Name your demons: Next time you are in... - Anxiety and Depre...

Anxiety and Depression Support

92,983 members86,850 posts

Name your demons

Starrlight profile image
81 Replies

Next time you are in a bad place in your mind, name your demon. Is it doubt, jealousy, or worry? This creates s little distance between you and them. So next time you find demons arising, try greeting them.

Right now my demon is doubt. I’m doubting myself and disbelieving that I have the power to change my course of thought which is right now very negative. So now I am choosing to deep breathe and arrive to a more positive space. Deep breathe. I remind myself of the nature on my hike and that I can be grounded just like a tree. I am not my thoughts so when negative pops up I acknowledge it and let it go. It passes like with a river; we never see the same water twice. Although we become tired of what seems like constantly working so hard to get away from pain, that is the struggle that we don’t need to have and we are learning and life gets better. It is not always so hard and this practice right now is not in vain. I deserve to be in a good place. I am letting go. I am believing in myself and in goodness.

Written by
Starrlight profile image
Starrlight
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
81 Replies

Mine is Fear right now, that in the end i will never get better that I'll alway end up where i started, my dreams will just be dreams and never become realities.

in reply to

God did not give us the spirit of fear but power, love and a sound mind. In Jesus name!

in reply to

That is my favorite verse!!!

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply to

❤️ I hear you ❤️ I often have fear ❤️

melbrown profile image
melbrown

Have to agree with you & Danielle: fear & doubt. Doubting that people care & I will/am get better. Fear that this is my life & my husband will leave. Fear that something is wrong with my health, that it isn't my anxiety causing my body pain.

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply tomelbrown

It’s good to get it out. ❤️ ❤️ ❤️

Lord help our unbelieve and doubt.

newbie56 profile image
newbie56

Love surpasses fear

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight

I don’t get how people say you don’t fear if you replace it with love. Like they are opposites. I have plenty of love but I still have fears and I think it’s common for people to have fears.

in reply toStarrlight

Not crippling fear. We should have caution, discretion, remorse, even be on alert, but not fear. Of course you can still have love, but you can not be completely enveloped in the love God has for you if you have fear. Perfect love, only God’s love is perfect, perfect love casts out fear. 1 John 4:18.

Kat63 profile image
Kat63

My demon is low self-esteem. I have trouble believing I’m good enough for any of the jobs I’ve applied to - so I’m afraid I won’t find a job. I have trouble believing I’m really worthy of my boyfriend’s love - so I’m afraid he won’t always love me and want me around.

The low self-esteem demon makes all other problems 10 times worse than they have to be.

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply toKat63

❤️ (((((((Hug)))))) ❤️ I can relate

in reply toKat63

You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Are marvelous are the works of God’s hand and our soul knows full well. You were made in the likeness and image of God, when you get that revelation than the low self esteem got to go a packing.

in reply toKat63

You're absolutely right the self- esteem demon makes it worse than it has to be. And what you have to look out for is that you're so worried about how you affect other people and things negatively and then don't look out for yourself and that can cause other problems for you in the long run. For instance with a job you're worried about whether you're good enough for the job but you might pick a job that is really not right for you or is bad for you in some way. And I'm sure your boyfriend is a great person but the same could hold true in that respect you're so worried about how you're affecting him or that you're not good enough for him you're not looking out for yourself. I'm saying this because this is the way I think also. But maybe you don't.

Just something to be careful about with yourself.

JLoInCali12 profile image
JLoInCali12

Thank you for this post! 😊

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply toJLoInCali12

😃

Freaken_Out profile image
Freaken_Out

mines from worry. I worry how people feel and think of me way to much. I leave my house only once a month cause of it. that one time too is worse cause the anxiety is so overwhelming that I will get supremely nauseous and eventually throw up. I've learned to dry heave but kind of sucks to start doing that in the middle of a store of other people which only fuels the fire.

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply toFreaken_Out

❤️ ((((((((((Hug)))))))) ❤️

Elfje profile image
Elfje

Anxiety

That is my demon

And frustrated why this follow me every where

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply toElfje

((((((((((((( ❤️))))))))))))

MzK123 profile image
MzK123

Mine is fear. Fear of being alone, fear of being unloved, fear of rejection. I always feel like I'm not good enough or worthy on anyone or anything in my life. If my own family, whose back I will forever have won't be there for me then how can I expect anyone else to be? I'm afraid to let anyone close to me, to see the real me...... so a few months shy of 40 and I'm single while I watch the love of my life live his life without me.

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply toMzK123

❤️ ❤️ ❤️

I can relate Starrlight; I was in the worse condition. My demons were fear, anxiety, low self esteem, doubt and anger, and passive knowledge. Passive knowledge goes hand and hand with doubt, and these demons are happiness and joy robbers. If I can give any advice that is a life changer, it would be to get understanding. In all of your getting get understanding. That should be our prayer, continually. God can not direct you if you do not have understanding.

