Overcoming Disordered Anxiety
Pamela’s panic attacks come fast and furious. First, the jitters. Then a racing heart. Catastrophic thoughts flood her mind. Dizziness, sweaty palms, a tight chest, trouble breathing.
Then the dread sets in.
“What is happening?” she wonders. “Am I going to die? Am I going crazy?”
So, What’s Really Going On?
Pamela’s not broken. She’s dealing with disordered anxiety. This kind of anxiety isn’t just run-of-the-mill stress. It’s a full-body, full-mind experience that hijacks your peace and bulldozes your confidence.
Disordered anxiety refers to a pattern of anxious thoughts and physical symptoms that significantly interfere with daily life. The DSM-5 defines a disorder as “a clinically significant disturbance in cognition, emotional regulation, or behavior.”
In plain terms? It’s anxiety that has spiraled out of control—and now, it’s running the show. It shows up in different ways:
Social anxiety
OCD
GAD
Panic disorder
Panic disorder, which Pamela faces, affects more than 6 million adults in the U.S. That’s 2.7% of the population. It’s like anxiety on steroids—sudden, intense fear paired with scary symptoms and a sense of doom.
I’ve Been There, Too
Years ago, I was driving home from work when a monster panic attack hit.
My heart pounded.
Sweat poured down my face.
My knees turned to Jell-O.
I was sure something terrible was happening. I made it home, bBut I didn’t feel safe. A new fear crept in:
“What if it happens again?”
That thought lodged in my brain and took over. I spiraled into fear, worry, and hopelessness.
I read everything I could. I visited a psychiatrist. I got a diagnosis. I started medication. But the worst part? The confusing and conflicting advice from Christians, like:
“A good Christian shouldn’t feel this way.”
“Just pray harder.”
“Don’t take medication—you’ll become addicted.”
“Take the meds! They worked for my brother.”
Anxiety doesn’t make you less Christian. It makes you human.
Let’s Talk About the Anxiety Cycle
Here’s the thing: anxiety is predictable. It follows a cycle. And the good news? You can break it. Here’s how it works:
The Anxiety Cycle
Trigger — A thought, feeling, place, person, or body sensation sets you off.
Fear Response — You interpret it as danger.
Body Reacts — Heart races. Palms sweat. Stomach flips.
Avoidance — You try to escape through distraction, reassurance, or withdrawal.
Temporary Relief — Feels better for a moment… but reinforces the fear.
Avoidance gives your brain a quick dopamine hit.
It feels good short-term. But long-term? It traps you in fear.
Let’s say your boss says, “Come to my office.” Cue panic. Your mind races. Your stomach knots. You brace for the worst. You might even consider quitting to avoid the discomfort.
That’s the cycle at work.
Break the Cycle
Now, what if instead of reacting with fear, you responded biblically and reframed your thoughts?
Instead of saying, “I can’t handle this.”
Say: “This is just anxiety. It’s just a feeling. It’s just a thought. I’m safe.”
Scripture reminds us:
“God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.”
(2 Timothy 1:7)
You don’t have to accept the invitation to fear. You can learn to challenge your thoughts and retrain your nervous system.
Anxiety’s Dirty Trick
Anxiety is a trickster.
It convinces you that you're in danger when you’re safe, even though it doesn’t feel that way.
It hijacks your fight-or-flight system and convinces you that your thoughts and symptoms mean something terrible is about to happen.
You’re not crazy. You’re just stuck in a fear habit. And habits can be rewired.
Avoidance gives you short-term relief but long-term suffering. Facing the fear (with truth and grace) breaks the pattern and leads to lasting freedom.
What Jesus Says About Fear
Phrases like “Do not be afraid” and “Fear not” appear more than 300 times in Scripture. But it's not a harsh command. It's a loving invitation.
“I love you. I’m with you. You’re safe in Me.”
God is not saying, “Shape up or else.”
He’s saying, “Come to Me. I love you.”
And friend, He truly does.
Let’s Pray
Lord, I admit I’m afraid. But I know you haven’t given me a spirit of fear. Help me to trust You and to surrender my anxious thoughts. Fill me with Your peace. You love me. You are with me. And I am safe. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Want More Support?
✅ Read my story in Help! I Get Panic Attacks
✅ Join the Panic-Free Group Coaching Program (next cohort starts June 2025)