A spiritual journey in faith changed the path I was on in life. Before my relationship with God, I couldn’t pinpoint what was missing in my life, but I knew something was. My name is Tracey Qualls, and I’m a 49-year-old married mom of three living in Pennsylvania. Before, I had that awakening in my soul, which led me on a spiritual journey filled with peace. I regularly dealt with depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. It often felt like I was walking through dense fog. During those dark times, I was sad and lonely, worried and uncertain about my future. Little did I know how important my spiritual journey would be for me and my son’s life.
A Path Through The Darkness
Growing up, I remember being painfully shy. I’d cling to my Mother whenever I felt uncomfortable. For example, the first day of school was torture for me, with my Mother trying to pry me from her leg to get me into the classroom. Since then, I’ve often had times where I wish I could cling to her leg again. In addition to battling depression, panic, and anxiety disorder. I was an anxious introvert, which only heightened the other conditions.
What Is An Introvert?
WebMD states, “An introvert has a personality type known as introversion, which means they feel more comfortable focusing on their inner thoughts and ideas, rather than what’s happening externally.” Although around one-third to one-half of all people in the U.S. are introverts, and most fall somewhere on a scale, there’s no one size fits all formula.
Generally, introverts tend to fall into one of four subtypes.
Social: This is the “classic” type of introvert. They value solitude more than most people. They like being alone but aren’t opposed to gathering close friends or family occasionally.
Thinking: People in this group are daydreamers. They spend a lot of time in their thoughts and have creative imaginations.
Anxious: They seek out alone time not just because they like it but also because they often feel awkward or shy around people.
Restrained/Inhibited: These introverts think before they act. They aren’t likely to decide on a whim. Typically they take longer to take action.
Your introverted ways may change over time, in different settings, and based on what’s going on in your life. For example, being shy doesn’t make you an introvert as introversion is a personality type, while shyness is an emotion.
My Spiritual Journey To Freedom
That was the case for me. I evolved from being an anxious introvert when I was younger to a social/thinking introvert over the years. I’m still more homebody, but I enjoy going out at times. People that are new in my life have a hard time believing that I’m an introvert because most people don’t realize they fall into categories.
Growing up, I’d often experience heart palpitations, sweaty palms, and underarms if I became uncomfortable. I thought my heart would burst out of my chest, and my legs felt like they could no longer support my weight. Deep slow breaths, cold water splashed on my face, or a race to get fresh air would usually help.
A Path To Understanding
The lightbulb went off when I read about anxiety and panic attacks in college. I finally understood what had been taking place in my life. It had no name until then, just painful periods in my life that I didn’t fully understand. I’ve been in therapy a few times but never tried any medication, although I’ve thought about it. I had been living with my disorders for so long that there was a comfortable uncomfortableness to it.
A Spiritual Journey To Healing
Things changed when I ran into my friend who was home from college. She had this glow that I had never seen on her before. Now, she and I were close and had partied together throughout the years. We knew each other’s struggles and the things we were trying to overcome, so I knew her well enough to know that this look was different.
She was radiating from the inside, and I knew it was more than some extra money to buy a designer handbag, a new boyfriend, or an upcoming trip. This glow was different, and she had an aura surrounding her. I was unfamiliar with this look, but I wanted in. I needed to glow like that!
The Path To My Awakening
She informed me that she had been attending church, which surprised me, knowing everything we’d done. I couldn’t believe that going to church could give her a glow like that, but I needed to try it for myself. The following week, my kids and I attended service. Unfortunately, it took my husband a few years before he would attend.
My spirit came alive from the time I walked into the building. It was unlike anything I’d ever experienced before, and I quickly realized that this was the piece of the puzzle missing in my life. I felt so much love and peace when I learned how God loves us and how Jesus died for our sins. We quickly became regulars and rarely missed service. Finally, I hoped that the disorders that tormented me since childhood didn’t have to rule my life.
According to John Hopkins Medicine, “an estimated 26% of Americans ages 18 and older (about 1 in 4) have a diagnosable mental disorder.”
Steps to stay on my journey
The fog lifted when I started my spiritual journey with God. With a daily renewing of my mind which begins with prayer. My dark days are infrequent now with the help of coping skills. I learned to take control of my thought life and the disorders that once had a chokehold on me. Prayer and journaling help draw me closer to God and equip me with the tools to keep me from living life in the fog.
I John 5:14-15
If we’re confident that he’s listening, we know that what we’ve asked for is as good as ours.
New Living Translation
Mental Health America is a community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing the needs of those with mental illness. They offer an online screening tool to help determine a mental health disorder.
There are low-cost and nonprofit options available to help. For example, the open Path Psychotherapy Collective provides in-office and online mental health services at a steeply reduced rate. Check their website to find providers in your area.
The Seated In Faith Blog is not a medical blog. I understand the sensitivity regarding mental health and don’t claim to be a professional. If you don’t believe in God or that Jesus died for your sins, then you may not find this blog helpful, as that is the primary focus. I implore you to keep an open mind and hope I don’t offend anyone, as that is not my intention.
