Severe anxiety - Has anyone been cured of this through prayer or other means without medicine?

[Cured2020]

Have had anxiety symptoms for @ 1 year...Seems like symptoms started “out of nowhere”, but I blame my former high stress job. Can't concentrate/focus; indecisive; restless; irritable; tense; fearful; “on edge”; lack of appetite....(loss @ 30 lbs unintentionally & this is not healthy). But, sometimes, I have a day where I feel “normal”.

Currently laid-off and need to look for another job, but feel hindered and unable to get stuff accomplished. Also sometimes have issues with praying and/or reading my Bible (due to lack of concentration/focus)

Not currently on any meds, but feel like I need help, because i’m “Going around in circles” without accomplishing anything.

(I’m a mid-50’s female.)

Any help or advice would be appreciated.

[courageovercomfort]

Welcome! I’m sorry you’re going through such a hard time. I know anxiety well. I did find much help with medication and therapy. And though Prayer is a big part of my life, my depression and anxiety have not been cured through it. I’m looking forward to more replies.

[Cured2020 in reply to courageovercomfort]

Did medication REALLY help your anxiety, & how many meds did you try before you found one that works?

[courageovercomfort in reply to Cured2020]

Yes, being on medication has helped me immensely. Without it, I’m not sure I’d be able live a good and “normal” life and function. It’s been a process for sure. No straight line. After 3.5 years of steadiness on Cymbalta & Gabapentin, it stopped being as effective and I’ve found myself slipping into depression since August. Currently weaning off that to try something new in hopes it will help bring me out if this depression episode. Anxiety is my main issue, and this is my second experience w depression and it’s scary 😐 I hope you’ll find a lot of experience strength and hope here.

[courageovercomfort in reply to courageovercomfort]

Oh! I also go to therapy and have a really strong network of support. All these tools help.

[Cured2020 in reply to courageovercomfort]

Ok....Thanks again for responding!

[Hidden]

I pray everyday for strength and hope. Cause it's costly to see a therapists and get the medicines. It had been a big help to me, since with depression and anxiety. Sometimes all you want to do is just go away and leave this world permanently. The emotional pain and struggle is not easy. But I continue to pray that I can overcome all of these. Thankfully, I am still here, alive.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Jewelmoon17. I get it

[skidrew in reply to Hidden]

I’m sorry your going thru this stuff. My experience starts with stress, anxiety and then depression. I’ve done medicines and therapy which helps. I’ve found when the situation gets better I get better. Change is inevitable and a constant. Growth comes from pain and experience. I know what my triggers are now and when I need to push myself rather then succumb to negative thoughts! Getting help when I begin to slide will be my goal from now on hopefully!

[Cured2020 in reply to skidrew]

Thanks, Skidrew!

[Hidden in reply to skidrew]

That’s helpfully for a lot of us

[Hidden]

I wouldn't say I'm cured but I stopped all meds a couple years ago. I was on eight after an episode of psychosis. The meds were super dangerous and made me a zombie. I cope with this forum, prayer, positivity and just never giving up. I'm much better without the burden of meds. I know they help others but it was bad for my overall health to be on antipsychotics and anxiety meds. I can deal and I realize it is what it is and nothing is perfect. I just do the best I can with what I have.

[Cured2020 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks, Melhall!

[Spooky99]

Not for me. I’m 52. I’ve been on meds forever. But I’ve heard of people taking meds for a few months. It sounds like it’s from stress. I had nothing to get anxiety over. Maybe therapy?? I say the rosary everyday and it calms me down. I’m not a religious freak. But I take comfort in prayer. Maybe you can find things to ease your anxiety!!! I know drs are quick to prescribe lol. But maybe a low dose of something would be good!!! Hope your well!!!

[Phobia64]

I have anxiety,too. I found a Chinese doctor whom I see weekly for acupuncture. It’s helped a bit but I read that I need 17 treatments to feel better. I’ve had 12 treatments.

[Cured2020 in reply to Phobia64]

Does it hurt? And, do you know whether acupuncture helps depression, too?

[Phobia64 in reply to Cured2020]

Doesn’t hurt at all. My acupuncturist was trained in China. Yes, also helps depression. I was advised to find an acupuncturist who was trained in China. He practices traditional Chinese medicine. Yesterday, he gave me herbs for anxiety and depression. I’ve only taken 1 dose. Will see how I feel in a few days.

[Hidden]

I definitely wouldnt hold your breath if your counting on prayers...I've heard people heal from severe anxiety and depression by finding they had food intolerances that were causing psychological symptoms and then avoiding that food.