I deal with severe anxiety from time to time, and I recently reached out by sending an email out to my church's yahoo! group. I really vented my feelings and got into details... I was feeling like I really needed support, but now have regrets about this "broadcast" email.
Someone just emailed me back, and in a very kind and gentle way told me that it was a "bit odd" and "Inappropriate" for me to have shared that information via the Yahoo group.
The underlying vibe that I got was that I probably made some people uncomfortable and may have caused people to think I am a little nuts.
I know that having anxiety is hardly a certifiable condition for the funny farm, but I am now concerned that perhaps my way of "reaching out" was inappropriate.
I am not sure how I can face people tomorrow. I don't want to feel like I can not go to my church anymore, but I sure did find a way to make myself (and perhaps others) uncomfotable and am not entirely sure what to do next.
Thank you.
2006-09-23 19:04:44 · 21 answers · asked by humble.earthling 2 in Health ➔ Mental Health
It is going to be *so* difficult to pick a "best" answert when the time comes. I may have to leave it up to group vote. Your answers so far are thoughtful, well spoken, and truly kind and from the heart. I am so impressed with the maturity and clear thinking that you are all presenting, and I am taking something from each and every one of your posts. I am beginning to feel better,and I thank you for taking the time to leave such caring comments.
2006-09-24 04:36:45 · update #1
the person who says he is always 100% sane and logical is the one who is truly insane!
2006-09-23 19:37:30 · answer #1 · answered by dwh 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Well, dear, you should feel able to vent and talk to people of your church when in need of counsel. That's what a church group is there for, not just to worship. Perhaps that individual thought that the internet group was merely for fun outside of chuch or didn't know how to deal with your issue, so they shrugged it off.
Either way, I'd pull aside someone from the group that you really trust and discuss it with them. Perhaps, even more than one person. They know the details due to your e-mail, so a face to face chat will not hurt.
As for your anxiety, have you ever consulted a doctor? As clear and mature as you seem to be, I doubt any doctor would send you off to a hospital for help if you objected to it. I would think, and this is from expierence, that the doctor would merely prescribe you a medicine to see how you react and then go from there. If you are against going to a doctor, try an herbal medicine called 5-HTP. It's one I use and it's to help your mood by balancing hormones.
Though it may be right for me, it might not be for you so don't expect miracle cures, okay? Do try, however, to find something to help you.
Good luck and may you have the best of wishes.
2006-09-23 19:14:01 · answer #2 · answered by universetiger 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
That's the anxiety talking, not reality.
You reached out for help and support -- Bravo! That is a great first step. And you reached out to your Church, the people who are SUPPOSED to be there to help support you emotionally and spiritually -- Bravo again, you picked the right venue. I cannot think of a MORE APPROPRIATE GROUP of people to ask for help and understanding.
How many people are in that church Yahoo! group? I bet it is more than just you and the one who felt uncomfortable, right? A whole lot more in fact, right? Well the others did not write back that you were making them feel uncomfortable -- they instead got on their knees and prayed to God to give them the insight to help be supportive of you in the best way they can. When you next see these people at church, they are going to be more aware of your condition and will not take you so much for granted.
You are right, anxiety is not "funny farm" level of mental illness, but it IS a mild form of mental illness. That is going to make people uncomfortable -- period. No way around it, it is just a fact, a reality. People who have not been through it themselves are uncomfortable around mental illness, they don't know how to handle it. That's why the State used to allow doctors and relatives to commit people against their wills. So yeah, many people at Church will be a bit uncomfortable at fist, now having an inkling as to what is going on inside your head. But at least now they have some idea, and they will wrap their minds around it in time and be in a better position to help you.
Don't let your anxiety drive you out of Fellowship now -- you need it more than ever. Don't cut and run, stay the course, persevere as Paul did. Don't change churches, you will have to face the same facts there and without you present for people to talk to at the "old" church there are likely to be some pretty ridiculous rumors start spreading -- it's not supposed to be so, but the fact of the matter is that there are gossips in church just as there are anywhere else.
You can always "re-broadcast" to the Yahoo! group as well, apologizing if you made anyone uncomfortable but reiterating that you really do have a condition that imposes special needs and that you need all the help and support and above all PRAYER that you can get.