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply to

❤️ ❤️ ❤️

CaptainCrunch profile image
CaptainCrunch

Starrlight, This is such an excellent post. So glad you gave these emotion a language and then articulated it here.

What you describe is so true. I pray for God's help all the time and that was just it,"help." But then through better counsel and time I started journaling my prayers. Once I got my prayers written down it helped remind me I have given that over to God. He is dealing with it so let it go.

Now strangely enough as I wrote I developed a language your 'these demons' I was starting to see where they were hidden. I then even started recognizing little triggers in my body that would eventually lead me to worser conditions.

Traffic would give me anxiety, and then I would think how hungry I was, and then I how I was treated unfairly at my job, and then I fell so scared, and then nobody understands me and then I hate life. So now I recognized the tension traffic gives me. I go slower. I give myself time to relax and talk to God. I notice the hunger and recognize it for what it is. Again take it slow. Make a plan. Talk to God. Relax and think it out and not get stressed out.

Great post! Thanks for sharing!

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply toCaptainCrunch

😃 ❤️

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply toCaptainCrunch

I really love love love that you are able to let go once your prayers have been lifted up through writing. I like to ask for guidance and to do His Will. Smart to paying attention to the small triggers than can build and lead to trouble.

keep going..sooner or later it wont be so hard nor tiring,.. youll see how easier and easy it will get/be/was/is...im proud of you..im gonna name my demon ' ellinaki jnr ' ...nice post..

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply to

😆 (((((((((( ❤️))))))))))

Thank you for the post starlight...and I agree you do deserve to be in a good place for sure...

My demons are quite a few today, I guess the most prominent one is fear...

I am doing my utmost to face it and do it anyway..I managed to get out and I must acknowledge that’s a huge step...

I wish you well xxx🌺🌺🌺

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply to

💐 ❤️ 🌸 ❤️ 🌺 ❤️

Mumma_h profile image
Mumma_h

Love this insight; just had a phone conversation that was a little bit crappy( as it often is with this particular family member), tried this and it worked for me. Naming that demon; how I really feel; helps to lose its power and then let it go.I hope I can remember to do this more often😁 Thankyou

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply toMumma_h

Exactly. Good job Mumma!

Lostmyself65 profile image
Lostmyself65

You are awsome! That is great advise and I am definitely going to try it. My demon today is low energy.

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply toLostmyself65

Awww haha YOU are awesome for detecting my awesomeness lol 😉 So then what do you think you could do about that low energy demon? Maybe do things that don’t take so much energy, have a slow- paced day?

tmjourney profile image
tmjourney

🔥Fear🔥

Lostmyself65 profile image
Lostmyself65

Yeap that is my gift to detect awesom! I am making a small list to do today and hopefully once I start moving I will feel better.

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply toLostmyself65

Best to you! I made myself go out and do yardwprk first thing in the morning since that’s when I feel at my best.

Lostmyself65 profile image
Lostmyself65 in reply toStarrlight

I am heading to grocery because that is what I dread the most. Hopefully once I get that done other things well be easier.

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply toLostmyself65

Yes! Good!

Sunnidayz1 profile image
Sunnidayz1

Love your posts Star. You are the best💛

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply toSunnidayz1

🥰 aww I love you!

bluestars725 profile image
bluestars725

Thank you for sharing this post. My demons are worry and hopelessness. The excessive worry is from my generalized anxiety disorder. The hopelessness is often the main symptom of my depression, and the signal that I'm falling into a depressive episode. It's so hard to face them. I try to run from it, but they always find me. I worry about everything, big and small, and the hopelessness is constantly making me feel that things will never get better for me, and that I'll be stuck forever.

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply tobluestars725

That voice is not your friend and is not to do with you, since it just stems from chemical imbalances/depression and anxiety. That hopelessness wants to keep you stuck. Believe the opposite, that you can life a life of freedom.

bluestars725 profile image
bluestars725 in reply toStarrlight

True. Even though I know these illnesses are caused by chemical imbalances, it's so hard to believe that I won't be stuck most days. I try, though.

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply tobluestars725

Yeah mental health is so tricky. Half the time I don’t know why I am having such a horrible or an amazing time.

bluestars725 profile image
bluestars725 in reply toStarrlight

Same here. It's so difficult because even if I manage to have a good day, sometimes people will say to me "See, that outing went fine" as if that erases my illnesses. I try to explain that is not how it works. It's like they don't believe my GAD and depression are illnesses, and that I'm just choosing to feel this way. Although I do have some anxiety triggers, I can't control it. I battled a depressive episode through February and most of March, and I had someone pressing me for a specific reason why it happened. There is no reason. I fall into depressive episodes sometimes, and I don't what to say to them other than this is an illness caused by a chemical imbalance, and this is what happens.

