Can I properly discern with depression?

[ineedofmercy]

Yeah I was worried because depression damages the brain

But considering I’m still held liable for sins I commit it can’t damage it enough to 100% impede my ability to choose

I think I’m gonna have a long period of life to thinking and waiting but it beats making the wrong choice

 

[PJH_74]

There are people who see counselors on a regular basis to just work through life. There are married people who go to counseling not to save their marriage from the brink but to simply make it better and to grow together. I know, I’ve done it.

You are who you are and there is nothing wrong with you. There is an awesome version of you that is exactly who you would be proud of to be. As someone else noted earlier, I think you have some pride (and fear) to overcome. You seem to be letting depression define your life, which is even more depressing. Being depressive is a medical condition with psychological effects.

Don’t worry about other people’s reactions. Chances are some people, especially those close to you, have some inkling that you are depressed or at least something is going on inside you. They would be thrilled to know you are taking control of the situation and naming it. I know as a parent we have a lot invested in our kids and seeing them succeed and flourish is our greatest joy in life.

 

[CelticWarlord]

I was worried because depression damages the brain

You have it backward, my friend. A misfiring in the brain is what can cause Depression. Mental illness does no physical damage. I was diagnosed with this in 1990. My brain has sustained no damage.

 

[ineedofmercy]

Oh?
I thought the stress and sadness impaired thinking or shrunk the brain

I guess I should’ve researched it a bit more

 

[ineedofmercy]

Yeah I’m probably just afraid of such a drastic change
I think you’re right

I’ve been getting more courageous lately against porn (telling more people and somewhat longer strides between failing)
Hopefully the trend continues and I can fight my other issue which is depression

 

[Roguish]

I think I’m gonna have a long period of life to thinking and waiting but it beats making the wrong choice

A life spent mostly pondering, thinking, and waiting, is not a bad thing at all. Some people don’t come into their own until they’re advanced in years – and that is fine. As I said, you sound young so you’re not in a hurry. Pray and take your time.

I thought the stress and sadness impaired thinking or shrunk the brain

Don’t worry about whether your depression has “shrunk” your brain. It’ll swell back up when it needs to

 

[Tis_Bearself]

So when I got a Confession the priest said my situation is very difficult and complicated

He’s correct.

 

[therese1998]

You need to see a counselor if you are depressed. True depression is not something that just “gets handled” without professional intervention. Just a depression may skew your ability to make a decision about a vocation, it seems as if it is skewing your view of how well you can “just deal with it”. Just because you are “functional” when you are depressed doesn’t mean you are managing it well. It’s not uncommon for people with some kinds of depression to be able to get up, go to work and function reasonably well. The problem is that you are still unhealthy and there is a way to fix that Additionally, counseling doesn’t have to be forever, you can speak with a counselor about goals and how long they feel you would need to attend.

But I also just don’t really want their opinion of me to change

A. this isn’t about your parent’s, it’s about you and what you need B. I think you need to talk with your parents about what they do and do not feel and not assume that their opinion of you would “change”.

I just want to know if I can properly make any vocational choices in this state

I would say definitely not.

the church is all I really need in terms of finding help,

The church is a critical institution and we all need the sacraments. It was never intended to take the place of medical treatment. Would you stop going to the doctor and just attend daily Mass instead if your appendix ruptured? Do not use the Church as a substitute for medical treatment. That defies common sense and is also dangerous for your health.

but you arent alone. Makes me kind of feel at ease when I read this thread, so relatable to me.

OP is most definitely not alone…depression has a way of making you feel that way, but it is not so. We know a lot about depression and how to handle it effectively. Support from others who struggle with the same issues is very important, alos

the priest said my situation is very difficult and complicated

Indeed, I see that. It still sounds like an excuse to not move forward with healing this illness

Now when I go to confession most of the depression caused by sin is lightened
But other reasons now take its place

More evidence that you are not and cannot “handle” this yourself

medical records are kept private, and depression if treated shouldn’t keep you out of shooting sports. However, if untreated, I’d be more concerned.

Yep. I have extensive medical records and I am treated and can participate in shooting sports should I so choose

 

[therese1998]

They had known for longer than I had that I needed help processing my emotions.

You may be surprised by how many people around you are hoping you will take care of yourself by getting help…start talking about it with them. You can take it slowly but I don’t think you are fooling as many people as you think you are.

I could probably not rent or own a gun to use in that hobby in the future if I have a history of depression

Why not? Are you sure about that? Because I have no restrictions that I am aware of and I have a history of depression.

 

[TK421]

Depression makes just want to die in a state of grace (hard because of addiction)
I just don’t want hell
I’m getting better at desiring God
But I just can’t make it it click
With this depression my mind is skewed

Everytime I love a girl I usually lose some of our friendship or just hurt from unrequited love
I could be a priest but I don’t feel I could do it especially with depression
I could be single or brother but if I’m just celibate how am I helping the priest shortages some have?

I think maybe I should just focus on fixing my problems but trying to give up my earthly desires when depression takes away my hope is hard

My question is can I properly trust my discerning?
Depression has negative effects on the brain
I’m currently heartbroken from a variety of things
I’m getting braver in my fight against porn but still fail

Do I just wait?

Nobody is perfect at discerning either way and life involves a lot of redoing and rethinking.

Since our passions and moods skew our ability to see reality the way it is, having advisers is very good, such as a professional counselor, a priest, a wise parent or sibling or other friend, etc. If you’re lucky you might find somebody who is really good at it, but bear in mind that a counselor or priest is ultimately a human being who has been around for less than century and has a piece of paper that says they went to such and such school. They are capable of error, but if they are specialized at something then they ought to be much better at it than others.

Peace.