Anyone else feeling overwhelmed?

Jill - posted on 01/06/2010

Wow, this is a really old post (not sure why it was in my inbox today:), but one thing I want to add that has really helped me was a statement in a recent Ensign. (Sorry I can't remember which one it was or who said it. Maybe October's?) It said that one of Satan's most effective tools in the last days would be depression, discouragement, and overwhelm. It's part of our test, and many people will struggle with it. That comforted me a lot, knowing that I didn't cause it, and I'm not crazy because I struggle with it from time to time.

Brenda - posted on 12/27/2009

Thanks so much for the input ladies. I haven't been that active on this forum much, but I think I need to check in on Sundays from now on. It has really helped me to see that I'm not alone in my feelings. =)

Gina - posted on 11/18/2009

Very well said Lisa, I didn't realize you were mormon! I have seen you post before in the RCM's group. It is frustrating what is going on with our country right now. I do know that the lord is in control, I always remember the sayinng.... If ye are prepared ye shall not fear. So I am trying to be as prepared as I can be, and preparing my children for what is coming their way.

Lisa - posted on 11/10/2009

I know this post is old...but here are just a couple of thoughts. I have kids in all three ages of schools. I have been a stay at home mom for many of those years..between making do..not having piles of cash..being with kids all day long...doing, doing,doing...I felt like I could never do for me. I have worked at trying to teach myself new things (crocheting, quilting, canning) and some of that has helped. I felt at times that I was a little irrelevant. I was losing myself..that fun, bubbly person that I was much younger. I am really coming to the understanding that I am in the service of my children and husband daily. I need to find ways to have interaction with others...so I go to lunch with my friends...we discuss our kids and sometimes their problems with theirs are bigger than mine...so I am greatful (that takes pressure off). I have learned that I need to think more positive thoughts and less negative thoughts. Yes, the signs of the times can be scary...but miracles, wonders, and the blessing of the restored gospel bring peace and security to our lives. I had an interesting experience on 9/11. My mom was in New York...I live in Idaho. So, I am watching with absolute horror on the news as all of that takes place. My guts were so wrenched. I couldn't get a hold of her as every cell line in the USA was jammed. I prayed and prayed....I really thought that the world was coming to the end and I was PETRIFIED!! At one o'clock in the morning I was reading my scriptures and trying to find out whether we were done(world coming to the end - you know the big battle) and was inspired to look through many passages of scripture. I was so blessed to be reassured that God was in charge, he has a plan and it is not time for this to be done- the gospel has not yet be spread to every nation, kindred, tougue and people. As my children have grown (my oldest is 17)..I am coming to understand that He is sending them with armor strapped on them. You are in charge of keeping them informed on how to combat the world-not to just survive it. They need moms who understand the world they live in..and create that haven that they come to, to get refreshed and reinvigorated- and to find peace. All the political stuff in the world is direct fulfillment of prophecy. Teach them that. I have read a lot of your stuff on one other conversation area on here..you are bright and articulate....work with that..but read your scriptures, pray, fast and count your blessings. Moms cannot sit back on their laurels in this world anymore...it can be oppresive but the Lord is counting on you. Wake up knowing that everyday and and you can conquer it. You are a child of God and He loves you and me. Make that your daily sunshine and you can get through it. You are not alone...as that old song goes...don't worry, be happy!!!!

Sarah - posted on 07/30/2009

A few years ago I felt the exact same way. If I watched the news and saw a story about abusive parents or t.v shows that had abusive parents in it I would not be able to handle it and go in my room and cry for an hour or more; sometimes all night. It got so often and so bad that I had to teach myself to compartmentalize my feelings. I had to do it for my kids. I told myself that when my kids are young, I will be the best, happiest mom I could be, then when they are older and I have more time I will volunteer to help in every way I can. That makes me feel like I am not turning my back on the people who need me in the world (which is one of the things that made me sad; that I couldn't do much to help), I will just have to do it later, after my kids (whom I love more than anything) have grown up.

It's important to show your children the happy side of you as much as you can. They are worth it. I hope I made sense and didn't ramble. You aren't alone! Good luck.

Kimi - posted on 06/15/2009

Anyone paying attention to our 'wonderful new president' Barrak Obama is going to feel it and it may seem like the world must be ending with him as president. It's ok to feel depressed over this and you are not alone, everyone is depressed over it. You just need to allow yourself you feel happy as well. It is normal to have several emotions within you, emotions are gifts from God. Embrace every emotion and hold on to the positive ones the best you can. Build a loving family and enjoy every bit of it even if you happen to be a little depressed at the same time. Right now I am felling.... angery, afraid, sad, happy, calm, hopeful, loved, and exited.... put them all together and I feel alive, I feel real.

Andrea - posted on 03/24/2009

I am not sure why I am getting a few personal messages about "keeping myself in a box."  I am not in a box.  I do read the news and occasionally get a glimpse from the news on TV.  I don't want my children to be anxious.  I don't want them to be fed all the negativity the media pushes to us.  I know when emergent situations arise.  I know when things happen.  I don't sit in my house all day.  I am writing this not in defense of my thoughts but to let you know it is important to be informed.  Just don't swallow yourself and your family up in it.  That is when I get to be the most anxious and grumpy.  We do the best we can and Christ carries us the rest of the way.

Gina - posted on 03/13/2009

I guess I'm strange, it helps me feel like I have to be stronger when things are getting so bad. I think I do better sometimes feeling like the odd one out. I am worried about the future for my children, the way everything is going with the govt. and how accepting everyone is lately of perverse lifestyles. I know that for the last year and a half we have felt the need to bulk up our food storage, and get prepared for whatever might happen. I am worried that our nation might need a lot of humbling before the savior returns.

