Panic!
“It isn’t the mountains ahead that wear you out, it’s the grain of sand in your shoe.” Amish proverb
In The Calling, twenty-year-old Bethany Schrock starts to experience panic attacks—which are very real and very terrifying, so much so that she is convinced she’s losing her mind.
Bethany is in good company. Each year, 20% of adults in the United States will experience some kind of anxiety disorder. When the right mix of circumstances collide, worry can become such a mental burden that it can make us physically sick—as it did with Bethany. One of the worst things Bethany did was to isolate herself.
“You’re breaking up with me?” Jimmy’s mouth opened wide and his eyes quit twinkling. “And we haven’t even started courting yet?”
“I’ve given it a lot of thought since we talked, Jimmy,” Bethany said, trying to sound clear and strong and brave. No wavering. “It’s for the best. It’s good that nothing’s gotten started yet. It’ll be easier. We were friends before and this way we’ll remain friends.” It hurt too much to look in his eyes so she didn’t.
He grabbed her shoulders and made her face him. “What have I done wrong?’
Tell him. Don’t tell him. “Nothing. It’s nothing like that. It’s just…I’m just not right for you.” To her horror, tears sprang to her eyes and she bit her lip, trying to make them stop. It had been such along afternoon and she was dangerously emotional, teetering on a breakdown.
“Whatever I did, I’m sorry. If you’ll just tell me, I promise I won’t do it again.”
That pulled her up short. Sympathy was the last thing she expected, or deserved Tell him. Don’t tell him. She turned her head away and looked at the chicken hatchery in the distance. “You wouldn’t understand.”
He gave her shoulders a gentle shake. “Then help me to understand. Why are you suddenly going cold on me? Usually, you’re only mad if I’ve done something stupid.”
His face looked so sad, she wanted to hug him, but of course she didn’t dare. “I’m not mad at you. I’m not.”
His shoulders slumped. Just as he was about to say something, she stopped him. “Please. I just need to be left alone. Can’t you understand that?”
He shrugged, but not in a good way, as if he accepted what was coming and was bracing himself for it. “Year, sure. Absolutely.” He let her go and took a step back, then his eyes turned to a snapping fire for a second and his mouth broke into one of those reckless smiles that made her feel as if her heartbeat missed a hitch. “Don’t you worry none about me, Bethany,” he said, the words clipped, hard. “I’ll get along just fine.”
But then she never doubted that and it was hardly to be wondered. Him wit his mighty faith, so strong and solid. It was herself she doubted. “I know. I know you will.”
He gave her a probing look, one she couldn’t read. “Just answer me this…what are you so afraid of?”
She turned her from his hard gaze and felt burning tears flood into her eyes, causing her to sniff like a baby. He just wouldn’t leave well enough alone and made her look at him square in the face. “Tell me.”
She hesitated for a moment before giving him the only possible answer. “Of making a terrible mistake.”
Panic attacks, depression, troubled minds—these are legitimate and very serious. Too often, the church (meaning us) ignores or underestimates those red flags by throwing a few bromides at them: Pray harder. Read your Bible. Trust in God. Stop worrying. Good advice, but there is no shame in receiving medical help for additional support. Just as insulin is needed for a diabetic, anti-anxiety and anti-depressants can be lifelines for those whose life is controlled by worry.
I don’t think it’s spoiling anything in The Calling to reveal that Bethany finally sought out medical help from a doctor, coping tools from a counselor, and a listening ear from a friend. Those supports made all the difference for her.
Does worry control your life? Today, tell someone. Talk to God. Talk to a trusted friend. And talk to your doctor, too.
Thanks so much for this great post Suzanne! I know everyone will be delighted to know that Suzanne is giving a copy of The Calling away to one lucky reader. How awesome is that?
To enter leave a comment below. If you would like an Extra chance share this link on Facebook or Twitter. Remember to leave another comment if you did.
**Contest starts today Tuesday, January 14th and ends on Tuesday, January 21st.**
110 thoughts on “Guest Post by Suzanne Woods Fisher Plus Giveaway”
I would love to win, thanks for the chance!
Id love to win this. I have anxiety attacks and love reading.
This book sounds wonderful! Thanks for addressing this subject in fiction, Suzanne!
I will share on FB.
