Faith and depression

[HoldingGodsHand]

Now that I have been diagnosed with major depression I feel certain that most of my faith struggles the past few years were most likely my struggling with depression, only I had no idea it was depression. I struggled with trying to find God, to feel his love and to feel happiness and gratitude, to feel anything. All I could feel was emptiness, darkness and loneliness, not God. I have just started being treated for depression but Im not really sure where I stand with God and my faith or how to fit it in with this depression. My prayer life has not been very good this past month probably longer, but I want to start Lent off good. In a way it’s like I have to start over again with my faith but I’m also on this other path now too, the depression. I have no true friends and no support with my faith. Should I concentrate in the treatment of depression or should I work on building my faith again at the same time?

 

[ready]

Never EVER neglect to work on keeping your faith strong. Be sure to pray every day, even if you just lovingly keep Jesus company; and do plenty of spiritual reading. You’ll never conquer your depression if you give up on building your faith. God bless you.

 

[JorduSpeaks]

I’ve got major depression, too. I’ve had it for several years, now, and there was a period of time where I felt like God had turned his back on me. That feeling was a lie, though, and the more I see that, the more I feel the love of God.

Stay strong, my friend. God’s love is always with us, even if some of us have a harder time seeing it than others.

 

[kmuestwin]

Now that I have been diagnosed with major depression I feel certain that most of my faith struggles the past few years were most likely my struggling with depression, only I had no idea it was depression. I struggled with trying to find God, to feel his love and to feel happiness and gratitude, to feel anything. All I could feel was emptiness, darkness and loneliness, not God. I have just started being treated for depression but Im not really sure where I stand with God and my faith or how to fit it in with this depression. My prayer life has not been very good this past month probably longer, but I want to start Lent off good. In a way it’s like I have to start over again with my faith but I’m also on this other path now too, the depression. I have no true friends and no support with my faith. Should I concentrate in the treatment of depression or should I work on building my faith again at the same time?

I suggest that you find some spiritual reading that you can use to learn more about your faith. Many people rely on a deep emotional connection to strengthen their prayer and religious experience. You won’t have that luxury because your emotional responses are mired in depression. Instead of focusing your faith on “how you feel when XYZ” you are going to need to base it on “what you know about XYZ.”

For you, a lasting and life giving faith will stem primarily from the intellectual rather than the emotional.

This Lent find a good theological book and spend some time learning about the Catholic faith.

 

[tawny]

Now that I have been diagnosed with major depression I feel certain that most of my faith struggles the past few years were most likely my struggling with depression, only I had no idea it was depression. I struggled with trying to find God, to feel his love and to feel happiness and gratitude, to feel anything. All I could feel was emptiness, darkness and loneliness, not God. I have just started being treated for depression but Im not really sure where I stand with God and my faith or how to fit it in with this depression. My prayer life has not been very good this past month probably longer, but I want to start Lent off good. In a way it’s like I have to start over again with my faith but I’m also on this other path now too, the depression. I have no true friends and no support with my faith. Should I concentrate in the treatment of depression or should I work on building my faith again at the same time?

Praying for your health & recovery. Praying to the Holy Spirit to give you strength & fortitude.

 

[edwest2]

Now that I have been diagnosed with major depression I feel certain that most of my faith struggles the past few years were most likely my struggling with depression, only I had no idea it was depression. I struggled with trying to find God, to feel his love and to feel happiness and gratitude, to feel anything. All I could feel was emptiness, darkness and loneliness, not God. I have just started being treated for depression but Im not really sure where I stand with God and my faith or how to fit it in with this depression. My prayer life has not been very good this past month probably longer, but I want to start Lent off good. In a way it’s like I have to start over again with my faith but I’m also on this other path now too, the depression. I have no true friends and no support with my faith. Should I concentrate in the treatment of depression or should I work on building my faith again at the same time?

I have been dealing with depression for decades. God will always be with you. The feelings you are describing are common. For me, going to a support group and talking to others who understood helped a great deal. During this trial in your life, try to read a page from the Bible daily and pray daily. Call around or check the internet for a support group for depression near you. The Bible tells us we will face trials in this life. A priest on Catholic Radio said that if you are going through a trial, use that time to get closer to God.

For the depression, continue your treatment, see your therapist. Catholic Radio host, Al Kresta, told his listeners that he thought his depression was a spiritual issue, but, in some cases, like a diabetic, you need your medicine. Mr. Kresta gradually accepted his trial and sought treatment.

You will be refined like gold.

biblehub.com/1_peter/1-7.htm

Peace,
Ed

 

[Brigid34]

I also have been diagnosed with Major Depression. I have also been going through a disconnection (it’s felt like) with Him. What I have been able to do so far is to keep doing the prayers and devotions I was doing before this started and remembered that He will reward me for my continuing devotion to Him while not able to connect with Him.

 

[Christy_Beth]

Contact NAMI and see if you can’t get connected to someone who can take you through the WRAP program. That’s “Wellness Recover Action Plan.” It has several steps, but can be very beneficial. It’ll take awhile, but can help you find ways to deal with this. I’m still trying to learn how to put into practice. I’d go on to describe it for you, but I think that would take too long. And I might get you very confused with it.

 

[InNomineDomini]

I’m not sure if this is helpful or not, but here’s a like that may be of use to you: catholictherapists.com/.

 

[bsf]

You may find interesting the book The Catholic Guide to Depression by Aaron Kheriaty, MD with Fr. John Cihak, STD.

 

[Deus_tecum]

I don’t like to say it because it sounds harsh, but if I recall what I read correctly from one of Thomas Merton’s books, despair has selfishness as a root, and when I read this it rang true. It is difficult to explain, but I think one has to find out for themselves anyways.