This episode of the I Witness podcast spotlights a compelling story that navigates the often murky waters of mental health and faith. We feature an open-hearted conversation with Christy Boulware, who courageously shares her battle with severe panic attacks, fear, and anxiety. From feeling like she was dying to nearly losing hope, her journey is an intense one, full of desperate moments.
However, amidst the tumult, Christy discovered a lifeline in an unexpected place. This interview will explore her transformative journey from the depths of despair to a place of hope and healing. Whether you're grappling with similar issues or seeking insights into mental health from a faith-based perspective, Christy's candid discussion offers relatable experiences, wisdom, and a testament to the healing power of faith.
Listen to the interview with Christy here:
Kelly: Welcome to the I Witness Podcast. I'm your host, Kelly Jo Wilson, and this is the show for women who struggle to accept their worth but want to embrace their gifts and share their witness for Jesus. We have a great show today about overcoming fear and anxiety when you feel powerless. Our guest is my friend Christy Boulware.
Christy is an author, speaker, and podcaster, but first, a passionate follower of Christ. She's also the wife of a hunky man named Troy and a mom of three beautiful children. With a deep desire to free women and teens from the chains of fear and anxiety, Christy founded and currently leads the not-for-profit Fearless Unite.
Through conferences, workshops, retreats, bible studies, and devotionals, Christy speaks and rights about drastically decreasing the alarming statistics of anxiety in our world. Welcome to The I Witness Podcast, Christy. I'm so happy you're here.
Interview with Christy Boulware about her panic and anxiety disorder
Christy: Kelly, thank you for having me. We have an important conversation to tackle today, don't we?
Kelly: Yes, absolutely. I love your mission and what you're doing. I love that you're reaching out to women and teens about this pressing issue. Fear and anxiety have been rampant, especially in the past three years since the pandemic.
There's a heightened awareness, which as a nurse, I can say that I actually appreciate. I feel like there was such a stigma in the past of anybody struggling and having these different thoughts.
I appreciate the awareness nowadays, but I still feel like it can be so much more robust. That's why I adore what you're doing.
Why don't you tell the listeners about your journey, background, and journey with Jesus through your panic and anxiety disorder?
What did your journey look like?
A surprising wake-up call
Christy: I grew up a Catholic and like to tell people I was a C E O Christian, which is Christmas, Easter only. That was my journey, and I'm sure somebody is listening on the other side, saying yes, I grew up that way too.
God was important to me, but I didn't need him. I didn't rely on him. It wasn't a surrender in any way, shape, or form. So really, because I like to say that I was superwoman, I was kicking butt, taking names, climbing the corporate career ladder, doing great for myself, and had always just gone after success and accolades and titles.
Throughout high school and then my college career, I was moved into traveling to New York City to try to make it big on Broadway. I was always chasing after something that left me with nothing, truly.
It wasn't until I was about 25, in 2011, that I had my first panic attack on the sunny beaches of Cancun.
I was just sipping on a fruity drink, and at that time, I was not committed to following Jesus at all.
I was reading a gossip magazine, and out of nowhere, I just had this shortness of breath and impending doom. I had to get up and walk, and I didn't know it, but I experienced my first panic attack.
Mental illness doesn't look the same for everyone
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