By Nancy Virden (c)2026

Late last Friday evening, past a normal bedtime, sleep evaded me. Giving up, I went to my home office and for about two hours fought what seemed to be heartburn, although there was no burning sensation. Suddenly, it exploded into pain around my heart and grew worse and worse. In 3 minutes, I had called 9-1-1 and took another minute to make my way downstairs to unlock the door. I was struggling to breathe steadily, felt nauseous, and weak.

In this, I experienced such a sense of peace of mind. I KNOW God holds me, and I am not afraid of death. Whether I would be alive or dead at the end of this was of no concern. I just wanted the pain to stop.

Firefighters came in the front door, saw me, and started asking questions. A stretcher was waiting outside, and they helped me to walk to it. Unfortunately, there was a freezing drizzle, and I’d left without shoes or a coat. That began a twelve-hour freeze that was not abated in the Emergency Room.

They did their jobs well, and by the time we were set to leave for the hospital, I was in no pain. We chatted and avoided potholes, hitting only 1/3 of the billions that are typical of Northeast Ohio this time of year. Once in the ER, no one was in a hurry to help because I was obviously feeling fine. Tragedies and traumas by the dozen(s) were keeping everyone busy. Friday night at the county hospital in downtown Cleveland meant there were no available rooms. I saw at least 15 people lying on guerneys in the hall.

It made me sad because of the stupid things people do to each other in the dark. Over the handful of times I have been in this ER on a weekend, I have heard of knifings, shootings, gang rapes, and suicide. Who has time for a potential heart attack that is not one afterall? I didn’t blame them.

Tests later, it came out that I had not experienced a heart problem; in fact, my heart is fine. Still torn between the worst indigestion ever or the worst anxiety attack, I’m believing the anxiety attack theory. The past few weeks have been a buildup and an emotional rollercoaster, and it makes sense that this would sneak up on me.

If you experience anxiety attacks, remember what I said about peace. Knowing and following Jesus makes all the difference in the world.

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

John 14:27

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. -Jesus

If you are feeling suicidal or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S., call 988, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. For a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room; in the EU, call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here.) Hope and help are yours!

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair. 

NOTE: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional and speaks only from personal experience and observations. This website is not intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

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