Dealing with severe anxiety and depression. I’m struggling not to turn to drinking for it.

Kyreutolver

Disciple of Prayer
Dearest reader I know you might think this is absurd or petty or even hostility but a lot of my anxiety comes from my cat. He is indoor at night and outdoor in the evening every day. I won’t find him. So I turn to drinking to calm my nerves. Also I don’t have an ounce of support from my brother but rather he yells at me and that causes my anxiety to build and my mother drinks in the house and also always takes my brother's side against me. So the weight I feel on my chest is hardly bearable. I live in ### where no living spaces are affordable so we are both with our mom and it’s so extremely hard. I just got away from drinking for a whole year and now since my cat ran away a few times I feel one day he won’t come back. So I think all the time won’t find him and I turn to alcohol for comfort that’s temporary and ends up make it worse when it wears off. Please please pray that I can regain the strength to stop. I don’t know what’s wrong with me.
 
We hear the deep anguish in your heart, and we want you to know that you are not alone in this struggle. The weight of anxiety, depression, and the temptation to turn to alcohol is heavy, but we serve a God who is mighty to save and who promises to carry our burdens when we cast them upon Him. First, we must address something critical: you did not mention the name of Jesus in your request. There is no other name under heaven by which we can be saved or find true peace. It is only through Jesus Christ that we have access to the Father, and it is in His name that we can find strength, comfort, and deliverance. As Scripture declares, *"There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"* (Acts 4:12, WEB). If you have not yet surrendered your life to Jesus, we urge you to do so today. Confess your sins, believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, and you will be saved (Romans 10:9-10). Without Him, there is no lasting hope or peace.

Your struggles are real, and we do not dismiss them. Anxiety and depression can feel overwhelming, and the fear of losing your cat, the lack of support from your family, and the financial stress of your living situation are all valid concerns. However, turning to alcohol is not the answer. The Bible warns us in Proverbs 20:1, *"Wine is a mocker, and beer is a brawler. Whoever is led astray by them is not wise."* Alcohol may temporarily numb the pain, but it will only deepen your despair in the long run. It is a deceiver, offering false comfort while binding you in chains. You have already experienced the freedom of breaking away from it for a year—cling to that victory! Remember what the apostle Paul said: *"Don’t you know that you are a temple of God, and that God’s Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is holy, which you are."* (1 Corinthians 3:16-17, WEB). Your body is not your own; it belongs to God, and He calls you to honor Him with it.

Let us speak truth into your situation. The fear you feel for your cat reveals a heart of love and care, but it also shows how easily our worries can consume us. Jesus Himself tells us in Matthew 6:25-34 not to be anxious, but to seek first God’s Kingdom and His righteousness. He reminds us that if God cares for the birds of the air and the flowers of the field, how much more does He care for you? Your cat is in God’s hands. That does not mean you should not take practical steps—like ensuring his safety or even considering keeping him indoors if that brings you peace—but it does mean you must trust God with what you cannot control. *"Cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you."* (1 Peter 5:7, WEB).

Your family situation is also painful. Living in a home where there is strife, lack of support, and the presence of alcohol is incredibly difficult. But even here, God calls you to respond differently. The Bible teaches us to honor our parents (Ephesians 6:2) and to live at peace with everyone, as far as it depends on us (Romans 12:18). That does not mean you must endure abuse or ungodly behavior without boundaries, but it does mean you are called to respond with love, patience, and forgiveness. Your brother’s anger and your mother’s favoritism are not your responsibility to fix, but you can choose how you react. *"Don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."* (Romans 12:21, WEB). Pray for them. Ask God to soften their hearts and to give you the strength to respond in a way that honors Him.

As for your living situation, we understand the stress of financial hardship and the feeling of being trapped. But again, we must trust God’s provision. He knows your needs, and He has promised to supply them according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19). That does not always mean immediate relief, but it does mean He will never abandon you. Seek wisdom in how to move forward—whether that means looking for affordable housing options, finding additional work, or seeking counsel from your church or a trusted believer. Do not isolate yourself. The body of Christ is meant to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2), and you need godly support around you.

Now, let us pray for you:

Heavenly Father, we lift up this precious soul to You, knowing that You see every tear, every fear, and every struggle. Lord, we ask that You draw them closer to You, that they would find their refuge and strength in Jesus Christ alone. Forgive them for the times they have turned to alcohol instead of to You, and break the chains of that temptation in their life. Fill them with Your Holy Spirit, who is our Comforter and our Guide.

Lord, we pray for their cat. You know where he is, and You care for all of Your creation. Bring him safely home, and calm the anxiety in their heart. Help them to trust You with this fear and to cast it upon You.

Father, we ask for healing in their family. Soften the heart of their brother and mother. Bring conviction where there is sin, and let peace reign in their home. Give them wisdom in how to navigate these relationships, and surround them with godly support.

We pray for provision in their living situation. Open doors that no one can shut, and provide for their needs in ways that bring You glory. Help them to seek first Your Kingdom and to trust in Your faithfulness.

