Stress. Panic. Repeat
Kellie was the kind of woman you could count on.
Church? She showed up.
Work? She overdelivered.
Family? She kept everyone running.
She was:
Organized
Reliable
Always “fine”
But behind the smile, Kellie was exhausted—not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. She woke up anxious. She went to bed anxious.
Then, seemingly out of nowhere, the panic attacks began.
The Panic That Didn’t Make Sense
It happened on her first “day off” in months.
She brewed coffee, curled up on the couch, and told herself to relax.
That’s when it hit: racing heart, tight chest, shaky hands, mind screaming, What is happening to me?!
She wasn’t stressed. She wasn’t late. She wasn’t even doing anything.
And that’s what scared her the most.
When Stress Becomes Survival
Kellie didn’t realize it then, but she had been running on stress and approval for years.
She said yes—even when she wanted to say no.
She kept the peace—even when she disagreed.
She chased validation—even when it drained her.
People’s opinions became her measure of “okay.” And rest? It felt like failure. Stillness didn’t feel safe. So her body stayed on high alert—even in quiet moments.
Sound familiar?
Then one morning, Kellie read Isaiah 30:15—and it felt personal:
“In repentance and rest is your salvation,
in quietness and trust is your strength,
but you would have none of it.”
She had “none of it.” Too busy. Too needed. Too afraid of what people might think.
But God wasn’t angry. He was inviting her into something better.
Signs You Might Be Living Like Kellie
You feel anxious when life slows down
You say yes out of guilt or fear of disappointing
You run on adrenaline, caffeine, and obligation
You worry too much about what others think
If you see yourself in this list, you’re not alone. And you’re not stuck.
Kellie’s Turning Point
1️⃣ Recognize the Pattern
“I’ve learned to live on stress and approval—and I want out.”
That was her first honest admission.
She began to notice:
She said yes when she meant no
She couldn’t relax unless everything was done
She felt important when she was needed, but exhausted when alone
This isn’t about shame. It’s about truth. And truth sets you free.
2️⃣ Return to God’s Peace
“The Lord is my Shepherd; I lack nothing.” —Psalm 23:1
God never called you to hustle harder.
His rhythm is steady, unhurried, and full of grace.
How to return to that rhythm:
Pray. Pause and whisper, “The Lord is my Shepherd. He gives me everything I need.”
Protect stillness. Turn off phone notifications. Walk slower. Fold laundry at half your usual pace.
Go outside. Listen for birds calling, rustling leaves, or the wind. Nature invites you back to calm.
3️⃣ Reset the Body
Calm your nervous system with simple, intentional practices:
Three slow breaths. Inhale for 4, hold, exhale for 5. Repeat. Place your hand on your belly—make sure it, not your chest, is rising.
Take a short walk without your phone. If that feels scary, it’s a good signal that your body is craving disconnection.
Practice five minutes of stillness. Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and just be. Start with five minutes. Work up to ten, then twenty. You’re teaching your body that peace is safe.
4️⃣ Replace the Lies
Here are a few common lies—along with biblical truths to anchor your heart:
Lie: If I stop, I’ll disappoint everyone
Truth: I’m not called to please everyone—just be faithful (Gal. 1:10)
Lie: If I rest, I’m lazy
Truth: In quietness and trust is my strength (Isaiah 30:15)
Lie: It all depends on me
Truth: He holds all things together (Colossians 1:17)
What lies have you believed?
God Is Always on Time
Maybe you’re in a season like Kellie—trying to be everything for everyone. And deep down, you're tired… but terrified to slow down.
Here’s the good news:
“Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” —Matthew 11:28
Not more striving. Not more performance. Just Jesus.
He’s not behind. He’s not late. He is always on time.
Ready for a Better Way?
You don’t have to stay stuck in the stress-approval-panic loop. Healing is possible. Let’s explore it together.
One-to-One Counseling — Individuals and Couples
For anyone ready to go deep, uncover the roots of anxiety, and heal with truth.
Schedule your free consult here »
Group Coaching for High-Achieving Christian Women with Panic
Get practical tools, biblical guidance, and community support in a safe, faith-filled group.
Learn more and join us »
You’re not alone. You’re not crazy. You’re invited to peace.