#battlinganxiety

[econineinnovationsnarrativehub]

Whispers of Hope

In the heart of a bustling city, Sarah’s world had become a gray haze, a place where shadows loomed large and ominous, and even the simplest tasks felt like insurmountable mountains. Depression and anxiety had taken root in her soul, casting an ever-present shadow over her life. She found herself isolated, her once vibrant spirit fading into the background.

Sarah, in her early thirties, had always been a warm and empathetic person, but the darkness within her had grown so powerful that it threatened to consume her entirely. Her life had become a monotonous routine of solitude and despair, the outside world nothing more than a distant echo.

One crisp autumn morning, Sarah forced herself out of bed and made her way to a nearby park. The sun was peeking through the golden leaves of the trees, casting a warm glow on the world around her. As she sat on a bench, lost in her thoughts, a stranger approached. A middle-aged man with a kind smile, he simply asked, “Are you okay?”

The question caught Sarah off guard. No one had asked her that in a very long time. She hesitated but then found herself sharing some of her feelings and struggles with this stranger. He listened attentively, his eyes full of empathy.

The man introduced himself as David and revealed that he had battled depression himself. He explained how kindness from strangers had been his lifeline during the darkest days. He encouraged Sarah to reach out, not only to friends and family but to anyone willing to listen.

Moved by his words, Sarah started to notice the world around her in a different light. She saw a child sharing their ice cream with a homeless man, a couple holding hands and smiling at each other, and a woman offering a comforting hug to a friend who was in tears. These small acts of kindness began to break through the walls of her isolation.

One day, as Sarah was wandering through a local bookstore, she struck up a conversation with the store owner, Emily. Their shared love for literature ignited a connection. Sarah discovered that even though depression had stolen so much from her, it couldn’t extinguish the human connection that could be found in unexpected places.

Emily became a friend and confidant, guiding Sarah to support groups and therapists who could help her navigate her emotional struggles. Slowly, with the help of kind strangers like David and Emily, Sarah began her journey toward healing.

“Whispers of Hope” is a story of resilience and the incredible power of human connection. It reminds us that in the darkest of times, the kindness of strangers can be the beacon of light that leads us out of the abyss of depression and anxiety, showing us that we are never truly alone.

[theepiccreatorofmagic-blog-blog]

I regret coming out

As nice as it is to know exactly where I stand with my family, it also just makes things so much worse because it forces you to come to terms with things.

When I was in college my family encouraged me to date a guy who was thirty years older. Just because he was a dedicated christian.

They would rather I did that than marry the woman of my dreams.

When I came out to my grandma she straight up told me it would be better to live alone than to be with someone of the same gender.

When I came out I was told it was selfish. Because my parents wouldn't have grandkids. (And apparently it's cruel to raise a kid in a homosexual environment.)

When I came out as asexual I was told that I just hadn't found the right man.

Now my time with my little brothers is constantly monitored. Their faith in christianity is so strong that if I told them I didn't believe in god or that I was gay it would tear the family apart.

As much as I want to be respectful and understanding of their religious views is it really worth all the hiding? Is it worth the declining mental health?

Like. I want to tell them all about how happy I am now. I want them to be happy for me and how much I've grown. I want them to be proud of me for living on my own and getting a promotion and setting up a 401k and saving for college.

But it's just not the same.

I don't think I want to fly home for Christmas anymore.

Does anyone have any similar experiences? I have so many Christian friends, and so many people have amazing coming out stories (and I'm happy for them) but if y'all have advice it would really help your local gay disaster.

[fridayfaraday]

It’s me. #agender #pansexual #writersofinstagram #collegeprofessor #battlingdepression #battlinganxiety (at Chicago, Illinois) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu7ZS72lkPa/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1did5o74sscjk

[witcheswhimsy]

Process and design choices. / Entwicklung und Entscheidungen. (Image 1: rough sketch of colored squares beside pencils and one colorful quilt square on a desk. Image 2: a child laying out lots of quilted squares against orange fabric. Image 3: same squares laid out against very light sea foam colored fabric) . . . #QuiltingNewbie #ScrapQuilting #HandStitching #DesignChoices #BattlingAnxiety #WitchesWhimsy (hier: Berlin, Germany) https://www.instagram.com/p/CPeHremLA8w/?utm_medium=tumblr

[sarahdarkeairofficial]

Day 11 and pretty much halfway through our holiday in Thailand. Bangkok was so exciting and Koh Samui is beautiful and quiet. #battlinganxiety #andwinning #aspergers #neverafillercharacter #holiday #bangkok #kohsamui #family #homesick #island #islandsofadventure #aspielife (at Baan Tai Beach Koh Samui)

