Catholic Methods of dealing with GAD and MDD

[Kateri92]

Hi everyone, I have both major depressive disorder and general anxiety disorder. I was wondering if anyone had good tips for handling this in a Catholic manner. I’m starting counseling soon, but I am worried that it being a non-catholic counselor will be a problem. I often don’t feel like leaving my house except for mass. I have terrible self-esteem and had to drop out of school because of my health status. I want so bad to get on with my life and do God’s will. I have hopes of getting married someday. But, right now, I’m trying to get over this hurdle. It has been quite hard since very few people around me understand my condition and generally think I’m being selfish or lazy. My family is my only support system right now. Is there an online catholic community for people who deal with these issues? Sometimes I get so down on myself that I feel like there is no use in trying to get better. Any thoughts on this are welcome.

 

[pensmama87]

A good counselor will not insult your faith even if he or she does not share it. If one does, then you know it’s not a good match.

One good thing (IMO) is that you’re not very likely to run into conflicts over faith with those particular issues. You might be more likely to over a sexual problem or couples counseling. But Catholicism and mental health treatment in general are not at all at odds with each other.

If you haven’t yet, I would also suggest getting in touch with your priest who could either advise you spiritually himself or recommend someone who could.

God bless you and you’ll be in my prayers.

 

[Horton]

Several years ago I had a great deal of stress with my job. I was fortunate to find a counseling center with Franciscan Sisters as licensed counselors. Maybe you can do a little research to find something similar.

I will say though a counselor who is not familiar with the Catholic faith may give advise contrary to your faith. Be sure to let your counselor know how much your faith means to you.

 

[NHInsider]

I had a mother with GAD and a daughter with MDD. My advice, for what it’s worth, is that you consult with a doctor as well as a therapist. Both conditions often involve chemical imbalances, and there is no more shame in accepting medical (eg prescription) treatment for these conditions than there is in accepting insulin for diabetes - although unfortunately finding the right drug and the right dose can be more difficult than it is to find the right dose of insulin.

If you don’t “click” with the counselor, whether it’s about faith issues or for any other reason, don’t be afraid to try a different therapist. It’s not a “right-or-wrong” situation, it’s personalities, and sometimes it can take a couple of tries before you find someone you can work with and who can help you.

You could call Catholic Charities in your diocese and see if you can get an appointment with a counselor there, that would at least relieve you of the potential concern about a conflict. I did some work with a counselor at Catholic Charities (I had made an appointment for my mother and then she refused to go . . .) and it was very helpful to me, even though I was only the companion/helper of the person suffering with the condition. . . .

 

[Vic_Taltrees_UK]

In addition to what’s been said:

Generalised Anxiety “Disorder” is a symptom, not a condition.

I understand more about how I tick at 60 than I did at 20 or 40. I advise you, cherish your landscape.

Are there wholesome interests you have had over the years which you have been told not to pursue or told yourself not to pursue? By thinking them over you could get additional clues to your gifts and talents.

 

[EasterJoy]

You can be helped by a non-Catholic counsellor, but only if you trust him or her and feel that the person is able to understand you. If you don’t believe that, it does not matter that you are wrong. You have to have some level of trust in your counsellor or you’ll undermine what he or she is trying to help you accomplish.

I would try the counsellor you have lined up with an open mind. Be honest about your misgivings, because the counsellor needs to know what is most important in earning your trust. Your thirst for the sacraments gets you out of the house–good! Perhaps your desire for virtue, to act out of love for your neighbor, can get you out of your comfort zone even farther. After all, a Catholic is willing to suffer when it will accomplish a real and necessary good to do it. You may find that your desire to do the will of God may be what draws you out in spite of your fears and anxieties. If you find the counsellor isn’t helping you, though, do not worry about dissecting why it is too much. Just keep trying until you find someone who is a good fit, someone you feel more comfortable trusting. (Everyone will take a leap of faith; there aren’t going to be any magic cures or fairy godmother coaches, but you know that.)

I don’t know if there are such online communities, but I’d be surprised if there aren’t any.

 

[Johann_du_Toit]

I suffer from Anxiety Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder as well. Any competent psychiatrist would be suitable. Also getting prescription medication for both helps a lot.
Also, another specific Catholic remedy that works for me is to pray the rosary.

 

[KendraDZ1902]

In addition to what’s been said:

Generalised Anxiety “Disorder” is a symptom, not a condition.

When you put quotation marks around words, it makes them seem like they aren’t real. There are plenty of SYMPTOMS of GAD. Do you have real evidence that GAD isn’t a real disorder?

Op, I have a non-Catholic psychiatrist and psychologist, they have never told me to do things against my beliefs for my GAD, PD, and ADHD.

 

[Kateri92]

In addition to what’s been said:

Generalised Anxiety “Disorder” is a symptom, not a condition.

I can understand why you might think this as many people assume it is just a feeling without doing any research to fact check. Nevertheless, I would like to hear you tell my doctor that. I can assure you it is a very real condition with full fledged symtoms. Its not just feeling nervous. Mine is debilitating at times and comes with physical symptoms.

 

[bsf]

Kateri92,

Catholic Answers Radio has had numerous episodes focused on mental health, including depression.

If you are interested, the consider episodes with the following guests.

Aaron Kheriaty, MD
Fr. John Cihak, STD
Fr. Benedict Groeschel, STD

Additionally, they all have written books addressing mental health issues. You may be interested in The Catholic Guide to Depression by Aaron Kheriaty, MD with Fr. John Cihak, STD.