Stories of Overcoming Anxiety
Excerpts below: Freedom From Anxiety - Week One
Section: Anxiety Stories
Speaker: Multiple Speakers
You Are Not Alone: Stories of Overcoming Anxiety
Introduction
It can sometimes feel like we're completely alone in this, right? Like no one can truly understand what's going on in our minds and hearts. These thoughts, these fears, can feel all-consuming. It's like we can't even really describe what's going on, much less communicate it to someone else, creating a paralyzing loneliness.
Benji Horning: Finding Help and Hope
My name is Benji Horning. I'm a pastor in San Diego, California, and my battle with anxiety started over 10 years ago after my wife heard the news of her dad passing away. That kind of started us on a journey of grief and trauma that we had never experienced before. A couple of months later, I had my first anxiety attack. I didn't know what it was, but the panic and physical sensations were overwhelming. What happened afterward was even worse—I began to fear having another one, leading to anticipatory anxiety.
After months of battling this alone, I found myself incredibly discouraged. I remember sitting down with a therapist for the first time, explaining the overwhelming sensation of hopelessness. He helped me untangle my thoughts and feelings, starting a remarkable journey of redemption. It wasn't an instant fix, but through therapy, friendship, and the love of God, I began to identify the root causes of my anxiety and started the process of healing. I learned that true strength comes from recognizing our need for help and embracing the support available to us.
Ben Zobrist: From the Field to Freedom
I'm Ben Zobrist, formerly the World Series MVP for the Chicago Cubs in 2016. My journey through anxiety began back in 2007 when I was demoted for the first time in my athletic career. This led to a crisis of identity and a spiral of anxiety. I started having trouble sleeping and experienced panic attacks on the field, fearing I might pass out.
Despite reaching the pinnacle of my career, I wasn't happy. The anxiety persisted, and I realized that I needed to address what was going on deep in my heart. I learned that being real and vulnerable is true strength. By engaging with my feelings and seeking support, I found a way forward. If you're feeling like you're spiraling, know that there's hope. It's not easy, but by being honest with yourself and seeking help, you can find the path to becoming a wholehearted, integrated person.
Curtis Zachary: Finding Belonging and Peace
Ever since I was a kid, my story has been defined by instability. My parents split up when I was very young, and their struggles with addiction and alcoholism greatly impacted my life. As a biracial individual, I often questioned where I fit in. This constant pursuit of significance and stability led to extreme anxiety.
It wasn't until I realized that my identity, worth, and value were intertwined with what I did, rather than whose I was, that things began to change. Understanding that my relationship with God wasn't transactional brought a sense of belonging and peace. It's possible to find solidity and strength in knowing you belong, and that deep anxiety can be dissipated.
Matthias Barker: Unpacking Social Anxiety
Hi, I'm Matthias. I'm a psychotherapist from Spokane, Washington. Despite being an extroverted therapist, I've struggled with social anxiety due to moving to a new city every year of my childhood. This constant state of fear and feeling like an outsider was normal for me. It wasn't until I started my counseling program that I began to unpack these feelings.
Counseling helped me understand how much my anxious desire to please and be seen was rooted in a place of loneliness. If you're struggling with social anxiety, know that it's possible to heal by addressing the underlying wounds and seeking support.
Rebekah Lyons: From Performance to Peace
I'm Rebekah Lyons, a national speaker and bestselling author. As a recovering firstborn type A control freak, I spent much of my life performing for love and approval. This led to anxiety and depression, especially when friendships or achievements didn't go as planned.
Realizing that public affection cannot heal private rejection was a turning point for me. By getting to the root of why I tried to please people, I began to find true peace. If you struggle with the need to perform or please others, know that healing comes from understanding your true worth in God's eyes.
Ryan Miller: Learning Empathy
I never thought I had anxiety until a few years ago. My wife had battled anxiety for a long time, and I used to coach her through it. But when I started experiencing anxiety myself, I realized how unhelpful my advice had been. Anxiety is one of the worst feelings in the world, and I learned that empathy is key. Instead of trying to fix it, the best thing you can do is be present and breathe with someone.
If you're battling anxiety, or if you have a loved one who is, know that empathy and presence are powerful. Jesus cares deeply about your pain, and so do we. We're glad you're here and willing to engage with this journey.
If you need help seeing God in the middle of your struggle, or just feel like you are stuck, ready to move into growth and healing, connect with a Christian coach.
Share The Struggle Courses
Share the Struggle Courses are topical expert led video courses to help you understand life’s greatest struggles and provide you with tools for navigating them. Moreover, STS courses create a space for you to connect with others struggling with similar things, experience belonging, and encounter God’s nearness in a place of wilderness in your life (pain, confusion, healing journey). STS Courses cultivate a space of vulnerability, empathy, relationship, and set a lane for lasting change as you are empowered and encouraged long after course completion with the tools and community they offer and facilitate.
What Share The Struggle Believes
Here at Share The Struggle we believe Jesus is present with us in the middle of our pain and mess, and it is in that place that we often experience and encounter Jesus most deeply.
We understand the unique challenges faced by Christians dealing with mental health. Our mission is to bridge the gap between faith and mental health support, providing a platform where individuals can find resources, coaching support and guidance, all tailored to their spiritual life and emotional needs.
We invite you to explore our resources, share your journey, and find the support you need to overcome the struggles you face.
