Anyone else get really bad anxiety to the point where you sense a panic attack coming whenever you're at a church service, bible study, church events, or any other faith/religious base programs? I mean, feeling uncomfortable going to these things is one thing but ever since my last relationship ended, that minor discomfort has now become anxiety inducing. I walked away and made excuses to leave these types of things in the past but I never ran away from them before until yesterday. Can anyone else here relate?
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No I just sit there and say to myself how can there be so many stupid people and still be alive.
benhmiller
Level 7
June 19, 2018
2
Interesting.
I make no excuses for my views on .
But, I actually enjoy the rituals of various Christian denominations. And the music is usually very well done. I consider it pleasant entertainment. If asked to attend something, a may or may not go... depends on "family drama" potential. I'm respectful when i do go. But as a non-participant.
Could you get into a mindset where the religious service is as I described? Think it might help?
bigpawbullets
Level 9
June 19, 2018
0
No... the second I even step inside a church, my anxiety tends to take over and all I could think is, "I gotta get out of here!"
On a somewhat related note... I got a similar feeling while watching the news yesterday and listening to the anxious cries of the little children that had been separated from their families after they crossed the border into the US. I was on the verge of both rage and tears with the realization that there was nothing I could immediately do to ease the discomfort both for myself and for the immigrant children/families involved. I finally had to just walk away and focus my attention on something else.
Alvingo1
Level 7
June 19, 2018
2
I'm not sure if I even want to think about those kids who are separated from their families. It's like the US has gone too far this time. Very heartbreaking and terrible indeed.
@Indecisive since I watch the news at work, I was livid hearing about this for like 2 hours this morning. Don't get me wrong, people were detained under Obama and other administrations, but this current one has gone way too far with this. I'm Mexican, so it hits especially close to home. And I'm floored by the religious justifications for this. Part of the reason I left the church was because of all the crap people justify in the name of religion to hurt others. It's sick to say the least
“whenever you're at a church service, bible study, church events, or any other faith/religious base programs?”
No. I don’t do those things.
indirect76
Level 7
June 19, 2018
2
I don't go to religious functions. The last time I went to church, other than a wedding, was my son's baptism. I sat quietly through the ceremony, didn't stand for prayers or hymns, and when they came around with the communion tray, I waved it on. The cool thing was that everyone before me took communion' and several people after me refused it.
I felt pretty good about that.
JimG
Level 8
June 19, 2018
6
I used to have that. Panic attacks etc.. Now I have milder, chronic anxiety, driven by the fear of poverty.
Ellatynemouth
Level 8
June 19, 2018
3
I feel you there. A lot of my friends and families are religious, so it is still around and I sometimes have to go to religious events. For me, most of this is probably from feelings that arise from hiding my nonreligious views from them. Another part of it is the whole guilting card these events on me, having come from such an upbringing
JerseyJam
Level 3
June 19, 2018
2
I'm glad to hear that you know where I'm coming from.
@Indecisive it's just so strange having to hide around this issue. I have a buddy from high school who still thinks I go to church. He's engaged to a pastor, so it's just super awkward feeling like I'm hiding from them (more out of trying to avoid the whole commotion of me being a none believer, filled with prayer, bible studies, etc). Have kept this from him for like 4 years.
I'm naturally indecisive/insecure in general, so all of this religious stuff can get me uneasy fairly easy. Wish I had more to say on how to cope with it. But regardless, you're an amazing person as is, never compromise yourself for these people.
Yeah, that...wait. I haven't been to church in 25 years
ronodokk
Level 5
June 19, 2018
4
Daaaaaaamn!! That's a long time. If you don't mind me asking, how does it feel not going to church for that long?
@Indecisive Really? I hate church. Bye bye pedophile priests. If a priest preached at me, I'll tell him stfu, a hole
It's been quite a while, but I only remember thinking some of the music was nice, yet I couldn't wait for it all to be over !
evergreen
Level 8
June 19, 2018
3
That's how my ex tricked me into going to church in the first place. She knew I was a musician and she used that to lure me into going...
@Indecisive Good lure for certain. I got to sing in many choral concerts with some religious music included (Bach, Handel, Palestrina, Gabrielli etc.) where I was singing about all sorts of things I don't remotely believe - but the beautiful music kept me in it. However that wouldn't be enough to hook my mind into believing - or wanting to try !
@evergreen music can be pretty powerful like that indeed
I don't go...why subject yourself to doing anything that does not feel "right"? There is a reason your body reacts the way it does...listen to it.
thinktwice
Level 8
June 19, 2018
4
I think the reason I would subject myself to something like this is because I feel pressured to do so especially by older folks. I'm 27 by the way. I could defend myself verbally against people in my age group but when it comes to people older who do the same, it's actually harder. Probably because through their minds, I'm just a kid going through a phase.
@Indecisive You are not a kid at 27...you are an adult. I understand, though, because you seem like a respectful young man and don't want to offend anyone...nice, but you have to do for you...I said "no" when I was 15...I just knew it was bunk...go at your own pace and comfort level...you will find out what that is on your own
I haven't been to any religious services in about 45 years so it is nothing I have to deal with.
jlynn37
Level 8
June 19, 2018
5
Woah!! 45 years!! That's a long time. If you don't mind me asking, how does it feel not having to participate in any religious services for that long?
@Indecisive I have no feeling about it at all, in any way. It is just the way I choose to live my life and it works for me. Your mileage may vary.
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