Comments on: The Peace of God – Finding freedom from fear and panic

By: Omar

Omar — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 19:16:26 +0000

Dear Russ,
I am much better now, but still struggling, there are days that I feel free but then it comes another day where I really struggle with fear and anxiety, I think that is normal. I really don’t like to be fearful and to have fearful thought during the day and at the time to go to bed. This is a battle that the Lord is fighting for me.

By: Russ

Russ — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 09:44:01 +0000

Yes, it’s pretty common to think that something is wrong with you. It’s actually a natural response. Let me give you an example – imagine walking through a thick wilderness. As you approach a small river, you notice a large black bear feeding. At this point the bear hasn’t noticed you, but your body begins to react. Your heart starts beating faster, and your blood pressure elevates. Your hands and legs begin to go numb, because your blood is being pumped to your legs for running and to your arms for fighting. Your stomach churns because your body is starting to digest food faster for extra energy. Adrenaline is being released into your body. During this, your mind is focused on that bear, and not on your body. If the bear sees you, then your body is ready to react. Someone having a panic attack or experiencing anxiety will have the same symptoms: rapid heartbeat, numbing sensation in the hands and legs, and elevated blood pressure. And, it’s common to experience irrational fears (thinking something is wrong with you) because the person having the attack is “looking for the bear.” Since no external danger can be found, the panic sufferer begins to listen to what their body is telling them. “My heart is racing. Maybe it’s a heart attack.” “My body is going numb. I must be dying.” Thoughts race through the mind as the sufferer tries to ‘find the bear’.

By: Omar

Omar — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 18:58:46 +0000

Dear Russ,
I had a good night last night. Today I have some question about anxiety and panic attacks. When you live this kind of problem:
1. Do you usually think about something in your body is wrong and that something wrong will happen to you?
2. Any small pain you have in your body you related to something wrong inside yourself?
Thanks for your time,
Omar.

By: Omar

Omar — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 02:41:11 +0000

Thanks Russ for your quick reply, I am much better right now and I pray that I will sleep fine, some nights are a challenge, but today I read my Bible in Isaiah 7 and I read about Emanuel, GOD IS WITH US, so I am standing with that Word. Blessings from Bolivia.

By: Russ

Russ — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 18:48:27 +0000

Omar, it’s a viscous cycle. First, some anxiety kicks in. That releases adrenaline. Then, you can’t sleep, which creates more anxiety, which releases more adrenaline, etc., etc. It’s frustrating, and it can feel like you can’t get free. But, you can. You can break the cycle. You can do all things through Christ who gives you strength.