God loves you and so does everyone in whom His spirit resides -- know that we have you in our prayers.
2006-09-23 19:40:27 · answer #3 · answered by Mustela Frenata 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Was this a group designed for support? If so then send another message in response to that email...asking..."if this isn't going to be a group where support is given then why are y'all here?"
As Christian we are to uplift our fellow believers and aid them in hard times..not tell them "you sure are weird for having that problem"
You need a support...and anxiety is NOT a certifiable condition for the funny farm! Don't tell yourself that. You are not odd because of it. There is NOTHING you can do about it ok?
How many people said this to you? It might just be ONE person...if so...let the group leader know...
Someone very close to me suffers from anxiety attacks (it is a result of many factors added up) and I know from exp. with them that no amount of rational about the condition or situation will stop the anxiety from pouring in.
Medications tends to more or less make you kinda of zone out...but...it helps.
You need a strong support group and perhaps to see a psychiatrist even for proper medicine that will help you cope with anxiety.
You are not crazy, please do not tell yourself that anymore.
I would recommend next time...finding people you KNOW you can talk to...in fact...look at some of those who responded to your question here...there are some good replies...but...don't just freely open up to people you don't really know...if they don't share your problem or haven't shown a concern...you prolly won't get much help.
2006-09-23 19:46:25 · answer #4 · answered by dogshark2001 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
just relax we all reach out from time to time and it is always uncomfortable because we are exposing ourselves as weak don't get me wrong we are all weak we just pretend we are Strong and in control. unfortunately you put your vent in writing witch allows you to re read and obsess about it. if we just say it it the feelings can be explained at the time. witch it sounds like you were expressing emotions and you should not be embarrassed about that. I suggest you go to church Sunday and face your fear nothing is ganna happen that could be worse than sitting week after week worrying about it and losing your connection to the church body. Just say a prayer and face it I believe most will understand We have all been there so to speak each in our own circumstance. good luck, be strong ad God Bless.
2006-09-23 19:19:36 · answer #5 · answered by setter505 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Apparently these church folks are not entirely professional in their giving of good counsel. The resolve should have been one of them meeting with you face-to-face to talk about the contents of your email broadcast and praying with you.
It seems as if they are confused by your actions and since they may not know how to address it, instead have turned on you, leaving you with the guilt of feeling nutty. It would benefit you to print a copy of your email, read it to understand the contents that you delivered and talk it over with your minister.
If that does not provide a resolve then find another church to attend and see a Christian counselor. Chances are that the church you are currently attending; its people have a zeal without knowledge. They should probably shut down their Yahoo support group which seems to be at the moment supporting inappropriate means of counsel.
Don't take this entirely to be your fault. These people are probably not certified counselors. Just humans trying to be spiritually uplifting.
2006-09-23 19:14:51 · answer #6 · answered by TOM 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Why don't you just leave another message in the group explaining your anxiety and ask them for their understanding. If they are a church group, they should understand. If not find a new church, because you don't need to be around a church full of judgemental people.
2006-09-23 19:14:30 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
You sound sweet. -And maybe you give people alittle more credit than they deserve. Try not to worry about what you did- I'm sure it affected YOU more than it did anybody else. By the time the sun comes up tomorrow- nobodys going to remember much of what you said- anyway. Let it go & forget about it. And find someone you can trust to out your anxiety with. -This is probably NOT the best of places to do it.
2006-09-23 19:18:16 · answer #8 · answered by Joseph, II 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Assuming that is no longer a guy getting off on some strange fable on Y!A . . . no vast deal. probability is your mom does not shave herself reason she's older. the two way, she's no longer likely to declare something to you. Why do you may influence your mom consisting of your physique besides lol ?
2016-10-17 21:04:25 · answer #9 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you emailed them, did you state that i was you so they know exactly who emailed the group? If not, dont worry about it. If you did state who you are, write the church another email back and state your feelings about this and how the letter back made you feel. That is if your too uncomfortable going to the church.
2006-09-23 19:12:10 · answer #10 · answered by feel_n_learn 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Plan A) Send the group a simple, sincere apology and move on. Lesson learned.
Plan B) Say your mail was hacked and your have no idea what people are talking about.
2006-09-23 19:30:59 · answer #11 · answered by biggie 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