First of all, I wanted to say thank you for your response... It was helpful in that I know that this is a preoccupation with self and according to God's word is sin.

I did read your articles that were linked below. I do have some of the compulsive attributes, but mostly the obsessive ones. The question that I have is that what I have dealt more with is the thoughts of "what if" thinking, like "what if something happened to me in the past" "what if I did something". I go from one thing to the next. A thought will enter my mind about specific people (sometimes family members - which makes me more anxious about it) doing something to me in the past and then I will think it through and decide it can't be and then I'll go on to thinking that about somebody else. It is an endless cycle and I would love some advice on how to stop this endless cycle. I've just dealt with this for awhile and have prayed about it on numerous occasions. I know that God would not be happy with this, but I can't seem to get a handle on it.

Question:

I have read about your book on your website.

I am a married Christian man struggling with anxiety disorder issues. I am
current taking medication and want to stop. I have been dealing with these
severe anxiety issues for about 2 years now. IMy doctor has me convinced
that I need to be on these for the rest of my life. He feels that because
it runs in my family, that I will have the same issue. I have a hard time
accepting this. I have been receiving counsel from one of the pastors at
my church and it has been helping. I know that I need to find my strength
with God, but I have a hard time with that when I am physically feeling
poorly.

The Bible says "Be careful(anxious) for nothing, but in all things by
prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let you request be known unto
God". I know the God commands me not to worry, but I can't seem to get
beyond that. I know that anxiety is sin. My anxiety isn't panic attacks
as some get. It gives me sweats, headaches, fatigue, depression,
insomnia,etc.. Unlike people who get anxiety attacks and then stop, mine
is constant! I have been a chronic worrier throughout my life and am
making steps to stop and give everything to the Lord. Even on the
medication, I feel terrible. I don't sleep well.

Do you have any advice?

It is very difficult to find Christians who understand what I am going
through. Everyone says "just stop worrying". I do, but my issue doesn't
seem to go away.

I have had every medical test under the sun done and my physical body
appears to be fine. I keep getting the "you have a chemical imbalance".
When I ask for proof, the Dr. admitted that there is no physical way to
determine what my imbalance is. He said that due to the fact that my
symptoms improve on medication, this is indication enough. I understand
the theory, but I am an Engineer and like to see proof. Maybe that is why
I have a difficult time with my faith.

Answer:

We're not sure we can add to what you are already doing, which is knowing what God has to say, and seeking counsel from your pastor [and getting medical testing]. A few thoughts, though: it's not enough to know what God's Word says - you have to put into action, through an act of your will. It will take an act of your will to determine to put your trust in God when you start feeling anxious. It will not be easy at first, but you will find that God will give you the strength to trust him when you really want to start worrying, and it will get easier over time.

Also, regarding your doctor's comment about why he believes there is a chemical imbalance in your brain - this is bad logic:

If a person with schizophrenia (or any other mental disorder) seems to be getting better after starting psychiatric medication, that does not prove the problem was caused by brain imbalances. The medication treats symptoms, not causes, because causes are unknown. Medications become brain-damaging band-aids at best—sedatives that numb symptoms and therefore seem to work. I could say I have anxiety, smoke marijuana, and get anxiety relief. Does that mean my anxiety was caused by an imbalance of THC in my brain? Of course not—the marijuana simply treated my anxiety symptoms, but did nothing to address the cause of my anxiety—and I damage my brain in the process. God’s Word and His indwelling Spirit can pinpoint the cause and help us overcome it, without killing brain cells, permanently altering brain chemistry, and potentially causing serious medical problems.

We hope this helps.

Ryan and Lisa Bazler
www.psychologydebunked.com