A few weeks before my son Jacob died I watched him have a panic attack. I was helpless to help him as fear overtook him for about ten minutes.

He struggled with anxiety, depression and prescription drugs. I believe that his overdose was an attempt to calm himself during one of these attacks.

I have never experienced a panic attack. I have never been addicted to prescribed drugs but I do know about depression and anxiety.

Not long after Jacobs death I went for my annual physical. My family doctor asked about my depression. I didn’t deny my struggle with it but told him I wanted to face it head on and drug free.

I knew something about fear, anxiety and depression that a pill could not provide for me. Drugs could not offer me hope and drugs can not bring me peace.

Anxiety is a menace to everybody. But I understood as a Christian that I had a prescription that actually works. Xanax wasn’t a cure nor an option for me.

Spiritual pill #1

Cast your concerns on God because he cares about you. Be prayerful and thankful even in your confusion and you will have peace of mind.

6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7

Spiritual pill #2

Cling to the God of hope and praise him in the whatever turmoil you find yourself in.

“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.” – Psalm 42:11

Prayer, thankfulness, hope and praise. These have been priceless remedies for my walk in grief. Give them a try. They are wholistic, pure and proven to work.

I live in hope to see my son again. Someday my hope will be realized.

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.” – Proverbs 13:12