Every time I share my struggle with panic, I am amazed at the outpouring of support, encouragement and similar circumstances.  It always saddens me to see how many people in the world deal with this very prevalent issue.

I know, I know…it stinks that misery loves company, but it’s sure nice not to be alone!

Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad. Proverbs 12:25

For those who don’t wrestle with mental illness I’m sure it is hard to understand why those of us who do can’t just “get over it”.  Ohhhh, how I wish we could!!

However, just because I want, wish and try…doesn’t mean I will achieve my goal – but, I’m sure gonna keep striving towards a life without panic.

“Giving up is the only sure way to fail.” – Gena Showalter

In my case, I have researched, read, worked, gone to therapy, slowed down, sped up and basically anything else available in an effort to discover the underlying causes and cure for my own panic disorder, but have yet to find the miraculous change I’m looking for.

Yet, I have long since figured out that my personal struggles can be used to help others and that is truly the miracle in and of itself.

I mean, come on!  Who doesn’t need someone to talk them through a panic episode when their arms go numb, can’t breathe, can’t swallow, think they are choking, feel faint, or my all-time favorite when the lips go numb…nice!  I can TOTALLY do this!!

Thankfully, I have found a few things that work specifically for me, but nothing that has ever taken the disorder completely away…YET…I still hope!

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.  Romans 15:13

I treat all my episodes like I would anything else…I do my best and rely on God to get me through whatever comes my way.

Unfortunately, I’ve had panic disorder since I was in third grade, so I have had over 30 years to attempt to fix my head with no luck!!

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

I honestly don’t know how people do life without God.  He truly is my Savior in all times, but the darkest, scariest moments – He is my knight in shining armor.

God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it? Numbers 23:19

With the holiday season approaching, I figure that people with depression, panic and anxiety are probably starting to “white knuckle” it if this is a bad time of year for them.   There are numerous reasons why this particular season can be ridden with mental crisis.  Here’s just a few.

1. Less daylight
2. Gloomier, colder and rainy weather
3. Family issues
4. Financial issues
5. Lost loved ones

If we can remember that for some people the holiday season isn’t a merry, jolly time and that it can be painful, lonely and downright depressing; then, we can be better equipped to help those around us in need.

Some of the neediest people don’t look like beggars…they look like Robin Williams, me or you.

Take time this holiday season to share the many blessings we have to be thankful for and that we take for granted.  Giving time is as important as giving money in most situations and God can take our efforts and multiply them.

We all deal with something, but when we help others…our pain doesn’t feel so bad!!

Some Wisdom for Today:  Proverbs 4:20-22 – My son, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh.  

* Image courtesy of “Panic Button Shows Anxiety Panicking Distress” by Stuart Miles/FreeDigitalPhotos.net.