Symptoms of Anxiety and Intrusive Thoughts Going On for over Two Years

[Guido]

Some years ago, I started to have an episode of anxiety and intrusive thoughts, religiously themed, about once or twice a week, going on for several months, until my medication was properly adjusted. Then, after some number of months, after my medication was changed again, I began to have similar symptoms, though perhaps they were relatively less severe. Nonetheless, I keep having an episode of anxiety and intrusive thoughts once or twice a week, preventing me from focusing without tremendous effort, and from praying to God without the same, interrupting my prayers, and attempting to confuse me about the identify of God, and the identity of other being(s), making it impossible for me to relax, all until the symptoms subside after I take my evening medication, which do not seem to prevent me from having symptoms throughout the day. Occasionally, I have found relief by doing deep-breathing, but it does not seem to always work, possibly because I find it difficult to do so properly for the necessary amount of time. Also, sometimes I have an intrusive thought, making me afraid to do the deep-breathing.

Does anyone else go through this? Can anyone relate? Am I being attacked by evil spirits, or is there something wrong with my brain?

Please pray for me, that I will not experience these symptoms whatsoever ever again.​

 

[Scarlett O.]

I am praying for what you ask.

 

[Guido]

I am praying for what you ask.

Thank you.

 

[Martin Marprelate]

Some years ago, I started to have an episode of anxiety and intrusive thoughts, religiously themed, about once or twice a week, going on for several months, until my medication was properly adjusted. Then, after some number of months, after my medication was changed again, I began to have similar symptoms, though perhaps they were relatively less severe. Nonetheless, I keep having an episode of anxiety and intrusive thoughts once or twice a week, preventing me from focusing without tremendous effort, and from praying to God without the same, interrupting my prayers, and attempting to confuse me about the identify of God, and the identity of other being(s), making it impossible for me to relax, all until the symptoms subside after I take my evening medication, which do not seem to prevent me from having symptoms throughout the day. Occasionally, I have found relief by doing deep-breathing, but it does not seem to always work, possibly because I find it difficult to do so properly for the necessary amount of time. Also, sometimes I have an intrusive thought, making me afraid to do the deep-breathing.

Does anyone else go through this? Can anyone relate? Am I being attacked by evil spirits, or is there something wrong with my brain?

Please pray for me, that I will not experience these symptoms whatsoever ever again.​

I find wandering or intrusive thoughts are often a problem in private prayer. I dismiss them and start praying again.
Eph. 6:16. 'Above all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.' The devil cannot indwell a Christian, but he is able to shoot these fiery darts or flaming arrows at us, these being temptations, random thoughts or whatever he thinks will unsettle us. Paul tells us to 'take up the shield of faith.'
Now a Roman soldier had a large shield. but it was no good to him back in the barracks or dangling at his side. It had to be raised up 'above all,' that is, above his head to intercept the enemy's missiles. So when these thoughts start coming, raise up your shield immediately, and say to yourself, "I am a child of God and I have no business listening to these intrusive thoughts!" Dismiss them and pray to the Father to be delivered from them.
I know that you don't like reading books other than the Bible, but I do suggest you read, Spiritual Depression by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones. Lloyd-Jones was a medical doctor, so he does know what he's talking about, from a medical as well as a patoral capacity.
Another good book for you is The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis. I am not an unreserved fan of Lewis, but this book is excellent, and gives a real insight into the machinations of the devil. The book is in the form of a series of letters from a senior devil to a junior one advising him on the best way to depress Christians and lead them astray.