What happens when your own thoughts scare you?

What if your brain suddenly doesn’t feel like your own? What if you’re experiencing intrusive thoughts you don’t want, panic you can’t explain, or anxiety that makes you wonder, “Am I losing control?”

In today’s Front Porch Friday, we’re having a very real conversation about mental health, anxiety, panic attacks, intrusive thoughts, psychiatric medication, suicide, faith, and asking for help.

I’m also sharing a part of my own story that I don’t talk about often, the terrifying mental-health experience I went through about 15 years ago, the unwanted thoughts that made me afraid of my own mind, the nights I slept clutching my Bible, the times my mom and I sat outside an emergency room just so I could feel close to help, and the phone calls that sometimes consisted of nothing more than, “Mom, just talk to me.”

We’re also talking about something I believe deserves more attention: advocating for yourself when it comes to medication. Ask questions. Keep an updated medication list. Make sure every doctor and specialist treating you knows what else you are taking. Ask why a medication is being prescribed, how long you’re expected to take it, what side effects to watch for, and when it should be reevaluated.

And please hear me clearly: this episode is not medical advice. I am not a doctor, psychiatrist, therapist, counselor, or pharmacist. I’m sharing my personal experience. Never start, stop, change, or taper a prescribed medication based on something you hear in this episode. Talk with your doctor, prescriber, or pharmacist about your individual care.

Most importantly, if your own mind is scaring you today, please tell somebody.

An unwanted thought is not automatically a desire.

A frightening thought does not automatically define your character.

Needing help does not mean you have failed God.

Prayer and treatment do not have to be enemies.

And you do not have to survive the night by yourself.

Please stay.

Stay long enough to ask for help.

Stay long enough for someone to sit beside you.

Stay long enough to discover that this moment was not forever.

Stay for morning. ❤️

⚠️ CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains discussion of anxiety, panic attacks, intrusive thoughts, psychiatric medication, mental-health crises, and suicide. Please take care of yourself while listening.

CRISIS SUPPORT: If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis in the United States, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Free, confidential support from trained crisis counselors is available 24/7. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Straighten that crown, talk to Jesus throughout your whole day, and keep walking through the hell of it. I’ll be walking with you. ❤️