Annellen,
I too suffer with clinical depression and had a bad bout recently which forced me to go back to my doctor because the medicine I was taking wasn’t working as well, so he added something and its slowly getting better. I can surely empathize with what you go through. Its absolutely no fun. I am learning, and I stress I am learning, to do as so many of the saints advise us - when the bad bouts come, in addition to getting the necessary medical attention, in addition to prayer, worship, devotion, etc, is this business of offering up my suffering to God to be joined to the suffering of Christ. Whether God chooses to use it for some redemptive purpose for yourself or for another who knows you and your struggles and who marvels at your faith in the midst of your suffering (who then is inspired to faith or to greater faith) God can and does make use of that. And recall Paul’s praying for his proverbial thorn to be removed - how God responded no, for my power is made perfect in weakness - so Paul concluded that when I am weak, it is then that I am strong. Though suffering from depression is no picnic, and God isn’t causing that for you, but rather he wills to use this time to draw you closer to himself, to depend upon him more deeply. From that perspective the glass is half full or more instead of half empty. This is something to give thanks to God for. Thus when you pray, as Paul advised, always begin with thanksgiving, and though it will feel strange, give thanks that God is even nearer to you in your moments of deeper depression.
God our Father, our sister in Christ Annellen is suffering mightily from depression in this moment. It is so debilitating taking away all of one’s ambition while at the same time making one feel guilty for not doing normal activities, especially those of a caring nature for family or self. In your infinite mercy, remind Annellen constantly of her holy identity and precious value in you that has nothing to do with how she feels right now. Let her be relieved of her burden of guilt and shame that often goes with suffering from depression and remind her constantly that you do not expect things from us when we are not able to do them. Help those closest to her to be understanding and caring in her time of need. And grant her the grace to remain focused on the suffering of our crucified and risen Lord, so that she knows she is not alone, and that indeed Easter Sunday follows Good Friday for all who love you. Please grant this through Christ our Lord, our healer and redeemer. Amen.
All Angels and Saints please pray fervently for Annellen in her time of need in accordance with the pettitions on this thread so that God is glorified among us.
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name.
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee;
Blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and in the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
