hope that what I was
experiencing was God's Reality, and it was, because I began to leave, let go of my 'past', and this could only
lead me into His future in making a brand new life, pattered after His ways, and not the ways that I was born into -
I saw myself becoming a new creature, and my desires were focused on Him and Him alone -
I was becoming His true, obedient daughter as He led me into the second genesis,,,...,

This is a worthy testimony glorifying our Father in Yeshua. Blessed be the Lord in you and in all, amen.

 

[Subhumanoidal]

Are you certain you are not just adverse to the world? That is being a faithful servant I believe.

My own experience is quite smilar. At 75 I have not ventured out nights or even after noon except for a couple of times when I was obliged to do so by an appointment or the like.

There is nothing for me outside of my home other than going out to satisfy daily needs. I do not have any anxiety nor fear, I simply do not like it away from my home.. Perhaqps much of what you see as problematic (if you see it this way) is merely more of being a faithful believer and trusting more in Godd and not this world. No matter, my prayers are for your continual safety and cre ind the sight of our Father...j

Clearly you know nothing of anxiety, OCD or other mental illnesses.

Let's look at how many Apostles were called to hide away from the world. Or did Jesus? If Jesus had approached his faith as you do he'd have lived a long life, and died of old age.
Would it not be logical that life is less about what you get and more about what you give?
So to say the world outside your home has nothing to offer is a statement of self, not self sacrifice. Nor living for something other than yourself. I'd rather suspect that claiming to hide away in your home as evidence of your faith is quite backwards.
Mark 15:16
Matthew 5:14-16

 

[JaumeJ]

Clearly you know nothing of anxiety, OCD or other mental illnesses.

Let's look at how many Apostles were called to hide away from the world. Or did Jesus? If Jesus had approached his faith as you do he'd have lived a long life, and died of old age.
Would it not be logical that life is less about what you get and more about what you give?
So to say the world outside your home has nothing to offer is a statement of self, not self sacrifice. Nor living for something other than yourself. I'd rather suspect that claiming to hide away in your home as evidence of your faith is quite backwards.
Mark 15:16
Matthew 5:14-16

Young man or woman, you really should know what you are implying about others before judging them.

For years after the Holy Spirit entereed into me I traveled at my own expense to many countries, sharing the gospel. No, I did not represent any denomination but I was moved to do this. This is without mention of the triangle of three states where I would circuit each year to also do the same. We do what we are led to do by Jesus.........….Yeshua......….If you have a genuine beef with others fine, but do not throw out public judgments to influence others and yourself in the wrong manner. Do as Yeshua teaches when conversing with others. We are not perfect in that manner, but we do strive for our Father's work tobe continued in us. May God bless you, me and all with His wisdom, understanding, and knowledge so as not to be deceived by the false versions, amen.

 

[oldethennew]

Brother Jack,
we so appreciate your tolerance of some of the ignorance in this fallen world that is continually
presented -
You are a very humble and sweet man, who truly Loves and Serves our Master, Jesus Christ -
may you continually be Blessed and Comforted in the Faith that you have been given,
and the miles that you have travelled in His Name...

 

[Kojikun]

Hi everyone! I wanted to make a thread that is a safe space for those with obsessive-compulsive related disorders and anxiety disorders such as general anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety, agoraphobia, other phobias, etc. I am curious about how other Christ-followers cope with awful symptoms like panic attacks and intrusive thoughts. How do you calm yourself down? What are the best coping skills you have learned? What Bible verses/Christian songs especially comfort you? I hope this can be a space where people can share techniques and skills that have most benefitted them in their struggles with mental illness.

I think this forum is a good example on the stigma of mental illness. Getting people to understand what it's like to be afraid of your own mind who dont experience it is neigh impossible. Get over it is all you will get from many. That's not to say though that the woe is me attitude is a good thing though. If I've learned anything is to never compare suffering. I have met many who have suffered things I no doubt could not handle, however I find it's also viable vise versa. We have our own strengths and weakness the mind and soul are so complex a mere "Get over" it is insulting. That being said the silver lining is I find it's much easier to help others with mental illness when you've gone through the same. I found group therapy to be quite helpful to many. Therapists even medication can be helpful. Prayer for me is a must. God has helped me get passed things I never would have without. This Christian Chat is a phenomenal place as well. Plenty of brothers and sisters willing to listen offer comfort.

 

[morefaithrequired]

Ive learnt to have some empathy
for people with mental illness. But mainly A and D. Panic for sure.
However I cant imagine what Schizophrenia is like. Ive witnessed some with it. Its like talking to a different person when they are ill. One guy thought he was working undercover as a police operative and that bad guys were on his trail. Scary stuff.

 

[Subhumanoidal]

Young man or woman, you really should know what you are implying about others before judging them.

For years after the Holy Spirit entereed into me I traveled at my own expense to many countries, sharing the gospel. No, I did not represent any denomination but I was moved to do this. This is without mention of the triangle of three states where I would circuit each year to also do the same. We do what we are led to do by Jesus.........….Yeshua......….If you have a genuine beef with others fine, but do not throw out public judgments to influence others and yourself in the wrong manner. Do as Yeshua teaches when conversing with others. We are not perfect in that manner, but we do strive for our Father's work tobe continued in us. May God bless you, me and all with His wisdom, understanding, and knowledge so as not to be deceived by the false versions, amen.

I'm going off of your own words that reflect an ignorance of mental illness. If you do have any knowledge or experience you hide it well.

Lots of bragging and defensiveness. No counter to the given scripture. You complain about "judgements" (which I never judged, I, again, went by YOUR words) as you then accuse me of having a "beef" with others (not even sure what that has to do with anything)
Your response only served to reinforce my view of you, not help it.
I offered a scriptural viewpoint and your response was personal accusations while telling me to imitate Jesus.
Proverbs 15:12 Mockers resent correction
Bye mocker.

 

[morefaithrequired]

maybe.
and correctors resent correction too.

 

[JaumeJ]

To any and all, please forgive my not looking at the forum head first. I did not realize this was miscellaneous..

I have studied basic psychology, and I have been "followed" around my University campus by a phychologist, phd. wanting to "know me" better.

I rejected all of that in favor of the knowledge that comes from above. Just as I am familiar with the field of geology, astrophysics and more, though I understand how the circle turns, again my foundation can only be from the Word, no other bible(book.) God bless all and keep working.

 

[JaumeJ]

To any and all, please forgive my not looking at the forum head first. I did not realize this was miscellaneous..

I have studied basic psychology, and I have been "followed" around my University campus by a phychologist, phd. wanting to "know me" better.

I rejected all of that in favor of the knowledge that comes from above. Just as I am familiar with the field of geology, astrophysics and more, though I understand how the circle turns, again my foundation can only be from the Word, no other bible(book.) God bless all and keep working.

The above post in no manner recants my previous posst with advice from the Word, it is my response because of the Holy Spirit. God bless all, amen

 

[Nehemiah6]

I am curious about how other Christ-followers cope with awful symptoms like panic attacks and intrusive thoughts.

Here is the remedy given by God:

PHILIPPIANS 4
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Paul is telling Christians that they not only pray for their needs but they can also re-focus their thoughts on what is positive and beneficial.