I would love to win
I can’t wait to read this book….It would be so Awesome to win !!! Thank You for giving us this chance……
I have always enjoyed Suzanne’s books.. I know that I will get this book no matter what.. 🙂 please enter me just the same.. have a blessed day everyone
Would love a chance to win! Can’t wait to read this as well!
Excellent post Suzanne and so important.
I’d love to win!!
I love all of Suzanne’s books and would love to win this one!
I absolutely love anything Amish and I love to read your books.
would love to win this book.
I would love to win a copy!! Thanks so much for a chance 🙂
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I patiently wait for each new book to come out. I reread the ones I have and I share them with my mother, great conversations we can share about them. Thank you for writing such wonderful books you are truly blessed with a gift of writing. God Bless
This sounds so good! Thanks for the opportunity to try to win!!!
Would love to win this book. Sounds fascinating! Love all the Amish writers.
Can’t wait to read it!!! Thank you for using your God given talent. Blessings to you
I can’t wait to read this one. I would love to win. Amish fiction is my favorite genre to read.
I suffer from panic attacks and depression. It is something that a lot of people don’t understand, but it is real and sometimes debilitating. Would love the chance to win this book.
I would love to win this story. It sounds so interesting.
I’m reading this book now and its so good. Not entering the contest but wanted everyone know that Suzanne is a terrific author. Will be leaving reviews on several sites when I finish. I always shed a tear or two and sometimes get a good laugh over antics of the children and their interaction.
The Calling sounds wonderful. Please enter me in contest. Thank you for the opportunity to win.I enjoy reading your books.
Would love to win this book. Thanks!
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Shared on FB. 🙂
Suzanne is an excellent author. wish there were more like her. love to read about the Amish and Suzanne makes you feel you are right there with the person in the book.keep up the great work Suzanne and hope you continue to write many more great books.
I would love to win this book. Thanks for the chance to receive a copy of Suzanne’s book.
I would so like to win this book..God Bless..
I would love to win this book… God Bless! <3
Excited about your new book, and I would love to win it.
I would love to have this book. I’ve read all of your other writings.
this book sounds great please enter my name in the drawing please
I would love to read Suzannes book. Thanks for the chance.
I read all the time and have read all of your books. Would love the chance to read this book. Thanks
Amish books are my very favorite books to read and I would love to read this one. Thanks for the opportunity to win this. Judy F
I’ve shared this on FB. Judy F
I’ve also shared this on Twitter. Judy F
Our daughter suffers from anxiety, including all the symptoms. Fortunately, she has sought help and does take medication. Even so, there are times it becomes more controlling. I would like the opportunity to read about someone else’s (even if fiction) struggle.
This is a book I want to read. I suffered many years with anxiety and turn to panic attacks, I couldn’t leave my house.
I’m still on medication, but God had a great deal in helping me, he still does.
Thanks for a chance to win.
Carolyn J.
I shared this on facebook.
Carolyn J.
I would love to win a copy of “The Calling.” I’ve watched a family member suffer with Panic attacks and they aren’t fun. Thank God she is doing well with medication.
Blessings!
Judy Burgi
I shared on FB!
Blessings!
Judy Burgi
Love to have this
Want this
Enter me I love your writing …[email protected] Lee Ellen Hicks thank you
I have dealt with anxiety, since I was a child. As an adult,
depression has reared its’ ugly head, also! I can easily
relate to your main character…Many thanks for the opportunity
to win your book.
Cindi
Would so love to win Suzanne’s book The Calling!
I have dealth with anxiety for years now.
So looking forward to reading this book.
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Thanks for the opportunity to enter the contest.
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I want to win really bad but will be very happy for the one that does. I have had The Calling on hold since about sept. an one day I wil be able to read. just keep your good books comuing. thank you for the chance to win Karen at [email protected]
I would be extremely interested in reading this book. Depression and anxiety run in my family and I am now on disability because of it.
This book sounds so gooooooood!!! Would love to win it!
Would love to read this! Very interesting subject.
I would love to win. I remember having a panic attack a few years ago. I didn’t know at the time what it was, but it seemed every time I stepped into the place where I worked, I started feeling sick. A friend of mine heard how I felt and was able to put a name to what I was feeling. Too many things were happening in my life at the time and I was worried about my son going to Iraq. He is in the military.
