Alone and depressed

[tuffsmurf]

I have been feeling so alone and depressed lately. I am trying to have faith in Christ, but it is hard sometimes. I had a somwhat depressed childhood that still bothers me. Sometimes it feels as God hates me and wants to make me suffer in order to punish me. I feel so alone… I have a couple of good friends but I don’t know many catholics to share my thoughts on God and everything religious with. I find it very hard to speak with people I don’t know so I rarely get to know any new people, but I do really want to get more friends, and perhaps a potential spouse… But since I am so awkward around people I think I will be alone for the rest of my life. I am so sad. All I want is to feel loved.

 

[Robert_Sock]

Many of the saints shunned human consolation, and sought only that joy that comes from the Divine. Seek the gifts of the Holy Spirit over any worldly pleasure. “Pick up your cross and follow Me,” says the Lord.

 

[AKDee]

Does your Parish have programs you might be interested in participating in? Mine has Bible study, weekly men’s meetings and weekly women’s meetings, they pray the Rosary every Thursday evening, they have “Faith Formation” classes for adult Catholics, etc. If your Parish has something, you might consider joining in one activity where the activity itself interests you. Mutual interests often form friendships.

 

[Flambeau]

I have been feeling so alone and depressed lately. I am trying to have faith in Christ, but it is hard sometimes. I had a somwhat depressed childhood that still bothers me. Sometimes it feels as God hates me and wants to make me suffer in order to punish me. I feel so alone… I have a couple of good friends but I don’t know many catholics to share my thoughts on God and everything religious with. I find it very hard to speak with people I don’t know so I rarely get to know any new people, but I do really want to get more friends, and perhaps a potential spouse… But since I am so awkward around people I think I will be alone for the rest of my life. I am so sad. All I want is to feel loved.

Hello smurf, please read my post if you wouldn’t mind that I wrote just a few days ago (forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?p=12964830#post12964830)

I didn’t have the depressed childhood you did, but as you can see from my post above it echoes almost exactly what you’re saying. It is hard to believe, but you are so loved, I feel such love for and empathy right now because I often feel like you do. I know it’s hard to believe sometimes but God truly loves you, and he does so more than our fallen human condition can understand. Does your Church have a Men’s ACTS retreat? I’ve met probably 20-30 GREAT catholic male friends at the retreat, and we go out and have beer and chicken wings and discuss Catholicism a few times a month or so, they’re a great group of guys, and my wife certainly loves the fact that when I “go out to grab a beer” I’m doing so with a group of Catholic Gents.

If you’re ever in the Houston area let me know, and I’ll take you out for a drink!

 

[leviman]

All I want is to feel loved.

This may be tossed around allot but it is still the truth, You are loved by God and you have a purpose with God. Don’t worry about the things that are of tomorrow, the things that are of today are sufficient enough. Trust and hope in God and He will lead you to peace and joy.

 

[tuffsmurf]

Thank you all.
I am a student and I know there is a catholic student’s group at my university. I would be very happy to join them and make some friends, but I have never had the courage to go since I sometimes get panic attacks when I try to talk to people I don’t know. Sometimes I get depressed when I am around other people as well(especially couples in love) because they all seem to be much happier than me, and I feel like a failure. So I’m unhappy when I’m alone and I’m unhappy when I’m around people as well(quite a paradox)…

 

[Antegin]

Sometimes it feels as God hates me and wants to make me suffer in order to punish me. I feel so alone…

God hates you …FALSE
God makes you suffer to punish you…FALSE
You are alone…FALSE

Remember that when you feel punished by God, in TRUTH, you are beloved. IN TRUTH God uses your suffering for the reparation of sins and the conversion of sinners if you will give it to Him.

IN TRUTH Jesus too felt alone, but was not. This was part of the suffering with which He redeemed us. St. Pope JohnPaul II advised us to unite with that suffering on the cross and it will be an acceptable sacrifice in reparation for sins that wound the Sacred Heart of Jesus .

Paul tells us to test the spirits. I would advise you to test your perceptions. Are they true or false? Follow the truth no matter how you feel.

 

[Conradine]

Do not give up yourself to sadness… and do not worry too much about it.
There are ups and downs in life. We are like leaves floating on a river. Just keep your head outside the water and remember to breath, metaphorically speaking.

 

[AKDee]

Thank you all.
I am a student and I know there is a catholic student’s group at my university. I would be very happy to join them and make some friends, but I have never had the courage to go since I sometimes get panic attacks when I try to talk to people I don’t know. Sometimes I get depressed when I am around other people as well(especially couples in love) because they all seem to be much happier than me, and I feel like a failure. So I’m unhappy when I’m alone and I’m unhappy when I’m around people as well(quite a paradox)…

I get panic attacks too. What’s helped lately is I’ll ask our Blessed Mother to help me. I can practically feel her hand on my shoulder, giving me her help and comfort. Maybe ask Our Lady for help?

 

[7_Sorrows]

Praying for you!

 

[tawny]

You are not alone. Remember, God is with you always & he loves you. Check and see if your parish offers any social groups or ministries that you may want to get involved in.

 

[Christy_Beth]

You might want to talk to a doctor about your panic attacks. I know there are several ways to help you get over/through all that. As far as depression goes, I have that problem too. I’ve had depression since the age of 7, and I’m now 52. There is no magical cure for this, just find the right people to “hang out” with. Of course, that can take awhile. Talk to your priest, and see if there isn’t a small group of people your age to get in touch with. If it’s a small group, then it might be better than a large one in regards to your panic attacks. It may also help if you were to tell them that you have panic attacks. That way, if you feel one coming on, leave the room for a minute, then go back in and try to stay a little while longer. As you get to know them, and they you, you can find the thing most needed by people. Companionship. As you get more comfortable, you may feel more able to relate to others.

God bless you, and I’ll be praying for you.