Help for Depressed Sister

[Meghan]

My sister, a devout Catholic, suffered a miscarriage of her first child last year. It was in the 12th week and she was visiting Spain at the time. Because she was hemorraghing and the doctors believed she would bleed to death, they performed a hysterectomy (her husband agreed to the procedure).

Since then, my sister has come to see herself as an “abomination to God” for having an “abortion.” Medical parlance, abortion and miscarriage are synonymous when stripped of politics. She’s been very depressed. Her husband left her in January because he wants children and she has attempted suicide twice since then.

Does anyone know when I could find out the names of Catholic psychiatric treatment facilities or Catholic psychiatrists?

I’m very concerned for her emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being.

 

[meglin]

Remind her that God’s mercy is infinite and he alone is the judge of a person’s heart.

Her surgery does not appear to fall inline with what one might consider to be an abortion.

However, if she feels that she may have been in error, ask her to make an appointment with a priest to discuss her situation. He should be able to give her sound advice and peace of mind.

Her remorse is evidence that she seeks forgiveness. Suicide is never the answer.

Open for your discernment…

From the book:

THE AMAZING SECRET OF THE SOULS IN PURGATORY
[An interview with Maria Simma written by Sister Emmanuel of Medjugorje]

“…Here, Maria gives us an example which really struck her which I would like to share with you. She had been asked to find out if a woman and a man were in Purgatory. To the great astonishment of those who had asked, the woman was already in Heaven and the man was in Purgatory. In fact, this woman had died while undergoing an abortion, whereas the man often went to church and apparently lead a worthy, devout life. So Maria searched for more information, thinking she’d been mistaken – but no, it was true. They had died at practically the same moment, but the woman had experience deep repentance, and was very humble, whereas the man criticized everyone; he was always complaining and saying bad things about others. This is why his Purgatory lasted so long. And Maria concluded: ‘We mustn’t judge on appearances.’ “

 

[Socrates]

I will definitely say a prayer for your sister, Meghan. The miscarriage and its consequences are tragic enough but it’s absolutely appalling to me that a husband would leave his wife in that state.

Catholic Answers Live did a show a few months ago with a Catholic counselor named Suzanne Baars. conradbaars.com/ Perhaps there’s some information on her website that you might find helpful. You might also try catholictherapists.com/

She may not be in a position to benefit from it yet, but there is a book titled Protect Us From All Anxiety which is basically the prayer journal of a priest who struggles with severe depression. You may want to read it yourself to gain some insight into how a depressed mind works. I’ve been through a pretty serious depression before and the book very accurately describes the types of thoughts and feelings that go along with depression.

 

[hawkeye]

Meghan:

My sister, a devout Catholic, suffered a miscarriage of her first child last year. It was in the 12th week and she was visiting Spain at the time. Because she was hemorraghing and the doctors believed she would bleed to death, they performed a hysterectomy (her husband agreed to the procedure).

Since then, my sister has come to see herself as an “abomination to God” for having an “abortion.” Medical parlance, abortion and miscarriage are synonymous when stripped of politics. She’s been very depressed. Her husband left her in January because he wants children and she has attempted suicide twice since then.

Does anyone know when I could find out the names of Catholic psychiatric treatment facilities or Catholic psychiatrists?

I’m very concerned for her emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being.

May I suggest that you buy her a Saint Anthonys Brief prayer to help her over her suicidal thoughts.(blessed by a priest)
This little peice of cloth was left beside a woman in Portugal that was on her way to throw herself into the river.
She stopped at the shrine of Saint Anthony on the way to take her own life, and fell asleep and when she awoke, she found the little prayer on her person.
I had to put it under my son’s pillow after he threatened to end his life.
“Behold the cross of the Lord,
Begone infernal enemies,
Conquered by the lion of the tribe of Juda,
The root of David, Alleluia, Alleluia.”

kensmen.com/catholic/stanthonysbrief.html

 

[pittsburghjeff]

Meg

Your sisters situation sounds very serious. She needs immediate medical attention. I am not a psychologist, but my guess is that your sister’s problem has more to do with having a medical depression than with the miscarriage.

May I ask what part of the country she is in?

Meghan:

My sister, a devout Catholic, suffered a miscarriage of her first child last year. It was in the 12th week and she was visiting Spain at the time. Because she was hemorraghing and the doctors believed she would bleed to death, they performed a hysterectomy (her husband agreed to the procedure).

Since then, my sister has come to see herself as an “abomination to God” for having an “abortion.” Medical parlance, abortion and miscarriage are synonymous when stripped of politics. She’s been very depressed. Her husband left her in January because he wants children and she has attempted suicide twice since then.

Does anyone know when I could find out the names of Catholic psychiatric treatment facilities or Catholic psychiatrists?

I’m very concerned for her emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being.