Advice

  • Thread starter Thread starter LoveandMercy
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
L

LoveandMercy

Guest
Prayers/advice
I was always a catholic all my life but there got a point when I was influenced more and more by family members… then a bad situation happened that kind of changed my life and I turned to Jesus a lot more for help, then now 2 years on within the last few months, I have been getting quite a bit of depression from that situation and worrying about things i cant change, then now I can get scary thoughts over situations/temptations that I know are completely wrong, and I got even more depressed because I had a thought that I only become catholic because this happened in my life where as It feels like because that happened I found Jesus the greatest thing that has ever happened to me… therefore it feels like this problem will always be with me as long as I am a follower of Jesus… I definitely never want to go away from Jesus… I know he can conquer the minds doubts at times like these, it just feels like my faith and everything has been rocked because of this in the last few months… I can even not want to answer peoples questions on when they ask me ‘why did you become catholic’ in the sense that i base my whole life around it… I just feel that its all of bad experiences, I also wonder if this bad experience was Gods plan that I come closer to him and I always want Jesus to know I am not using him because I had/have problems!.. Thanks for any help/advice
 
Your post does not make it clear what advice you are after. You sound rather conflicted.

May the Lord bless you and comfort you.

I was baptised into the Catholic Church as an infant.

I am a Christian Today because the Lord touched my Life, and comforted me. He revealed himself to me in a personal way, and in the Eucharist.

I am a Catholic today because of the Eucharist. Only in the True Church do we have the True Eucharist.

Only in the True Church do we have any confidence that what we are taught is a true interpretation of the Scriptures and Tradition.

“Ask and it shall be given to you”.

Offer your sufferings to Christ on the Cross, and ask him to send you the Holy Spirit to comfort you, and to guide you.

Read His Word in the Bible. Seek other catholics with whom to pray and form friendships for mutual support.

Be at peace. The bible has a phrase which is repeated 365 times but God and His Angels. - That’s once for every day of the year:
“Do not be afraid”.
 
I am not completely sure of the specifics of your request and problems but I am certain that you are sincerely in need of our prayers and that I am very willing to do pray for you. Lord, I ask you to hold LoveandMercy especially close to you right now and fill your servant with the wisdom of your Holy Spirit. Lead them to a place of peace in their life.
Memorare

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me.

Amen.
 
Is your concern that finding Jesus will keep you from the Catholic Church? Jesus is there. I grew up a Protestant without understanding of what I was “protesting” about. But Jesus led me home. It isn’t always easy, but it is worth the effort.
 
LoveandMercy said:
Prayers/advice
… I can even not want to answer peoples questions on when they ask me ‘why did you become catholic’ in the sense that i base my whole life around it…
Click to expand...
Give them the same answer you gave us; “I base my whole life around it…”.

Sometimes explaining to non-catholics the answer why is not as important as asking yourself, “What else is there?” and “To Whom would I go?”

This video link perhaps would be useful for those who question your why and therefore you don’t have to, just send them this link:

olgcparish.net/education/true_magnificence.html

whyimcatholic.com/index.php/conversion-stories/protestant-converts/evangelical/item/142-evangelical-convert-jaymie-stuart-wolfe
 
Remember the prodigal son? I’d say that he turned back to his father because of a bad situation, yet his father rejoiced at his return!

Some of us come back to God because of the blessings in our lives, but most of us come back when we realize that we really need God, and that’s usually because we get knocked to our knees by bad things happening in our lives. We realize that we can’t do it alone, so we look up and finally say, “Lord, I need you! Please help me!” And then we’re surprised (and relieved) when He answers! 😃

It’s okay to ask God for help when you’re struggling (“Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”). Have faith that He will lead you through your struggles if you will obey (if you try to take your own path, you will probably find the struggle is much worse–obedience is the wisest course). Most of the time, God does not completely remove our struggles (otherwise, how would we learn and grow stronger?), but He will help us through them if we ask Him.

If you are depressed because of the things you cannot change, then focus on the things you can change, and trust that God will take care of the rest in His time. Pray often, “Jesus, I trust in You.”

And if you get too focused on thinking about the bad things in your life that you can’t change, then go and volunteer to get “outside” of yourself. Visit the sick, the shut-in, or the imprisoned; bring them cheer and show them God’s love. Feed the hungry (you can volunteer at a soup kitchen or donate to a food pantry). Or just do something kind for someone who can’t do it for themselves–even better if you can do it anonymously for someone who cannot repay you! You might see your situation differently when you let God work through you in others’ lives. 😉

Oh, and remember to thank Him for the things that are going well, too. 🙂

Will :gopray2: for you.

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Amen.
 
I am not sure I totally understand, but it seems as if you may be doubting your faith because you were converted after a very difficult situation in your life. Actually, it is quite common for people to be drawn closer to the Lord when they are in the depths of despair. Think about the alcoholic or drug addict who turns to God after nearly dying and is healed. Sometimes HE is the only one we feel we can turn to. Jesus said quite clearly in the gospels that he came here to heal the sick. That is still true today.

