Dealing with mental health problems

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catholicpov

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Anyone dealing with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, OCD, etc., what prayers / meditation practices have you found that help you rise above the lies that the problems feed you?

Edit: Also, I think due to the title of this post, it should be open to general discussion about what you deal with and how you choose to deal with it, if you so wish to discuss those things.
 
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I have some experience with mental health issues. What helped me was finding a good psychiatrist to work with to develop a good, reliable program of medications, and also to develop a good support structure of people who care about you, if you don’t have a lot of family around. You are not alone, and there is a lot of help and love out there.
 
I’ve found telling Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament all of my fears, worries, confusions, shortcomings, and struggles etc has helped a LOT. Maybe make a Novena to St. Dymphna or St. Philomena?

I deal with extreme social anxiety, depression, and several things I don’t care to mention due to the fact that people can be very misunderstanding.

Jesus understands us though. And also, never feel bad about therapy or medication - God gave us these things as tools instead of a commandment to wait for faith healings.
 
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I have severe social anxiety and depression. St. Dymphna is a amazing! I ask for her prayers every night. I am taking medicine and seeing a counselor. God wants us to get help. I know that Satan hates me and wants me to feel bad about myself, but I know Jesus understands. Praying Psalm 23 has also been a huge help.
 
That is very helpful, thank you so much. And I feel you 1000% on the people being misunderstanding thing. It’s scary because there are things you want to say but know that it will be taken the wrong way.

Thank God that He gave us Himself, huh?
 
Part of my struggle is finding a good psychiatrist, just because I live in a pretty rural area with not a lot of options. But I’m trying. Thank you for the suggestions, I have a ton of hope, but not a lot of solid steps taken yet haha!
 
Psalm 34
18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
 
Thank you so much for the advice, I can’t wait to learn more about St. Dymphna!
 
I read an article by a surgeon who had to quit practicing due to I think an injury or illness. Followed was a depression. I remember reading his account and he said (from memory):

“our society does not treat depressed people well”

I thought that was poignant coming from someone who had already reached a relative high, and still faced poor understanding on the back end.

But either way be assured Jesus loves us, I think if we keep our focus on God and on love as the prize it helps to keep things in the right context. God bless, praying for all of us.
 
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Please pray for those with depression Prayer Intentions
There are many like me. Please pray for all those suffering from depression and anxiety. I’m in a bad state right now.
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Many of us on this forum have experienced depression. Personally, I’ve been on medication now for 2 1/2 years for depression and anxiety. It’s pretty well under control know with the meds, a very loving and supportive wife, my wonderful priest, prayers from the members of this forum, and some things I learned in therapy.
The most important thing I believe is to not go through this alone. Family, friends, doctors, clergy and counselors should be part of your team.
 
Thank you, I am starting to realize the not being alone part. It’s like 100X better since I started opening up about it.
 
Also, I am very happy that it is under control for you now, praise God 🙂
 
Lately I have been trying to say the Divine Mercy Chaplet more often. But, for the most part I try to never miss a rosary every day. It has decreased my anxiety exponentially. I think it was St. Mother Teresa who taught that we should increase our prayer time according to our levels of stress/weight of our cross. (Please forgive me for forgetting the exact quote.) But, I couldn’t agree more. The more prayer I have in my life the easier I can carry my own cross.
 
catholicpov said:
Anyone dealing with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, OCD, etc
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All of the above, but mostly panic and anxiety attacks as well as being a serious social phobic. I’ve been on a daily anti depressant since 1993, though I did take a few years without it but did not do all that well. I went through behavioral therapy at a clinic in the hospital and learned not to undercut myself with poor thinking. I have spoken many times at public forums, despite my social anxieties, teaching groups how to cope with either their own or a loved ones mental health.

Although I am considered fully recovered it does not mean I no longer have any of the symptoms. It means I no longer meet the symptoms with alarm, thus heightening them and prolonging the attack. I have an article on a blog detailing it all in the link below. This is a piece I wrote ten years ago but update it from time to time. Blessings to you. 🙂

 
With that said please say a prayer for me and for all suffering depression/hopelessness
 
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