A Spiritual Journey In Faith
A spiritual journey in faith changed the path I was on in life. Before my relationship with God, I couldn’t pinpoint what was missing in my life, but I knew something was. My name is Tracey Qualls, and I’m a 49-year-old married mom of three living in Pennsylvania. Before, I had that awakening in my soul, which led me on a spiritual journey filled with peace. I regularly dealt with depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. It often felt like I was walking through dense fog. During those dark times, I was sad and lonely, worried and uncertain about my future. Little did I know how important my spiritual journey would be for me and my son’s life.
A Path Through The Darkness
Growing up, I remember being painfully shy. I’d cling to my Mother whenever I felt uncomfortable. For example, the first day of school was torture for me, with my Mother trying to pry me from her leg to get me into the classroom. Since then, I’ve often had times where I wish I could cling to her leg again. In addition to battling depression, panic, and anxiety disorder. I was an anxious introvert, which only heightened the other conditions.
What Is An Introvert?
WebMD states, “An introvert has a personality type known as introversion, which means they feel more comfortable focusing on their inner thoughts and ideas, rather than what’s happening externally.” Although around one-third to one-half of all people in the U.S. are introverts, and most fall somewhere on a scale, there’s no one size fits all formula.
Generally, introverts tend to fall into one of four subtypes.
Social: This is the “classic” type of introvert. They value solitude more than most people. They like being alone but aren’t opposed to gathering close friends or family occasionally.
Thinking: People in this group are daydreamers. They spend a lot of time in their thoughts and have creative imaginations.
Anxious: They seek out alone time not just because they like it but also because they often feel awkward or shy around people.
Restrained/Inhibited: These introverts think before they act. They aren’t likely to decide on a whim. Typically they take longer to take action.
Your introverted ways may change over time, in different settings, and based on what’s going on in your life. For example, being shy doesn’t make you an introvert as introversion is a personality type, while shyness is an emotion.
My Spiritual Journey To Freedom
That was the case for me. I evolved from being an anxious introvert when I was younger to a social/thinking introvert over the years. I’m still more homebody, but I enjoy going out at times. People that are new in my life have a hard time believing that I’m an introvert because most people don’t realize they fall into categories.
Growing up, I’d often experience heart palpitations, sweaty palms, and underarms if I became uncomfortable. I thought my heart would burst out of my chest, and my legs felt like they could no longer support my weight. Deep slow breaths, cold water splashed on my face, or a race to get fresh air would usually help.
A Path To Understanding
The lightbulb went off when I read about anxiety and panic attacks in college. I finally understood what had been taking place in my life. It had no name until then, just painful periods in my life that I didn’t fully understand. I’ve been in therapy a few times but never tried any medication, although I’ve thought about it. I had been living with my disorders for so long that there was a comfortable uncomfortableness to it.
A Spiritual Journey To Healing
Things changed when I ran into my friend who was home from college. She had this glow that I had never seen on her before. Now, she and I were close and had partied together throughout the years. We knew each other’s struggles and the things we were trying to overcome, so I knew her well enough to know that this look was different.
She was radiating from the inside, and I knew it was more than some extra money to buy a designer handbag, a new boyfriend, or an upcoming trip. This glow was different, and she had an aura surrounding her. I was unfamiliar with this look, but I wanted in. I needed to glow like that!
The Path To My Awakening
She informed me that she had been attending church, which surprised me, knowing everything we’d done. I couldn’t believe that going to church could give her a glow like that, but I needed to try it for myself. The following week, my kids and I attended service. Unfortunately, it took my husband a few years before he would attend.
My spirit came alive from the time I walked into the building. It was unlike anything I’d ever experienced before, and I quickly realized that this was the piece of the puzzle missing in my life. I felt so much love and peace when I learned how God loves us and how Jesus died for our sins. We quickly became regulars and rarely missed service. Finally, I hoped that the disorders that tormented me since childhood didn’t have to rule my life.
According to John Hopkins Medicine, “an estimated 26% of Americans ages 18 and older (about 1 in 4) have a diagnosable mental disorder.”
Steps to stay on my journey
The fog lifted when I started my spiritual journey with God. With a daily renewing of my mind which begins with prayer. My dark days are infrequent now with the help of coping skills. I learned to take control of my thought life and the disorders that once had a chokehold on me. Prayer and journaling help draw me closer to God and equip me with the tools to keep me from living life in the fog.
I John 5:14-15
If we’re confident that he’s listening, we know that what we’ve asked for is as good as ours.
New Living Translation
Mental Health America is a community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing the needs of those with mental illness. They offer an online screening tool to help determine a mental health disorder.
There are low-cost and nonprofit options available to help. For example, the open Path Psychotherapy Collective provides in-office and online mental health services at a steeply reduced rate. Check their website to find providers in your area.
The Seated In Faith Blog is not a medical blog. I understand the sensitivity regarding mental health and don’t claim to be a professional. If you don’t believe in God or that Jesus died for your sins, then you may not find this blog helpful, as that is the primary focus. I implore you to keep an open mind and hope I don’t offend anyone, as that is not my intention.