30 Days to Thriving

I was perched in an apple tree looking high into the tallest branches as I often would as a child. Except now I was twenty-six years old, and it wasn't the joy of playing that brought me here, but rather the fear of life itself. I was trying to escape from an overwhelming sense of panic that had been felt for weeks. As I looked up into the highest bows and the sky beyond, I felt certain that I would soon be dead. My body would not be able to take the distress that I was under for much longer. I was in the throes of a panic disorder.

Never in my life have I experienced anything as bad as a panic disorder. Not in being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, not in losing my father, not in being fired from a job, not in depression. I don't even have words for the kind of agony and suffering that a panic disorder can produce. It's truly like nothing else. It actually feels like Hell on earth. I mean that as literally as I can.

But, one day, a ray of sunshine warmed the deepest spaces in my mind, and I felt strangely calm. At last, I knew I was going to make it.

And I did. I have not had a panic attack in six months, and I know what to do when I do experience one now, so I am not as afraid of them taking over.

I wanted to take the time today to share my experience with you because maybe you are dealing with panic attacks or anxiety and depression. I wrote a little book called "the Complex PTSD Devotional" to help those of us that are suffering. This is a thirty-day devotional to help with emotion regulation. It is meant to be the first step in getting control of our overwhelming emotions and anxieties. I wanted this book to be practical. When we are truly suffering, we need concrete answers to aid us in coping with life. This is my attempt at offering you the start into that journey.

By no means is it all inclusive, but my prayer is that you will enjoy these thoughts and exercises.

May you be filled with God's peace as you see His truths in the pages of this book, and as I quote scripture and share with you how God's Word has offered hope to me in these scariest of moments.

You are not alone. You will get through this.

It was Easter Sunday, the worst week of my fight with panic attacks. I watched as a rainbow spread across the sky on the horizon. And it stayed. It stayed for one moment after another after another. For two hours this rainbow gleamed bright.

It was God's reminder to me that His promises never cease. They abide forever. They are a constant amidst the storms of this life. Remember, He is with you unwaveringly in your darkest season. You will reach the other side.

Want to purchase my book? You can find it here -

the Complex PTSD Devotional: Journey to Thriving: Stanbery, Brook R.: 9798788583730: Amazon.com: Books