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I have enjoyed all of Suzanne books. I really appreciate her post about depression and anxiety. there are so many people who do not get treatment because they are afraid including Christians. I believe your book will Bless a lot of people and help them see there is hope beyond their fear of what they are going through. Every day is a battle when you struggle with an illness thank God for His strength.
I just finished The Letters and was hoping that it wouldn’t be too long before the next book was available. Perfect timing – I have my order in for The Calling. Living so close to Amish Country in PA, I find an array of books available in the local shops and enjoy reading Suzanne’s books….you are completely drawn it to the story with her believable character’s. I love sharing her books with my daughters – such wholesome entertainment in their reading.
I would love to win !!! My daughters say I hold all the worries of the world on my shoulders, this book is for me!
I suffered from anxiety for many years. After I gave my heart to God, I learned to manage them only by His Grace. I would love to win this book and find out how she is able to manage her panic attacks.
Love your books. Would really love to win. Have a Blessed Day.
I would love to read this book and to let my mom read it. She is especially troubled with worrying.
Would love to win!
I shared on Facebook and Twitter. Then on Pinterest and Google + for good measure.
Another winner from Suzanne Woods Fisher! Would love to win..thanks for the opportunity! Linda
I try not to worry! I try to give it to God and sometimes I suceed and others I don’t!
I love reading Amish books. They are my all time favorite. I would love to win this book because Suzanne all your books are well written and have a story that keeps you interested to the end and wanting more.
Another book for my list that I want to read. Would love to win this book! Thanks for the giveaway!
I shared on facebook!
Would enjoy reading this, love a good clean book!! Thank you.
I can’t wait to read this book!
Can’t wait to read this book. Thanks for the giveaway and the opportunity to enter.
I shared your post on Facebook, Suzanne.
I have dealt with anxiety in the past and can relate to this disorder. Faith in God’s guidance help me work thru it. Would love to win this book. Thank you for the chance.
This looks like a really good book and I would love to have a chance to win and read it. Thanks so much for the opportunity.
I’ve enjoyed a number of other books with Amish theme, and this one promises to be very good. Would love to win it.
This book sounds like a much needed way of making the public aware of what panic attacks/anxiety does to people–THANKS for a nice givewawy!
I’m a depression sufferer; it runs in my family. My mother gave us all a scare and had a metal break down about three years ago. To this day, my father and her sisters still don’t understand what she went through.
Suzanne, I will be sure to get this series for you know me I just love your books.
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I would love to win and read this book.Thanks for writing a book like this.There are so many people that don’t get help because they are afraid of what people will think.Panic attacks are so bad and so is depression.I am happy to see books written with these things in the story.Thanks again.
Great way to describe handling panic attacks!!
shared on facebook.
shared your post on facebook!
I would love to win!! Thank you for the chance!!
I would love a chance to win this awesome book!
I have fallen for the characters in this series and can’t wait to read this book!
Would love to win!!
Shared on Facebook!
I would love to be entered for this book. It sounds great!
Would love to read this book
Thanks for giving me the opportunity to win your book. I’m looking forward to meeting you tomorrow.
I would love the opportunity to read this book, thank you for the chance
I love to read your books Suzanne.
I also suffer from anxiety and depression. People don’t understand what you go through when you have an attack, its not good.
I read to take me away and get my mind on something else. Plus the fact that I am an avid reader any ways. I would love to win your book.
Have a great day! 🙂
Suzanne is an excellent author. Would love to win a copy of this book.
Shared on tweeter.
I would really enjoy reading this!!
This book hit home. I really needed to read this today. My daughter is having a very bad time with anxiety, worry, depression. Thanks for a chance to win.
I have been reading on the book of the keeper. It is a very interesting, I’m enjoying it. Next there is two more books waiting on me to start,can’t wait. Very very good.
I shared .
I shared on my Facebook page.
I wiould love to win this book. Thanks for a chance at wiing it.
Would love for winning, already have someone with a need for it. Will wait for my birthday to pass.
Look forward to reading this book.
I would love a chance to win Suzanne’s new book. Thank you.
I tweeted!
Would love to win this book. I really enjoy reading Amish books.
A big thank you to everyone who entered to win a copy of The Calling and thanks a million to Suzanne for writing such a great post! The winner is Vickie Waxel. Congratulations! Many more giveaways are on the way…stay tuned…