[chasingsakina]

“ She made effort to embrace the unexpected, the waves of change as they came, the tests & blessings. “ - extract of a longer piece titled ‘ruminations’ recently posted on my blog which can be found in my bio @chasingsakina ✨ . . . [ps: if you guys are looking to watch something new of benefit, that isn’t too heavy on your heart and soul but has beautiful amounts of comforting depth, i strongly recommend you check out @honestteatalk on #youtube ✨💓] . . . . . . . . . . #honesttea | #chasingsakina | #mumblogger | #muslimmumblogger | #mentalhealthawareness | #openingup | #tryingchange | #battlinganxiety | #ppd | #pnd | #perfectionism | #acceptance | #islamicreminders | #resilience | #writersofinstagram | #muslimwritersofinstagram | #muslimahwriter | #inspirationalquotes | #mindfulness | #cardiffblogger | #roathpark | #sunset | #sunlight | #livingwithpurpose | #dunya | #blessings | #wordpressblogger | #mummydiaries | #mummyblogger | (at Cardiff) https://www.instagram.com/p/B05RytOgKAa/?igshid=k30mnqfip4ys

[jessicasglamouronthego]

Courage 🦁

[hie87]

Dealing with anxiety, starting work again after 7 years, education and maybe bying a house? Read all about it in my latest post on my blig (link in bio) #myblog #blog #blogging #blogger #blogloving #bloggerlove #bloggergal #bloggerlife #mystory #memoirs #beautiful #lovestory #love #mystory #stories #life #lifehappens #relationships #reallifefairytale #fairytale #happilyeverafter #fallinginlove #sharingiscaring #sharingmystory #follow4follow #followme #anxiety #battlinganxiety #movingforward #changes (her: Stockholm County)

[joee-guardian-angel-blog]

One of the worst, most scariest feelings in the world. I have felt lonely most of my adult life and it consumed me in such a way it changed my personality, my way of thinking and the way I treat others... loneliness can certainly lead to all sorts of mental health problems and that's one thing I hope to change, someday. #WorldMentalHealthDay #mentalhealth #depression #anxiety #health #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthawarenessday #battlinganxiety #battlingdepression #suicide #suicidal #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #fighting #staystrong #follow #like #mentalhealthsupport #loneliness #alone #lonely #help #youarenotalone #guardianangel #guardianangeluk

[puto-cono]

These past twelve months have been absolute hell, but I've made it through. I've learnt that I'm stronger than I ever have been and that I can fight my way through whatever challenges life throws at me. #positivethinking #projectsemicolon #battlingdepression #battlinganxiety #disneytwist #ink

[pantonefleurx-blog]

Reminiscing

Looking back, I’ve realized that I fought a lot of battles. I remember that I’ve been so brave in facing all the pain even during the times when I can’t be too comfortable - exams, simple outings, reports, etc. Battling with GERD and anxiety is tough but then along the way you are getting tougher and you should. You attract what you think. The brain is the highest organ of all. So don’t be afraid! BELIEVE in yourself and always have FAITH in the Lord! 

[beautifully-broken87-blog1]

Better day today. I ate a peice of toast, a gogurt and a mini pizza. Then layed down for a couple hours. The nap was refreshing. Anxiety was minimal. I’m just tired. The mental and physical battles are so exhausting... #SelfCare #SelfLove #BattlingAnxiety #GettingBetter #OneSayAtATime

[theepiccreatorofmagic-blog-blog]

How They Get You

I always feel this sort of pang in my chest whenever I’m told, “wow! you’re so friendly!” or “man, you have so many friends!” or “you’re really outgoing.” 

Because yeah, I am now. But that is really only because I was Trained to be that way. 

Back at my old church there is this class that every Sunday school kid, college student, leader, employee, and ministry worker takes. It’s called something like, “Fundamentals of Soulwinning” 

There, you learn how to approach people. 

You see, my cult understood that you would get NOWHERE screaming at someone that they would go to hell. No. You have to be friendly, non-aggressive, and open to talking. 

The only reason I can talk to any stranger about any topic is because I was taught how. 

If you are knocking on their door, you have to first explain that you aren’t selling anything. Maybe chuckle a bit, step back, put your hands up. 

You then tell them, “I’m just in the neighborhood, inviting people to (an event that doesn’t seem too religious) and I would like to give you one. 