Most of all, Lord, we pray that they would find their identity and worth in You. Remind them that they are fearfully and wonderfully made, that You have a plan and a purpose for their life, and that nothing can separate them from Your love. Strengthen them to walk in victory over sin and to find their joy in You alone.

We rebuke the spirits of anxiety, depression, and addiction in the mighty name of Jesus. We declare that this child of Yours is covered by the blood of Christ and that no weapon formed against them shall prosper. Fill them with Your peace that surpasses all understanding, and let them rest in the assurance of Your love.

In Jesus’ precious and holy name, we pray. Amen.

Finally, we urge you to immerse yourself in Scripture, to pray continually, and to seek fellowship with other believers. Anxiety and depression thrive in isolation, but they wither in the presence of God’s truth and His people. Consider memorizing verses like Philippians 4:6-7: *"In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus."* Cling to these promises. You are not defined by your struggles; you are defined by Christ’s victory over them.

If you do not have a church home, we strongly encourage you to find one where the Word of God is preached faithfully. You need the body of Christ to walk alongside you. And if you have not yet surrendered your life to Jesus, we plead with you to do so today. He is the only One who can bring true and lasting peace to your soul. *"Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest."* (Matthew 11:28, WEB). Run to Him now.
 
Dear friend, we're here for you. We understand that dealing with severe anxiety and depression, along with the temptation to turn to alcohol, feels overwhelming. It's like you're carrying a heavyweight on your chest, and it's hard to breathe. We want you to know that you're not alone in this struggle.

First, let's acknowledge the love you have for your cat. It's a testament to your caring heart. However, we need to remember that God is in control. He loves your cat even more than you do, and He's watching over him. In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus tells us not to worry about such things but to seek God's Kingdom first. Trust that your cat is in God's hands.

Your family situation is also challenging. It's tough when you don't have the support you need, and it's even harder when there's strife and alcohol involved. But remember, you can't control others, only your response. As Romans 12:18 tells us, "If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." Pray for your brother and mother. Ask God to soften their hearts and give you the strength to respond with love and patience.

Financial struggles are also a heavy burden. But remember, God knows your needs. He promises in Philippians 4:19, "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Trust in His faithfulness.

Now, let's pray for you:

Dear Heavenly Father, we come to You today, lifting up this precious soul. We ask that You draw them closer to You, that they may find their refuge and strength in Jesus Christ alone. Forgive them for the times they've turned to alcohol instead of to You. Break the chains of that temptation in their life. Fill them with Your Holy Spirit, who is our Comforter and our Guide.

Lord, we pray for their cat. You know where he is, and You care for all of Your creation. Bring him safely home and calm the anxiety in their heart. Help them to trust You with this fear and to cast it upon You.

Father, we ask for healing in their family. Soften the heart of their brother and mother. Bring conviction where there is sin, and let peace reign in their home. Give them wisdom in how to navigate these relationships and surround them with godly support.

We pray for provision in their living situation. Open doors that no one can shut, and provide for their needs in ways that bring You glory. Help them to seek first Your Kingdom and to trust in Your faithfulness.

Most of all, Lord, we pray that they would find their identity and worth in You. Remind them that they are fearfully and wonderfully made, that You have a plan and a purpose for their life, and that nothing can separate them from Your love. Strengthen them to walk in victory over sin and to find their joy in You alone.

We rebuke the spirits of anxiety, depression, and addiction in the mighty name of Jesus. We declare that this child of Yours is covered by the blood of Christ, and that no weapon formed against them shall prosper. Fill them with Your peace that surpasses all understanding, and let them rest in the assurance of Your love.

In Jesus' precious and holy name, we pray. Amen.

Please, keep seeking God, immersing yourself in Scripture, and praying continually. You are not alone in this fight. We're here for you, and so is God. Trust in Him.
 
Lord, we pray for this prayer and family for blessings healing and salvation. Heal and bless. May their lives be a praise and glory unto thee.
Come to the Lord's holy presence. Seek him with all your heart. Cling to his Word and meditate on it moment by moment by positive thoughts and joy in the heart (James 1:2-4), knowing that the Lord is good and to him be all the praise. Seek first God's kingdom and his righteousness (Matthew 6:33). Even though life may feel hard, the Lord's hand will be on you, and he will answer in his time. I am praying for you. Amen.

Some resources that might help.

Needs: - But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19(KJV)

Salvation: - So they said "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved you and your household." Acts 16:31(NKJV)

Healing: - But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5(NKJV)

Fulfillment by the Holy Spirit: - Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 4:6(KJV)

Persecutions: - But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. Luke 6:27-28(KJV)

Help in Prayer

Dwelling and Thriving in God’s grace where everything happens for good (Romans 8:28)

Pray that the Lord may open the eyes of the nations affected by coronavirus (Specifically forces against God’s people)

sermons

Be a Prayer Warrior: “Praying for others”
 

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