Anxiety and churches

Hello all just wondering how many people get anxiety over going to church. I haven't been in years and my parents are kinda wanting me to go with them and I try but I can't I feel like everyone there would judge me and I can't handle that. Just seeing how everyone feels. I hope this doesn't break the religion rule as I feel it's pretty generic.

I don't think you're breaking any rules with this one ... I, too, find it difficult to go to church ... It's very anxiety provoking for me ... There's the guilt, the judgement, my own personal doubt and anger at God ... I've always felt closer to whatever this God thing is whenever I'm out in nature and nature isn't as harsh a judge as human beings are ... At least I haven't been eaten by a bear or bitten by a snake yet ... Kinda hard to figure out the dangers as it pertains to human beings though ... At least for me it is ... At least out there I know what to avoid whereas humans can be very tricky, manipulative and deceptive ...

OMG I can totally relate. Always felt so much anxiety at church; would even get sick to my stomach. I don't go anymore.

I won't say what religion I was raised in, but I recently saw a sign that I liked, in front of a church ( of a different religion), and it said something to the effect of- ?Religion or belief in God or something "IS A JOURNEY NOT A GUILT TRIP"

I also feel closer to god when I'm out in nature, especially when I walk in the woods,

I don't go to religious services in churches (last time i have been it's been funeral of soembody and it's been awful)..... but gah, cathedrals trigger me... by their sheer size and gloominess.

(again, any religious institution makes me edgy. i feel as if "they" could see what kind of person i am... not that i consider myself bad... but according to religious doctrines, i am).

yeah.... i can totally see why people get anxious going to church

ever since i heard of a church near me where a regular member went and killed someone, it's put me in to total doubt about the church thing

Yeah the judgement from god and everyone else. I just don't like the idea I would like to make them happy but idk if I can do it.

I would not go to a church. I was brought up with religious abuse and I will never step foot back into one of those institutions.

That is mybown experience tho. Clinte if you are uncomfortable going to a church it is your right not to go. Showing up at church "should" be about more than making an apperance or making others happy. You are old enough to make your own choices about religion, faith and practice. If people are truly of the faith they should also understand things like tolerance, acceptance, understanding and compassion. Your parents might be able to accept that and they should. They should be happy if you follow your own heart, not happy just because you do stuff you are not comfortable with to make others happy.

Only go if it feels right to you. If there's a chance you could find support there, and it's just social anxiety, then it might be good to step outside of comfort zone and give it a shot. Churches and religions are all so different. Some, the people are truly kind and trying to be christ-like themselves, and that's nice to see.

But if this group of people at church will judge you and be mean, you don't need that. It would probably be irresponsible of you actually to go somewhere that could trigger you, unless you felt very ready. You've been through much, keep yourself safe hun.

Hi clinte89, and all you guys who have posted on this blog,

I am in England, uk, and yes!! I go church, have been singing in worship this morn. I am sad, that so many of your are uncomfortable at church.
I do understand the anxieties about "going church", as I have dealth with ocd for years so you can imagine how hard it is. Sometimes I used to find it hard too in church, but, knowing that Jesus loves me, personally, with my fears and ocd, helped me to enjoy singing and listening about Jesus. Also its not anyone's place to judge, anyone. You just have to be careful, to talk to people who you can learn to trust. But most important is Trusting in Jesus Christ, as he is the top man! he knows all about us and loves us each sooo much!

So I hope who ever wants ,will feel able to visit a church to two, have a look around, and remember that whatever church you go to, no-one there is any better or superior to you. Everyone at the church you see, has their own problems and I hope you will be made welcome. Our Pastor and other team people, are always teaching on how, we are blessed to be loved by the Lord, not by anything we done, but by the grace and love of God. And this love is very everyone! Sending you all love and blessings. susan.

Clint is it that particular church because the congregation knows you? If so can you find a new, smaller church? Can you go to a short service or excuse yourself when it gets to much?

A church is not a museum for saints, but a hospital for sinners.......and if "church people" are judging you, THEY need God even more than you do.

Personally, I couldn't manage this illness without faith, and don't know how others do it. No, we don't have to be inside a church building to worship the Creator, and we don't need "religion" to be good people (although I've found it easier to stay in line since I've been going to Mass on a regular basis ). But seriously, I have to believe that we are given this disorder for a reason, and that this world isn't all there is......otherwise, what's the purpose of suffering? What's the point of enduring if there's nothing to be gained at the end of it?

But, that's just me. I don't judge anyone for not being a churchgoer or even a person of faith. I only know that I can't live without God.

Excellent points.

A lot of churches out there give the good ones a bad rep.

If I don't go to church, I have more trouble getting through the week. But I go to a fabulous church.

Great, rockin' music that really moves me.

The preacher is hilarious and delivers great messages that help me get through life rather than telling me I'm doomed to hell or telling me I should feel guilty.

Hi Clint,
Churches are just buildings. The people that make up a particular church is what matters. I find comfort in my church because it is not judgmental, and instead is welcoming and caring. All people are welcomed.
My church helps me' however, you may find comfort elsewhere. If you let your parents "guilt" you into church, I would think that you would not be able to find comfort because of your resentment.
I hope you can find peace somewhere, Clint. You said that your therapist is on leave. This is a rough time of year on many people.
Of course, as always we are here for you!
Bluemountains

I can really relate to the church going issue. I was an avid church go'er a few years back. i had such a strong faith and never thought i would be afraid to go to church. i was put on meds last year in feb that at the time caused me to hallicinate. i thought i heard deamons and angels who were fighting over my soul. i suffered through that delision for over 3 months and still today have problems understanding it was the meds that caused it. im afraid of goign to church and being judged as well and the anxiety of believing that deamons will come for me more if i start putting more faith in God. its been a slow process and i have to constantly ask for forgivness as i have obsessivly said bad things such as f God but its my mind still saying it from when i was delusional. i never mean to say those things. i still have to keep believing it was the meds that screwed me up and not that i was possesed like i thought i was. its been over a year and im still afraid to see a pastor or step into a church afraid that I am unworthy of such a great place because i still have irrationally bad thoughts. I would love to go back..just need a way in believing i wont be punished or sent to hell for going to such a wonderful place and using the Lords name in vain while there. If you feel pressured my opinion would be to not go and wait until your ready. There are many other things to do besides going to church to praise God like praying for what your greatful for and reading the Bible. God knows what your going through and will walk with you through every step until you can again walk on your own May you soon find peace. Take care and God Bless

Hi Clinte,

I am so dreading Xmas services with my parents. I used to go to church every Sunday, but then I got to where I couldn't handle going alone. I felt like everyone was looking at me & talking about what I was wearing or whatever. I also started crying hysterically at one service, and I still do that during some Christian hymns. A friend of mine told me that going to church makes you as much of a Christian as standing in your garage makes you a car.

I would just try to be honest with your family and don't wait until the last minute to back out. That's my trick that never goes over very well. Don't be hard on yourself. The holidays are very hard for a lot of people and I think we may feel more guilty because we have family during the holidays, at least I do.

Peace & Hugs,

TnT

Thanks everyone. And your right maybe I should try to see what the people are like. They are just buildings it I the people inside that matter and I know some at this one church so maybe ill try. Thanks everyone.