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply tobluestars725

I feel like as much or little information we give some people won’t ever even try to get it and I find it hurtful in a way but oh well if they’ve never felt it maybe some can’t imagine and really I guess that can be okay. We know it’s an illness that we can’t predict and are not controlling of. Sure we can have a great day when some of or all symptoms are lessened just like any other illness. Then for no apparent reason 💥 bam! Hits us hard... we can do things to make our illness easier to handle and I know people who heal completely. We strive to be healed and not give up when sometimes though it feels like it’s draining and sucking life away. You know? But we get up again after we rest. We’ve gotten pretty strong by now. All the pain is not in vain. We can help other people.

bluestars725 profile image
bluestars725 in reply toStarrlight

Very true. Occasionally I'll have a great day, but more often than not it is a struggle. When it really hits me I can barely function. I feel physically and mentally drained all the time, and there have been times over the years when I wanted to give up, but I strive to keep going even when these illnesses make it feel impossible.

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply tobluestars725

That’s good. That you never gave up. Look at you; you’re doing it, you are a warrior.

I recall one time in particular I was sitting right where im sitting now and I just was so serious about taking my life. It really freaked me out. I felt I was barely me at all like i turned into something very bad. This was just this year. I knew or I thought I knew I would finally end my life. But then I felt better. I keep thinking how did I get to that point? I don’t recall. It happened suddenly. Then a day ago I imagined that I have Alzheimer’s disease like my mom does...And I thought I want to make sure I’m gone before I get to a point that my mind is taken over by the disease I am no longer really have myself and the people I love I don’t want them to see me that way... well I feel truely that I have early onset Alzheimer’s sometimes... so... I don’t know.

bluestars725 profile image
bluestars725 in reply toStarrlight

I'm so sorry that you have felt that way.

Rainbowflute profile image
Rainbowflute in reply toStarrlight

It is so hard to watch a person you love changing and know you can’t do anything to stop it! My dad has Parkinson’s. He’s not too bad at the mo but on bad days he can be really nasty and selfish! Then another day he is so positive and supporting me and my mum with our difficulties. I know that feeling that maybe I’ll get PD too and I hate the thought! Try and stay strong! Depression can mimic symptoms of Altzeimers so just because you feel you’re getting it doesn’t mean you are! Try saying out loud when you feel the fear of Altzeimers “I do not have Altzeimers and there is just as much chance that I won’t get it than that I will get it” try to hold onto the fact that you may not get it and tell the Altzeimers demon to get lost!! (((((💜)))))

gerrerd profile image
gerrerd

Very good, Im impressed, thats the way !

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply togerrerd

Awwww 🥰 that means so much to me coming from you Ray. You just made my day. Thanks

gerrerd profile image
gerrerd in reply toStarrlight

Its true ! x

Malou67 profile image
Malou67

Thanks for sharing this. I was literally feeling like this this morning. So everything you said resonate as I’m in this same scenario. Negative thoughts kept coming back, doubts, but I am not my thoughts. I need to switch my thoughts into creative thoughts and that’s the work that I need to do. Not always easy when they take all the space in your head to the point where you have no room to have your own healthy thoughts. So instead of focusing on the negative I started making an opening for the good like what I deserve. Dare ask the divine what you want and what you need. Like I deserve to get paid for what I love to do rather then think that I am stuck in a job I don’t like.

Have a great day!

Marie-Lou

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply toMalou67

You express yourself so well and what’s happening so well true with creativity we can work through the thoughts...figure out our need...our own healthy thoughts, yes,...and when we don’t seem to be able to find the good or believe the good we should keep saying and writing the good until we believe until we feel it even if it takes a long time.

..the one demon that comes to mind is, jeolousy..for the sake of the word; i only have as much of her seven letters..however, sudden pangs of jealousy that im experiencing lately, are, actually true...respect and gratitude to you jealousy..your only a little demon...

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply to

Beautiful.True its only a little demon which respect and gratitude can defeat.

Ddorne profile image
Ddorne

Wonderful thinking and I need it where I am today. I slept too late and ruminated about negative things. I have OCD so a thought can become an obsession and

Follow me around. When I get out of my apartment it is so much better. I go to a park to get some nature, I’m in New York City. I do love it here though . I’ve lived here for 35 years. May God bless you and your path.

L D

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply toDdorne

LD thank you 🙏 😊 and may God bless you on your path. I have visited a few times; love NY. But I’m more of a country girl although I have lived next to DC most all of my life, I always choose to visit farms, cabins, beaches, outdoors... I feel at home in nature.

moemoeowens profile image
moemoeowens

I love ❤️ this. My thoughts consume me and I’m trying to not listen to the bad ones because they are LIES!!!! There is good in Everyday!!! And I will win and come up on top!!

