Church
 

Anyone have trouble with attending a church service?

I went to a church service on Sunday night and it was a nightmare. The room was small, they played EXTREMELY loud music (it was like a concert), crowds of people and they spoke spanish and english. I had to literally run out of the place. The last two days since the event have been horrible.

It really sucks because I truly believe only the Lord can heal me. They laid hands on me and prayed, which made me feel better but I woke up the next day functioning and feeling like I've been hit in the head with a baseball bat.

Well, it looks like I'm sticking to praying and worshipping the Lord from the comfort of my home.

Unless I could find a church that is less intense.

I understand your struggle and reaction. I have not been in a worship service in years. Even with foam ear plugs, the sounds were to intense.

I participate in small group studies and classes. I suggest you look into such opportunities. It will probably be best if you avoid groups where people talk over each other or there are multiple languages or strong accents spoken. Accents can put a high load on language processing in the brain.

My best to you.

[QUOTE=SpaceCadet;938696]Anyone have trouble with attending a church service?

YES!! Mine isn't the noise so much since our church is not that loud. I just start feeling like "I can't be in here anymore!". So far I have managed to stay but have to fight the feeling to run! I can't imagine what I would feel if I was in the cacaphony You described!

I agree with Mark, find a more peaceful service where you can worship quietly.

Kathy.

hi nick!

i can't handle going to church either, but I've been listening to a podcast. Have you tried any podcasts from iTunes? Sometimes I can't even listen to all of it at once, but it is great to be able to turn it off anytime:)


It's church without the people, crowds and noise part. Hope you feel better!

I just attend a Sunday School class. I have not been in a music service in over 5 years. I used to wait outside the auditorium until the sermon started then I would go in a sit with my wife. I would leave as soon as I saw the pianist move to sit at the piano or keyboard.

For me, it was a combinations of sound volume, too many voices, and echoes off the concrete walls. And this was even when I would wear my best foam ear plugs.

Have been to too many funerals this year and, pardon the bad pun, but being in a crowded church was hell. I listen to podcasts and have had lots of time on my own to think about the meaning of life, and of joy and pain. My friend who is a priest has a similar injury, and he can't go to church yet. Not easy!

I also have found my symptoms worsening at mass. For the longest time I was in denial; how can a church service be bad for me??! For awhile, instead of going to the Sunday service, I went to a week day mass- less people, less noise, not as long, and I was still able to fulfill my desire to attend mass. Perhaps that can be an option for you?

I know everyone's different, but I think what bothered me the most was all the people/ movement going on in my peripheral vision. It was too much for my brain to process. The noise and lights weren't as much of an issue for me. I have also had a fainting episode so now all the sit-stand movements make me nervous.

church options
 

I find I can attend Mass by sitting at the back or the front of the church. There is less distraction on the sides at the front, and the only focus is the altar and the lecturn. Our church doesn't use bright lights. I also find the back of the church is darker. It also helped when I spoke to the pastor about my health issue; not only was he concerned enough to pray with me, but also he helped me find a suitable place to sit. I also have found that chapels are smaller, darker, quieter, and usually less populated. It is worth contacting local pastors about this so they can help you find a suitable church service. I think most decent pastors would be horrified to find out that physically ill people are forced to miss church because of the structure of their services.