“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.”
Psalm 46:1-2, NLT
“Fear and trembling overwhelm me, and I can’t stop shaking…But I will call on God, and the Lord will rescue me.”
Psalm 55:5, 16
Apparently, David understood what we now call a “panic attack.” (He sure wasn’t the first, and he sure won’t be the last.) David understands the shaking and fear that wanted to eat him up. David’s entire life seems to go from crisis-to-crisis-to-crisis. This pattern surely contributes to a deep anxiety.
What is a panic attack like?
My own experience with a panic attack is similar to what he must’ve felt. I start shaking and feel a pressing anxiety. The trembling gets very intense, I feel like death is imminent and my heart races. A feeling of doom often accompanies this. I feel like I’m drowning (not in water, but in pure fear.)
When I first started having them they were absolutely overwhelming; I had no idea what they were. They are pretty scary. For me they seem to happen once a month, sometimes more, sometimes less.
They improve my prayer life, and perhaps, that is their sole purpose. IDK.
Mayo Clinic put out a list of symptoms:
- Chills
- Hot flashes
- Nausea
- Abdominal cramping
- Pain
- Headache
- Dizziness, lightheadedness or faintness
- Numbness or tingling sensation
- Feeling of unreality or detachment
Mine typically last for 20-30 minutes. When I finally asked my doctor, she knew exactly what they were. There is no drug; the attack can only be treated by an awareness of what is happening. There is no cure for them and really no way to eliminate them completely. I was stuck with them. She told me to use small paper bag to ease the symptoms.
As a believer the panic attack needed to be brought under the lordship of Jesus Christ.
When an attack occurs it is time for me to “hunker down” and prepare for the coming storm. Since I know he is in charge, I become less anxious. (And that is a good thing.)
Educating myself has helped a lot. Just to know many others experience them is a real encouragement. The panic attack is quite common and much is known about it, the attack can be understood and even managed by understanding its true nature. Reading the Psalms really helps. I can so relate to King David.
I know that all that touches me is the Lord’s concern–I have no doubt about that.
_________________________________________
Source: Mayo Clinic
Broken Believers 
I’ve also suffered many panic attacks. When I feel one approaching I take ¼ (3.75mg) Oxazepam & then lie down & pray, asking the Lord if I may stay close to him. His presence & love during those times are indescribable.
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God never promises that the road would be easy,
but he promised never to leave or forsake us.
Although life is complicated, let us learn to go easy on ourselves and trust that God is working it all out
for our good (even if it doesn’t make sense now).
Whatever trials, challenges or down times we face,
all shall pass & in due course, we will be up &
strong again to lift up those who may be down
around us. NEVER LOOSE HOPE… We all have a story to tell someday…
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I am going through this as we speak. My panic attacks are real and scary.
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AMEN! Hugs!
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