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply tomoemoeowens

Niiiiice ❤️

not seeing my kids grow up :(

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply to

❤️ are you okay hambo?

in reply toStarrlight

suicidal every minute of every day. cracking up under the strain of staying alive. Cortisol overdose..

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply to

I’m sorry 😐 is there anything you enjoy that you can use to distract and distance yourself from suicidal thoughts? Do you think you would act on the thoughts?

in reply toStarrlight

Not sure. Have googled how long I can survive without water and have thoughts to just lie down and dehydrate myself to death, but then i get up and take a sip of water. Fking messed up thinking that's for sure. I live alone and work alone at home. It's the isolation that's doing me in. Plus I'm claustraphobic as well as agrophobic as I have "no-where" to go...

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply to

(((((((((Hambo5)))))))) *hugging you* it’s a terrible feeling to be depressed and alone. I wonder if you feel you could take a walk, you know, to get fresh air and be with nature, maybe a park. Does anyone you know live nearby?

in reply toStarrlight

My ex wife and kids live nearby :( I could go to a park I guess, then I find myself there and ask how did I get here? It's a weird one....

Paranoia and Fear.

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply to

❤️ ❤️ ❤️

copasedic profile image
copasedic

That is beautiful Starlight. Poetic.

Thank you for that perspective.

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply tocopasedic

(((((((Hug))))))) thanks

Rower12 profile image
Rower12

An old friend of mine once said, "Name it to tame it"....

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply toRower12

Yes!

Rainbowflute profile image
Rainbowflute

Desperation, loneliness and isolation. I have never felt so alone!! I am 46 this year and having been praying for a husband and family since I was 15 I know doubt that it will happen even though I’ve had a prophecy saying it will. I also have ME and Fibro and I feel the best years of my life are behind me! I’m living with my parents for 2 reasons, 1 to support them and 2 so they can support me. I’m too tired to look after myself! We’ve had an awful 3 years, seemingly reeling from one bad thing to another! Last August we lost my brother, he had MS. He was only 53 and we couldn’t go to the funeral (approx 250 miles away). We weren’t well enough and we wouldn’t have been able to afford it. Then in September my dad broke his hip, in October my parents got given notice to find somewhere else to live, there was a condition to the notice. It would be rescinded if we could get the house up in a decent order. We hadn’t had a cleaner for nearly a year! My mum was in a wheelchair and my dad was in bed recovering from his hip op! Christmas was very subdued and then in January we had an inspection which we failed. I couldn’t do it on my own and especially with a head cold where I literally couldn’t think! We’ve been given a bill of over £3000 for damages which we can’t afford and now on top of all of that my car has died and I don’t know how we can afford a new one!!! I guess worry is my constant companion right now! I’m a Christian and I believe this house was a blessing but now we have to leave this lovely place and try and find somewhere else suitable for us all! We have no support, I have been paid up for 2 months with a bad back and so I have no idea how I’ll be able to hump boxes around! I feel so alone! 😞

Rainbowflute profile image
Rainbowflute in reply toRainbowflute

*Laid up , not paid up!!*

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply toRainbowflute

Oh I want to hug you. You’ve been going through so much...((((((((((((Rainbowflute))))))))))))

Keep going. There will be easier days.

What do you like to do? Treat yourself today.

Rainbowflute profile image
Rainbowflute

Thank you for that hug Starrlight! I've carried it with me all day! I was at the Physio about my back trouble today and I got your reply as she went to print out my exercises. It really warmed my heart and made me smile! I was taken to physio by a friend and then we had to do some grocery shopping after. We're both into card making and so I bought a card making magazine and popped over to hers a bit later (she lives opposite us) to look through her latest card making deliveries! She's doing this as a business so has money to invest in things I can't manage but we share things with each other! It's good for me to craft. It's the thing that makes me happy and when I can't do it much I get very down! So thank you I did do something for me today and it did make me happy! 💞 hugs to you too (((((Starrlight)))))

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply toRainbowflute

Awww you're sooo sweet. You just made me happy knowing I made you happy 😆 your day sounds great! I know what you mean... you with your crafting, (I used to make cards too) well it’s the same thing with me and running. It sets me free. I love endorphins.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Remember to choose your own path in life!

I meet 39 years tomorrow. 🎉 What a wild ride my 30s have been so far. Definitely not an easy...

Demons are back

And it’s my fault. I am hating myself right now when I know I need to give myself compassion. I...
Starrlight profile image

In with the new out with the old rewire your brain 🧠 spring cleaning

Feeling kind of like hiding out today. Hopefully it will pour rain soon. It is like shelter. But I...
Starrlight profile image

Hi my name is Josie

I feel like this is a safe place for me to vent, at least I hope it is. I had a good day today,...
Josie2394 profile image

Dealing with childhood demons at age 31

I grew up with an emotionally abusive mother and a father who wasn’t always around to see it, or...

Moderation team

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.