Depression and Anxiety

[Nikmo]

I have been struggling with depression and anxiety for many years and was wondering if anyone knows of any good Catholic books or readings that shed some light on these subjects. I am seeing a therapist but definitely feel the need for spiritual healing and a Catholic perspective on these issues. If anyone knows of some resources that have been of help to them or someone else, please let me know. I would greatly appreciate it!
Nicole

 

[Bailey2]

Surviving Depression: A Catholic Approach by Hermes

Also, the lives of some Saints can be helpful; several suffered depression. Hermes book talks about some. Bishop Hopko (Byzantine), Elizabeth Seton, and despite all the denial–Mother Teresa Calcutta (along with the dark night) are a few.

 

[DavidFilmer]

(along with the dark night)

I’m not sure what this reference means, but I want to make it clear that clinical depression has absolutely nothing to do with “The Dark Night of the Soul” as described by St. John of the Cross, a Carmelite priest (and who was made Doctor of the Church mainly on the strength of this writing). In this work, St. John describes the “Dark Night,” one of the inevitable phases of spiritual progression (which, despite the title, often lasts for years). This is an advanced concept in spiritual mysticism, and has absolutely nothing whatsoever in common with clinical depression.

I would NOT recommend this particular writing to anyone struggling with clinical depression at any stage of spiritual progression. It’s deep and scary stuff, even for those with a clear mind.

 

[Bailey2]

I’m not sure what this reference means, but I want to make it clear that clinical depression has absolutely nothing to do with “The Dark Night of the Soul” as described by St. John of the Cross, a Carmelite priest (and who was made Doctor of the Church mainly on the strength of this writing). In this work, St. John describes the “Dark Night,” one of the inevitable phases of spiritual progression (which, despite the title, often lasts for years). This is an advanced concept in spiritual mysticism, and has absolutely nothing whatsoever in common with clinical depression.

I would NOT recommend this particular writing to anyone struggling with clinical depression at any stage of spiritual progression. It’s deep and scary stuff, even for those with a clear mind.

I was not clear, sorry. It is true that the dark night of the soul and clinical depression are very different. Hermes book is about depression. My statement about Mother Teresa is that she suffered both–however, her advanced prayer life transcended her depression.
I understand this is speculative but I was using her as a strengthening example for those depressed. There was no book reference there. My italics were misleading. Again sorry.