I Need Your Advice

Mustangwoman · #1 (**permalink**) 03-05-2006, 10:24 AM

I would like your advice. I am unsure what to do. I haven't been attending church for some time now. I have had problems in the past with anxiety attacks. I seem to be much better now. I would go to this church but I
feel they are looking down on me. I have another ward in my area should I try the new one or go back to the one I got baptized at ? thanks

pushka · #2 (**permalink**) 03-05-2006, 11:13 AM

Hi, I've left you a reply to this question in the 'what kind of Mormon were you' thread...hope it helps!

StrawberryFields · #3 (**permalink**) 03-06-2006, 09:41 AM

I believe it is best to go where you will feel accepted.

Tammy · #4 (**permalink**) 03-06-2006, 10:48 AM

I also believe that is better to go where you feel comfortable, but I have also experienced the opposite. I mean -you should go to church no matter what impression other people give you. You are going for you and it is wrong for them to be judgemental. Maybe they are to learn compassion and you are sent to help them. Trust your heart and your prayers.

krowe · #5 (**permalink**) 03-06-2006, 10:20 PM

Go to church, they can't look down on you when they are on the same level. It may not look like it at church, but I promise they have as many problems, fears and concerns as you do and they need your love and acceptance just as much. Sometimes the most judgemental of them all has the worst skeletons in the closet. The Savior himself invited a prostitute into Peter's, (the president of His church) own home during dinner. He would invite you to church.

angelbaby · #6 (**permalink**) 03-07-2006, 05:26 AM

I agree, you are best going where you feel comfortable. Maybe you could try your old ward and see how you feel. Maybe talk to your Relief Society president or bishop and just let them know you are trying, but you find it a bit daunting still. Some one will open their arms to you.
I know how you feel though, i hate crowds and if it were possible i wouldn't go out much. However, i have 2 young children that need a good break from the confines of their home, so that has helped somewhat. There is always someone around who knows what you're going through. You'll make new friends and settle in, and wonder what you were so worried about.

stellati · #7 (**permalink**) 03-07-2006, 11:35 AM

I think you should go where ever you're accepted. My RS President lives 40 minutes away in another town but loves our ward. The 1st counselour lives about 25 minutes away but loves the ward as well so she stayed. (it's also a singles ward so i think it's more flexible.) but also, keep in mind that people may not be thinking what you think they're thinking. A good book for you to read it "Running with Angels" the author talks about the same kind of things. It's a great book! very uplifting towards the end. All in all, good luck and keep praying!!!

Dr T · #8 (**permalink**) 03-12-2006, 10:11 AM

Hello Mustangwoman,

I see that your question was about which ward to attend not about Panic D/O in general. However, I think it's important to let you know a tidbit about it. According to the DSM, epidemiological studies throughout the world consistently indicate the lifetime prevalence of Panic Disorder (With or Without Agoraphobia) to be between 1.5% and 3.5%. And, one year prevalence rates are between 1% and 2%. Basically, I'm trying to tell you, "You are not alone"! I also want you to know that approximately 1/3 to 1/2 of individuals diagnosed (dx) with Panic Disorder in community samples also have Agoraphobia, although a much higher rate of Agoraphobia is encountered in clinical samples. Agoraphobia is anxiety about being in places or situations from which escape might be difficulty (or embarrassing) on in which help may not be available in the event of having an unexpected or situationally predisposed Panic Attack or panic-like symptoms (sx). Agoraphobic fears typically involve characteristic clusters of situations that include being outside the home alone; being in a crowd or standing in a line; being on a bridge; and traveling in a bus, train, or automobile. The situations are avoided or else are endured with marked distress or with anxiety about having a Panic Attack or panic-like sx, or require the presence of a companion. Basically, in order to avoid Panic (which is a horrible, horrible feeling) the patient uses avoidance behaviors. These avoidance bxs, do in-fact often reduce Panic, but they have the potential to get to the point where all a person wants to do is avoid places which might cause them panic. They then begin to only feel "safe/panic free" at home (for example). My fear for you is that you are avoiding your ward due to some of the fears above (like feeling judged/ridiculed, etc) and are searching for a "safer" place to worship. If you go to the other ward and then experience the same thing, you may choose to avoid that ward too. I'm saying all this only because of potential worsening of your anxiety d/o. It may not be consistent with you at all but I wanted to let you know of the risks. I would definitely recommend being seen by a psychologist (my bias) with experience working with Panic Attack and Agoraphobia to help work through cognitive and behavioral aspects of coping with Panic. Sorry if this was offensive and put you in a little box. I didn't mean too.

Dr. T

Jason · #9 (**permalink**) 03-12-2006, 01:28 PM

Words of wisdom there Dr. T.

Lindy · #10 (**permalink**) 03-12-2006, 04:27 PM

Quote:

I would like your advice. I am unsure what to do. I haven't been attending church for some time now. I have had problems in the past with anxiety attacks. I seem to be much better now. I would go to this church but I
feel they are looking down on me. I have another ward in my area should I try the new one or go back to the one I got baptized at ? thanks[/b]

I go where I am comfortable going....and I know how you feel mustangwoman..... Best advice I could give you.... just go! You need to go for yourself...not anyone else. But like I said... I understand... so find the ward you are most comfortable going to.... and go.