Anxiety and finding a church?

Question

I suffer from my anxiety every day. Some days it's hard to handle, other days it's as if I am normal.

I have been searching for a church to attend, and consulting a friend for help. The only problem is that I am afraid to talk to people, it gets a panic attack going even thinking about it. I have tried to push through the attacks before, but it's unbelievably embarrassing when I choke up and find it hard to speak. I have never been baptized, even though I was raised going to church...and I would love to finally be baptized, but I am afraid of being in front of everyone!

I am interested in a few churches, but I can't narrow the search unless I visit them. I am unsure of what to do, or where to go from here...and I am very close to giving up on the search. Should I ask my friend to call the churches to get information for me? Any ideas on how I might help myself?

As of right now I am interested in maybe going to Methodist, Episcopal, and Catholic churches.

Answer 1

Have your friend go with you. I am shy too but I have learned that you have to start doing things on your own in life, otherwise important things will not get done. Try and call the churches yourself for some practice. Maybe write down beforehand what you want to ask so you don't get tongue tied. And remember that those people can't see you on the other side of the phone. They don't know you. But I recommend going to a church with a friend to help you adjust better. Things will get better if you let it. Good luck.

Answer 2

I would write to the minister or priest at each of the churches you mention, explain your position, and ask their advice. If you feel able to handle it, ask if they could visit you at home.

Answer 3

Anxiety is a normal thing at times, but something is causing it to become more abnormal.

I think I read this right-that there was a time when you did NOT have these attacks. So I think something happened to trigger them. This you will have to figure out.

As for myself, I used to have them, but not to the point where it was as debilitating as yours.

Whenever I felt one coming on, I literally would laugh at it, then begin to pray to Jesus, and I mean really throw myself into it. They wouldn't even get a foothold on me then.

I also recognized that I would have an attack after eating certain foods, so I began to look to see if there wasn't a food allergy that could trigger a physical response like this. I have it narrowed down to some sort of spice, but haven't figured it out yet.

Either way, I am attack free and have been for several years.

Methodist, Episcopal, or Catholic?

I recommend calling the Pastor/Priest of each, and seeing if you could visit the building, perhaps get an appointment with them. Explain your situation. Together you may come up with a solution. I'll bet you can.

Answer 4

I think you should get your friend to ring for you.  If she is a good friend she will do it for you and want to help.  The most important thing is your faith in jesus christ, that is after all what makes you a christian.  I don't have a clue what church to go to in the future either since my family are different denominations but i'm sure i will find the right one someday.  And I think most people probably get nervous about baptism so don't worry.  But remember nobody will laugh, the people who will attend will most likely be christians.  Make sure you find a church that you feel comfortble in.  

Good luck x

Answer 5

i will pray for you ... the most important is that Jesus can heal you... Repent and confess Jesus as your Savior ... ask to him to heal yourself and he will do that ...  

Answer 6

If you are afraid to talk to people then let them talk to you. People will start talking to you when they see you there.

It is better you go to the church to see what is going on rather than hearing about it if you ask your friend to call them.