Try finding a verse in the Bible you like. Or search online for prayers in whichever area you need to focus on. Read the verse over and over, meditate on it. Feel the words. That’s what I do because otherwise it just seems like awkward “poor me, please help” but there are far more powerful prayers that have more meaning and value than what I can put together. I’m Catholic and pray the Holy Rosary, as well. I’m telling you- it helps. Getting out in nature or having solitude can help you talk to God a bit better than when you’re in your car or bedroom. Just my opinion.

But I hear you. It does seem like terrible things do hit all at once, overwhelming you like a wave. It seems that way. I think part of it is assuming everything is a catastrophe. It starts feeling that way. But usually there is a lesson to be learned with every “bad thing” that happens. I’m not talking about when you lose a loved one but many of our problems are our own doing or the result of something that we could have done differently but ultimately, if we’re smart- we can look back and learn. What could you have done differently? Who was impacted? Were we a jerk to others? Did we not do preventative maintenance? Many questions to be answered with reflection. Start asking questions. That’s kind of a part of prayer. Reflection.

But I think also people tend to have cyclical physical responses to bad things when they happen in rapid succession. So for example- you’ve been slammed with stuff. The car breaks, the AC breaks, work sucks, you have conflict with someone, your dog gets sick, family discord, the fence falls down.. I mean, on and on and on and over time, you start reacting physically. That adrenaline dump happens. The fight or flight reflex kicks in with the slightest provocation. You’re ready for bad news. You expect it and then you feel it right away. Your stomach hurts. Rapid, shallow breathing. Is this happening to you?

That’s when you need to learn some coping skills. Some relaxation techniques. Some breathing techniques. I can send some tips. Learn to pray and meditate before reacting. Wait to find the messages.. wait to hear HIS messages because there are always messages. The sun always comes up the next morning. I promise that whatever it is, it won’t feel the same after a night’s sleep and some time to calm down. Let God guide you through the night. I’ve also learned that we can handle anything. We can. You’re so much stronger than you give yourself credit for and you’ll be stronger once you learn that every problem has a resolution- they don’t last forever and God is there for you and won’t abandon you.

Learning to have patience and faith is a process, though. You learn about how things work, how to grow personally, how not to act like an asshole with others. How to control temper. How to have empathy. You’re not going to break. Leaning on others when you need it, asking for help (like here) is good. Don’t be afraid to call a crisis line. Talking usually helps diffuse the situation more than anything else. Being able to vent. Lastly- a lot of people are starting to use Propranolol for anxiety and PTSD. It’s a beta blocker and stops that physical reaction you may have when facing a stressor. It can help a lot without being addictive or causing side effects. Something to think about. Hang in there. I’m sorry this is long but it deserves the time.