Pushing Through Anxiety-Tips to squelch a panic attack

by Terri Webster

I am on the tail end of an anxious week with panic symptoms still lingering.

What am I anxious about? 

I could name a ton of reasons. Not all of them are bad. Most are good, which begin with apprehension or excitement about an upcoming event. 

Mix good and exciting with a few underlying, troubling realities, and I have the perfect recipe for full-blown symptoms that can send me straight to bed.

Do you relate?

I first experienced this intruder two summers ago. The first attack came from out of nowhere. Sudden onset of nausea, dizziness, extreme fatigue, shallow breathing and heart palpitations. The more I fought it, the worse I felt. 

My thoughts ran ahead of me and I couldn’t catch up. An overall

feeling of being out of control consumed me.

At first I blamed it on a bug or the flu. I worried that it was my heart. The symptoms would last all day, then go away as quickly as they came.

When it happened a second time several weeks later, and then again and again, each one about a month apart, I went to my doctor. She ruled out heart problems and everything else checked out fine. She asked me if I was under stress.

Who isn’t, right?

A lot was going on during that time, not to mention being in menopause, which could be a major culprit.

I share my story because I am surrounded by women who experience anxiety, panic and depression. It interferes with our lives, doesn’t it? It’s inconvenient. You’ve probably thought like I have, “I don’t have time for this. I have too much to do.”

Once I realized what was happening, I discovered some ways to squelch these episodes, which I want to share with you. I don’t wait until anxiety strikes, but have incorporated these things on a daily basis.

• Get still before God. Find a place where you won’t be interrupted. If ten minutes is all you have, that’s ten powerful minutes of “casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). God’s word provides endless remedies for our anxious hearts. Here’s just one that sums up my steps to having His promised peace for my heart and mind.

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. Philippians 4:6-7

• See your doctor. Ask to have your hormone levels tested. This was a big deal for me. Once I gained understanding of what was going on chemically, I could make decisions on what to do about it. For me, it’s a natural form of hormone replacement recommended by a holistic doctor. And, of course, depending on your personal situation, your doctor can determine if other medicines are needed. 
• Food and drink. Please don’t take away my morning coffee! I
  
  fill a big mug, PLUS a small thermos and take it to my quiet place with God every morning. I’ve cut back though. I have discovered some low-acidic, organic versions at Walmart. They’re not expensive and aren’t chemically decaffeinated. Even though it’s caffeinated, I don’t experience the jitters.
• As for food, when we’re stressed, we tend to eat more processed, sugary foods. I’ve found a lot of relief by avoiding all junky-types of foods and drinks. This includes NO artificial sweeteners. Trust me when I say, I’m not deprived. There are gobs of whole food options, as well as convenience foods that aren’t chock full of ingredients that were never intended for humans. You’re worth taking the time to read ALL labels!
• Essential oils are a major armor against various health issues including anxiety and emotional woes. I’ve used them for six years and thank God every day for creating the resources, and giving men the wisdom and knowledge on how to source these oils from plants and trees that have undeniable power. Again, read the labels. If you have further questions about essential oils, feel free to send me a private email.
• The world says we’re invincible! You can do it all, have it all. I’m not sure what “it all” is, but saying yes to things God doesn’t intend you to say yes to, even if it’s a great thing, does not mean it’s great for you. God’s word tells us that the greatest thing that surpasses all others, is wisdom. With godly wisdom comes enjoyment of fruits far better than fine gold and choice
  
  silver. Wisdom grows throughout the years, but materialistic gain rots, decays and only satisfies for a short time. Wisdom lasts a lifetime and beyond. Proverbs 8 is full of the rich promises of pursuing wisdom and knowledge from Him. I’ve said no to a lot the past few years, including over-volunteering, which has provided much-needed margin for me to heal and learn how to manage stress and anxiety when it rears its ugly head.
• Accept and let go of what you have no control over. Those things are God’s specialty and better left to Him.
• Lastly, exercise. Breathe deeply. Stretch. Get outside. Walk. Ride a bike.

What are some other ways you’ve found to combat anxiety and panic attacks? Feel free to share below in the comments area below. 

Staying the course, 

Terri

photo courtesy of www.pixabay.com

What Am I Responsible For?

What am I responsible for?

At what point do I let go and turn over the reins to the Great I Am? And how do I know when it’s time to step up to the plate? And swing?

Where is the balance between working as if it all depended on me and releasing the burden of it all on the One who initiated this thing to begin with?

Where does the inspiration and fervent desire to work for Him come from? It was once there; where did it go?

And will it come back?

And… inspiration to do what?

Go back to school?

Start that ministry?

Change careers?

Paint?                                                       

Write?

Make music?

Today I read an awesome blog post written by my long-distance friend Julie Dibble. I encourage you to read it here: 

Julie Dibble Writes

She asked this question at the end of her post:

"Do you feel responsible for things belonging to God?"

My answer was a resounding, “Yes!”

I learned at a young age how to shoulder everyone else’s responsibilities. It’s very difficult to stop. I did stop, but at some point in the middle of rush, took it back.

Maybe that’s what depletes my inspiration and fervent desire to fulfill His plan and purpose for me. 

Maybe that’s when depression comes.

What about you?

Are you carrying the burden of responsibility of something that belongs to God? Or someone else? 

That thing that you must make sure turns out the way it’s “supposed” to?

In addition to the responsibilities that really ARE yours?

Feeling overwhelmed now?

This is the point where we may need to let go of some things. Those things we THINK we have control over, but really don’t. And never will.

So we might as well cut ourselves some slack; let it go into His more-than capable, big, strong hands.

Now to Him who is able to carry out His purpose 

and do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask 

or think, [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, 

or dreams], according to His power that is at work 

within us. Ephesians 3:20 (AMP)

Stop here. Breathe. Now let’s go back and slowly read the above verse again.

This covers just about everything, doesn’t it?

This is where we find balance. Letting go.

As we let go, the scales begin to tip back toward the side that Jesus holds.

Ahhh, I feel a sense of relief. And a glimmer of inspiration and desire.

With all the fervor and love that fills my heart for you, I pray you do too, and that the floodgates open up for you.

I'd love to hear from you if you feel comfortable commenting below. Or you can always email me using the form on the right side of this page. 

We can stay the course together,

Terri