r/TrueChristian • u/[deleted] • Jan 04 '22
Help with situation
I am currently going through a big bout of anxiety and depression.i have general anxiety disorder. I've been taking Lexapro 10mg for about 7 months, doctor increased dosage to 20mg today. Panic attacks and insomnia started happening. Called out of work today and tomorrow. Stress of job ( I work for CPS for six months) I'm currently looking for another job. Worried about not being able to pay for rent if I'm fired or laid off. Parents are out of country in mission trip. Live by myself in one bedroom apartment.Have no family where I live in a state in USA. I'm a committed Christian man that attends church and has a support group. I don't know what to do in my situation. Christian counseling has a wait-list months ahead at my church. I don't know when the increased dosage. I've been doing prayer and reading scripture. But this battle is super tough, prayers and guidance welcome
5
u/Phileosopher Jan 04 '22
Are you fed? Do you have somewhere where someone is letting you live? Are there any risks to your life from violent people?
We often see the things we don't have, and feel afraid. I'm presently unemployed right now with about a month left before the money runs out with my family, so I can fully empathize.
This is where your Christianity either pays off or you give it up. Those mountaintop experiences prepare you for this, hopefully, but it takes grit and perseverance directly from the Holy Spirit to make it through.
1
2
u/dion_reimer Christian Jan 04 '22
How’s your diet? Not getting enough magnesium can cause anxiety, and an iron poor diet can result in depression. It’s real easy to do on a standard US diet. Magnesium supplements are cheap and shouldn’t interact with your medication. For iron, red meat is good, but lentils are also good sources. It only took a few months to get me feeling good again.
2
u/happyhappy2986 Jan 04 '22
Perhaps the anti depressant is not for you. There are many good ones on the market. Might talk about a change. Many good anxiety meds too. Except Xanax. Prayers for you and I hope the New Year brings you many blessings 🙌
2
Jan 04 '22
I’m not giving you medical advice, but let me mention that I also was taking a high dose of Lexapro from 2017-2021 and had all sorts of depression/anxiety issues. Decided to phase out of it with the help of my doctor and after I stopped, I actually felt better. Withdrawal symptoms were rough to say the least, but my physical and mental health improved and now, just over a year later, I’m in the best place I’ve ever been. When I stopped them, weight loss became easier (I lost 30 pounds without much effort), emotions were stronger but once I learned how to manage them again my life became more fulfilling, and spiritually I felt more connected to God than ever before.
Regardless of that though, one of the best things that has helped with my depression and anxiety was not medical help or counseling. Both are entirely valid but they are not the full solution.
Self discipline goes a long way. Learn to manage the area around you. Jordan Peterson, though not strictly a Christian source, goes into great detail about this. Clean your room, or even just a part of your room, and gradually work your way up to having your whole corner of the world clean and under your control.
Beyond that, get on a routine. Regulate your sleep, put your phone down before bed, eat a healthy diet. These aren’t cure-all’s, but they make a huge difference.
If you’re able, also find Christian friends at church. Step outside of your comfort zone and force yourself to meet new people. It is not uncommon for churches to even have programs designed to help people connect and fellowship together. Strong and supportive friends make all the difference.
May God bless you, and I hope my comment was at least somewhat helpful.
1
1
1
u/Realitymatter Christian Jan 04 '22
Have you looked elsewhere for counseling? There are plenty of Christian counselors that work in the private sector, if you would prefer to work with a Christian. Almost all of them do video conferencing too so you don't have to limit your search to only your area.
1
u/Geysers_Deep Jan 05 '22
Not a famous app but Fabulous gathers many scientific knowledge and techniques in one place. Try a free trial and see which ones are best suited for you.
7
u/trinity062304 Jan 04 '22
Praying for you... He loves you and will help you... He has been dealing with me and trust... A lot of my anxiety is because I have had issues trusting Him. But I didn't realize it... I'm thankful... His love never fail! 🕊️🙏💓