Jesmyn - posted on 03/04/2009

I get so stressed especially because I have two little girls. When I was first married I wanted to have a BIG family, now I am not sure I even want to have anymore kids because I don't want my kids to suffer in a horrible world. I get so sad sometimes, and hope that the children I have already brought into this world don't suffer. It's not like I don't want to have anymore kids, I do, but it scares me to think what times will be like further down the road. I think though, that it is still important to watch the news, because you can protect your family from Local threats, as in a crime alert, or things like that. Also, it's hard for my family at the time because my Hubby works night shift and we are pretty much not a normal family because of his schedule. When he is home is sleep all day until it's time for him to go to work. He actually has two full time jobs, so it's hard to have FHE and family prayer. I do enforce praying with my daughter for meals, and at night. We just miss daddy!!!! Does anyone have any ideas on how we can add FHE to our schedule with two little little ones????

Jennifer - posted on 03/04/2009

It can be easy to get stressed out with all the sources out there for evil.  But remember that the Lord will not give you a trial you cannot handle.  He is with you and always will be.  It is very hard for me to have patience, I have a hard time letting things happen in the Lords time and not mine.  I have daily scripture reading, usually with my 22 month old daughter, and I pray regularly.  These things help me to remeber that I am preparing myself, like the good 5 virgins.  You don;t have to do everything right now.  If you are trying, the Lord will know, and provide for you.  Just hang in there and have faith that things are going the way the Lord directed.

Machelle - posted on 02/26/2009

I need help as well. We are converts to the church and we are not even able to go to church at the moment as I have preemies that are not allowed out because of their weak immune system. So I am missing a lot by not going as I am one that needs that touch of the spirit to help me get through the week. I have GREAT friends around me that are members of the church so that helps a lot. We are not able to go to the Temple at the moment because of not being full tithe payers and we are working on that. We also need to get storage started as I know it is very important and I keep having the spirit say it is time to get prepared! I need to listen to that! So I am stressed and it does not help that I can not go weekely to the meetings that I need ever so much. I just have to have faith that I will pull through this. My husband has a harder time as a convert as he was never raised in any type of faith. So that is a struggle to get family prayer and scripture study. Any advice/tips would be greatly appreciated!

Valerie - posted on 02/26/2009

So true Andrea! We went for a while without FHE, our schedules just didn't seem to coordinate and we realized during that time that everything seemed worse! We had to MAKE time for FHE and now life seems a lot better.

Andrea - posted on 02/24/2009

Yes.  I try not to watch the news, nor read the newspaper.  I look at our local newspaper online on occasion but I choose what I want to read.  I find it ever so important now to make sure we have family home evening. We have family prayer and read scriptures before we head out the door.  While it is very hard to coordinate prayer and scripture in the morning, I would be amiss without it.  I am not sure if you attend the temple, but I find attending it a wonderful source of peace.  I strive to go once a month.  I have to attend very early Saturday morning so as not to miss family time.  We are also striving to be prepared with food, shelter, water, and warmth.   (Just in case ;-))  I know these are all things that we are told repeatedly as members of our church.  They bless my life and I am grateful to know if I am doing what is right, I will be at peace.  When I feel scared or anxious, I try to write down three things I am grateful for in a journal.  The Lord blesses us in ways we do not understand at times.  I am sure your life is full of wonderful gifts!  God bless you and yours and my you find peace and serenity in this chaotic world.

Valerie - posted on 02/21/2009

I understand how you feel as well, Brenda. I have anxiety as well which can cause a great deal of pain and stress. I have struggled for a long time with these issues but have finally found peace. What works for me takes a lot of practice and patience and it isn't a magic cure. Trust is the key. Heavenly Father knows what we are going through, our Savior has been through it all with us, they understand completely and they know what is best for us. The prophet and apostles have told us to have faith or we will fail. This is so true. We have to have faith in our Father. We have to trust that we will be protected, that we will be guided to do what is right and that our children will be protected as well. Continue reading your scriptures on a daily basis, it will give you the courage that you need to face the day and the link to the Spirit so that you will be guided and prompted to do what you need to do and be safe. Follow the promptings of the Spirit. Study the words of the prophets and don't forget to take at least a few moments each day to just sit and listen in a quiet spot to the Spirit for guidance. Go to the temple as often as you can. I promise you that if you will follow those things, you will find greater peace and happiness than you can now imagine. He IS there for you, for all of us. I'm not saying that you won't still struggle at times, you will, but that is part of life (I know, it stinks) and part of our testing to see if we will do what we need to on our part. Trust in Heavenly Father, I promise that will be the greatest blessing in your life.

Tiffany - posted on 02/07/2009

I feel like this everyday. I am a full time student at an expensive private librial arts college. I should graduate this spring with a BSN RN degree. I have 3 single young adults who need to get married. I think we just need to have faith and know that everything will turn out right. :)

Mindy - posted on 02/05/2009

Of coarse it is overwhelming. We are told "in the last days men's hearts will fail them" because it is is going to get so bad. You need to remember it is called a great and terrible day for a reason. It is great for those who are preparing and know what is going on. We are supposed to look forward to Christ coming again. It is terrible for those who aren't preparing and don't believe. Being in the lds community we have the support of our fellow members and our church to rely on. Most people don't have that much support. People are there to help those of us that are effected by everything that is going on. Be patient and try to look for good things going on out there. That is hard for me to say and do because I'm not exactly an optimist but hope and faith are what is giong to get us through this.