Prayers for Anxiety Disorders - What it Really Feels Like

1. Anxiety is the one of the most common mental illnesses. According to the AnxietyCenter, Anxiety Disorders affect 18.1 percent of adults in the United States (approximately 40 million adults between the ages of 18 to 54).
2. Anxiety is treatable. Whether it comes from stress, a medical condition, a life situation, a spiritual battle - you can recover.
3. According to the ADAA: Anxiety disorders cost the U.S. more than $42 billion a year, almost one-third of the country's $148 billion total mental health bill, according to "The Economic Burden of Anxiety Disorders," a study commissioned by ADAA (The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry,60(7), July 1999).

These are my thoughts. I have been treated for depression and anxiety in my past. I have sought out help from a qualified medical professional. I have sought help from Pastors, Counselors, Doctors, Psychologists, and Psychiatrists. I have had inpatient and outpatient therapy. I have been prayed over, baptized in Jesus Name, and been anointed with oil. Yet there are times I still battle this feeling.

Here are some of the thoughts that come into my mind in the midst of an anxiety attack:

"I am going to die."

"I can't think straight."

"I am having a heart attack."

"I am paralyzed, I can't move"

"What if...(the list is endless here)."

"I am going to hurt someone - or me."

"I can't do this anymore."

"I must be crazy."

In doing my research, I was surprised at the number of answers out there for anxiety.

1. Admit that there is a problem. And it can be treated.

1. Seek medical attention. Include your Dr, a Counselor, a Psychologist, and a Psychiatrist. Group or Individual Therapy can help you stop the negative thoughts.

2. Seek mental health attention. Again, Therapy with others will give you the tools you need to stop being paralyzed in Anxiety.

3. Pray, say the Word out loud. Your body will respond to your voice. And the Word of God is powerful to cast down strongholds.

4. Have your pastor pray for you and anoint you with oil.

5. Turn on soothing music. Music really does heal the soul. Avoid hard rock music and rap music that have negative lyrics at this time. They do not help you heal.

6. Move - go for a walk, take a bath, do something to stop your mind from spinning. Taking a 'care break' can stop the bad thoughts from piling up on you.

7. Look up EFT (Emotional Focus Therapy)- it is a way to stop the attack. I tried it and it worked. I have shared it with others. It is a way that you tap you knees and repeat a positive statement or Bible verse over yourself. It stops the anxiety.

7. Be easy on yourself. There is a reason you are anxious. Find out the root cause of your anxiety. It may be medical, physical, emotional, or spiritual - or a combination of all of them.

8. Have a list of bible verses on anxiety, fear, and hopelessness available to read out loud to yourself when you feel this way. I was surprised how quickly things changed when I started to do this.

1. Anxiety is common.
2. Anxiety is treatable.
3. Anxiety is temporary.

Psalm 56:3

When I am afraid, I will put my trust in Thee.

Psalm 121:1-2

I Will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From whence shall my help come? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.

Psalm 23:4

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me.

Matthew 11:28-30

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. “Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. “For My yoke is easy, and My load is light.”

Dear Lord,

You told me not to be anxious for anything - but I am. You have told me you would never leave me or forsake me. I feel like a prisoner in my own head. There are so many accusing voices. I know they are not from You but from the enemy. I feel like I am in a tornado, I keep spinning and spinning and I don't know how to stop.

I need your help Lord. Flood me with your peace, quiet this storm in my head. I will speak your Word over myself even if right now I don't feel that way. I really want You to inhabit your Word and make it so. I don't want to be anxious. I don't want to worry.

I am making a choice - right here and right now - to trust what You say and Your Word says more than what I feel. I pray that you would lead me to the people that I need to help me overcome this. I know this is not what you have intended for me. You have not given me a spirit of fear, but of love and power, and a sound mind. I have the mind of Christ - not this screaming thing! Accuser shut up! Help me Lord, flood me with peace that surpasses all understanding, in Jesus Name.