This even can really be anything. My cult does this “Friend Day” thing where they give out these bags of cookies with an invitation on it. This can also be something like “Love Works.” where you love bomb someone and then give them a tract (a card that is pretty to look at and has information about the church and stuff. Also the gospel) 

Then, if they seem open you can keep going. They may even open their door all the way at this point. 

You read that person’s body language to see if they are open to talking. Then you open with something like, “oh, do your (brightly colored) shoes make you run faster?” or “wow, I thought I was the only one who-” 

I remember taking a test about how you can always find something to talk to them about, something to break the ice an earn a sort of comradery. 

Profession (many people are open about where they work)

Property (I always loved praising people’s outfit, makeup, flowers, wallet)

And something else beginning with a P (like personal) 

You talk about the lawn ornaments, the car they have, the kids toys. You never bring up god in the beginning. 

Then, as you talk, you say, “I’m sorry, what was your name again?” And (I have practiced this multiple times, it works unfortunately) 95% percent of the time they will tell you their name. 

I remember my teacher then telling me that you use that name over and over again. Because they are more willing to participate in the conversation if you make them feel like they are the center of attention. 

Then, as the conversation goes on (and you feel “lead of the lord”) you gently steer the conversation towards things like, “oh! well hey, do you go to a church right now?” and then go from there. 

If the person you are witnessing to opens up about a certain trauma then you are supposed to share your own experiences, and how the lord worked through you in that time. 

It... it’s kinda scary because I’ve recently realized that not even salesmen use these tactics. Because they fucking work. My cult has over 5,000 people in the English speaking ministry, almost 2,000 for Spanish speaking, and then you have Korean, ASL, the bus ministry, the Sunday schools, the satellite churches that have 300 in average attendance, and the Livestream that is streamed all over the world. 

I’m not exaggerating. 

So. 

With that being said, do not be afraid to say, “I’m not interested.” And close the door in their face. (From experience, I can safely say that they don’t take it personally or hate you for it. It happens all the time.) It’s okay to give the tract back. It’s okay to tell your friend “I will never be interested in religion so please do not invite me again.” 

I deeply regret witnessing to people. Especially at work. Especially to friends outside of my circle. I regret politely pointing out the fallacies in their own religions. I regret lying to people and telling them that jesus helped me through rough times. 

Christianity especially is horrible because every time I thought “I shouldn’t be doing this.” it could be brushed aside with “well that’s what Satan wants you to think. Satan wants your friend to suffer and burn in hell for all eternity. You’re saving your friend/coworker/relative from that and giving them a change to live a happy life.” and I’d go on witnessing with even greater ferocity. 

But, now I have some hope for my future. I’m not in that life anymore.

 I can be happy for people when they open up to me about their religious success.

 I can comfort people as an empathetic human when they share the rough times.

 I can offer actual help instead of just saying “I’ll pray for you.” 

I can be happy for someone when they tell me about a career advancement that isn’t religious. 

I can go to sleep not caring if I won enough souls. Or worrying about my friends dying and going to hell because I didn’t witness to them.

I can make friends, and not feel fake or manipulative. I want to be their friend so that we can share things. Not because I want them to become a follower. 

I can go about my day not having to pretend that I’m okay because “sinners should see something different in you.” 

I can be comfortable around people who talk about ‘sinful’ stuff. Yeah, you’re single and have a kid. Go you. You got this. You’re fighting your smoking habit. Hell yeah, I’m there for ya. You like drinking beer? You want to hang out a bar maybe? I’m down. You want me to go with you to a rock concert? Oh my god yes!

Leaving religion was the hardest, but best decision of my life. The freedom is worth it. Please trust me on this. Give it a shot. Since I left, my anxiety is gone, my depression has slowly melted off, bit by bit. I have so much less stress. 

I don’t know. I’ve come so far. Thank you for reading. I feel so much better now that this is out there. 

[sarahdarkeairofficial]

Snapchat sarah-darkeair #battlinganxiety #andwinning #aspergers #neverafillercharacter #iamtheheroofmystory #wiccan #neopagan #snapchat

[joee-guardian-angel-blog]

Charity swim! Raising money for a local charity that supports mental health ❤ we just getting started 👊 #WorldMentalHealthDay #mentalhealth #depression #anxiety #health #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthawarenessday #battlinganxiety #battlingdepression #suicide #suicidal #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #charity #charityfundraising #charityfundraiser #charitywork #charityswim #fighting #staystrong #follow #like

[rawr-its-red]

My plan for the night: bubble bath, then cider, gingerbread cookies, and netflix. #bahhumbug #battlinganxiety