church fear

[markidee]

I want to continue on a more diligent spiritual path as a way to find more lasting and firmer solutions for anxiety.

Recently I've revealed a lot to a church about my past with anxiety (and poor choices) and feel that they are "strong-arming" me into a mode of action that is too, too hard. I came in a time of moving forward, and now have the doom-and-gloom 1000-meter-stare again.

Any wisdom (or even commiseration )?

[sixpack]

For ME, I would 1. either tell them that the tact they are suggesting is just way too much for me and I am not comfortable with it. OR 2. find a different church.

[tigerpaw]

I want to continue on a more diligent spiritual path as a way to find more lasting and firmer solutions for anxiety.

Recently I've revealed a lot to a church about my past with anxiety (and poor choices) and feel that they are "strong-arming" me into a mode of action that is too, too hard. I came in a time of moving forward, and now have the doom-and-gloom 1000-meter-stare again.

Any wisdom (or even commiseration )?

Could you explain the strong arming?????

[markidee]

To Tigerpaw: Great question. I think I meant that I feel they are forcing me to "make amends" for past actions (the've mentioned they will tell parties involved); the pastor asking (in an or else way to meet weekly with him for some intense biblical counseling.

I know this comes from love and a desire to see lasting change in my life, but I feel dread at the meetings--a lack of trust that makes me want to revolt. And yet, I also want to radical changes in my thought patterns.
 

I've been sleeping longer, waking up with angst and dread, and  having trouble "keeping it together" work and society.

[Brosephski]

mark...

You need to dichotomize your problems here. If you have offended or wronged members at that church in the past, those issues need to be dealt with.

However, while the love, support, and encouragement you may find at church can aid in alleviating your anxiety, there can be much harm in going to your church for psychological counseling.

The sad fact is many Christians who have not personally experienced mental disturbances have no conception of what they are like. Often they will chock up these problems to "a lack of faith" or "unconfessed sin," etc. They fail to realize that just as the body can get ill, so can the mind!

My advice, find a counselor who knows what they are talking about in regards to your anxiety. Get support.

As for the church, deal with whatever issues exclusively associated with the church. I.e., if you have truly wronged someone... perhaps you need to ask forgiveness. If someone has wronged you, you should bring this to their attention.

I am not saying your relationship with God does not have an impact on your day-to-day anxiety. It certainly does! I firmly believe God helps us through our dark days of anxiety. But separate the spiritual from the political sides of the church.

I hope I'm making sense.

[markidee]

Sure does, thanks all. My pain has subsided--perhaps there is some restitution to be made...but in "Godspeed." In the meantime, I've found wonderful havens and wisdom from people who know anxiety and have a deep thirst for the Divine.

Thanks for the sound words.

[SuperJew26]

I would just be sure to go at your own pace....church members ( or the general public ) prob are not experts on dealing with this...... There are so many ways you can explorer your spirituality without being in a crowded church with people pushing you ( with good intentions) to fast.