In my own case it was abuse by my husband that ended in a divorce…something that at the time I felt was the most horrible thing that happened to me. My faith and love of the Lord grew exponentially after getting out of that awful situation. Looking back after several years I truly believe those terrible things were blessings. I never would have been able to have a relationship with the Lord like I have today if they hadn’t happened.

I am worried about your depression, anxiety and temptation. I would encourage you to speak with a priest about the temptations and seek medical attention for your depression and anxiety. Also, ask the Lord Jesus to heal you and/or ease your suffering. HE wants us to ask for help with our problems. That is one of the biggest things I learned. I was trapped in a horrible situation. Once I asked others for help, I was able to break free, and the Lord transformed me in the process.

May the Lord Jesus heal your fears and depression, help you resist temptation, and fill you with love and peace. God bless you.
 
Sorry to those who can’t understand, Im definitely not doubting i just find it depressing that when I think of when this amazing connection began, it was due to something that depresses me… Its almost like Id of loved to have found Jesus deeper in another situation… perhaps the depression is causing confusion to me… sometimes I don’t even know what the problem is, it all started when i was doing prayers and a doubt come in to my mind saying ‘your only doing this now because of that situation back then’ hmm… Iv seen saints appear infront of me so my faith will never go its just a really hard time… thanks for your replys
 
LoveandMercy said:
Sorry to those who can’t understand, Im definitely not doubting i just find it depressing that when I think of when this amazing connection began, it was due to something that depresses me… Its almost like Id of loved to have found Jesus deeper in another situation… perhaps the depression is causing confusion to me… sometimes I don’t even know what the problem is, it all started when i was doing prayers and a doubt come in to my mind saying ‘your only doing this now because of that situation back then’ hmm… Iv seen saints appear infront of me so my faith will never go its just a really hard time… thanks for your replys
Click to expand...
Yes depression can cause us to be confused! When I was at a very low point I sometimes felt like I could not figure out the most simple problems. You say when you are praying, you have a doubt…and think that you are only doing this now because of that situation back then. Let me tell you that I think that is a temptation from the evil one trying to get you down and undermine your confidence and faith. When this happens you might call on Jesus, Mother Mary or one of the Saints you are close to for help. I am glad you have strong faith and feel close to Jesus. That will carry you through. I know it is hard. God bless you.
 
Thank you so much for understanding, your comments I relate to and yes I agree, the evil one is trying his hardest to tempt me away, lately Iv had this thing of ignoring the mind and following my heart… I can see how so many souls must drift away from this simple misunderstanding… very hard situation to be in… prayers must be said for others going through this experience… peace and love 🙂
 
Depression
Anxiety
Unwanted Thoughts
Panic Attacks
Self Harm

These are things I know intimately. In people close to me and in myself.
I inherited traits that make me more susceptible to these and I have suffered from significant periods of mental ill health in my life.
As a significant part of this was during my teenage years my learned thought processes are affected even during happy times in my life.

When I get tired I feel despondent. I loose hope and I get strong feelings that I don’t want to live and would like to end everything.
The same happens when I get physically ill or frustrated or suffer any of a wide range of possible set-backs.

For me the most unwanted thoughts are fantasies of putting a gun to my head, a rope around my neck, or having a deliberate, fatal road “accident” - involving a large Heavy Goods Vehicle.

But Having those thoughts, and temptations, and being at risk of acting on them are two very different things. I have lived with those thoughts for around 20 years.

None of this has prevented me from developing a successful career, a great marriage, and now I’m a Dad to 2 beautiful children. I have a clear plan on improving my situation over the next 3 years, which will (if I’m disciplined) leave me debt free. Hopefully we’ll also have or be expecting our 3rd child at that time.

I would strongly recommend the following:
Medical: 1) Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a course of 6 - 12 one hour sessions with a therapist where you learn to analyse the thoughts that cause you problems, their irrational nature, and what short term chain of events leads up to having those thoughts. You then learn to recognize the pattern before it’s out of control, and reject the unwanted thoughts before they cause your feelings and emotions to become uncontrollable.
(e.g. preventing panic attacks, and other physical or emotional behaviours).
This therapy is well recognised and due to it’s limited scope is far more affordable (if you have to pay for it) than many therapies which have very long periods of treatment required.
  1. your doctor can discuss your suitability to receive drug therapies such as antidepressants. I believe these are, for many people, little more than a Band-Aid, but Band-Aids still have a useful function. I would caution that there are a huge array of these drugs on the market, and you must not expect that the first one tried will be effective or the most effective for you. Some will make you worse before they start to help - but you doctor and therapist should talk you through this.
  2. Social: you need the support of real friends or family at this time. DON’T be afraid to ask for that support, and let a small number of people you can trust be a real support for you and know what’s going on for you. They are not your therapist. but you need people you can talk to, vent to, and do fun and distracting things with.
  3. Spiritual: See your priest. Ask him to provide you with Spiritual Direction, or refer you so someone else who will do this. If your priest is busy, insist on a suitable referral. Be obedient to your Spiritual Director.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top