Mental Health and Faith

[cheezey]

(Am I in the right place?!)

If you would help me to understand…

Mental Health, and Faith. Addressed, no doubt, many times here.

Mental health, or lack thereof, can impede one’s actions of faith. So how to follow through with a psychological illness, such as major depression? If one’s strength is tapped just for breathing, then it could seriously challenge one’s ability to live and express his or her faith. To be a servant of God is a privilege; one that carries responsibility. Being a servant of God means a close relationship with Him.
Major depression et al, has its obvious impediments, i.e., inability to focus, endure any level of stress; terrorizing fear, insomnia, which in turn impedes emotional balance (a vicious circle), panic, anxiety, and the whole nine yards. This challenges the ability to pray, attend church, actively follow the Faith. **And to actively seek and live His will. **

By the way, major depression can make the affected feel far less than human.

It can create a very unintended distance of sorts with Him, though He is right there feeling the pain as well. He understands. The Faith itself doesn’t diminish. The expression of it, living it, can.

What are the teachings of the Church as such?

 

[ClearWater]

The Church is okay with the person’s seeking a mental health professional.

 

[jaimeleglise]

The person with major depression may not have the energy or the ability to live the Faith in an active way. However, by offering his suffering to Jesus, he can profoundly aid in the salvation of souls.

 

[NeedImprovement]

Catholics with mental or emotional illness needn’t feel too isolated. They have a powerful patron Saint:

PRAYER TO ST. DYMPHNA

Franciscan Mission Associates ; St. Dymphna

 

[3DOCTORS]

Glad you posted this, cheezey. A day or two ago I almost posted a thread about stressful lives and how they affect us spiritually. I’ve been trying to discern if my difficulty praying is because I’m depressed, having a Dark Night of the senses or the soul, just tired, or all of the above. Hope we can all help one another walk through whatever it is we’re going through. :grouphug:

 

[Mary_Ellen]

Mental Health can affect one’s ability to make the correct and moral decisions necessary in one’s life of faith. The only official church teaching I know of comes from the Catechism of the Catholic Church in the section about suicide:

2281 Suicide contradicts the natural inclination of the human being to preserve and perpetuate his life. It is gravely contrary to the just love of self. It likewise offends love of neighbor because it unjustly breaks the ties of solidarity with family, nation, and other human societies to which we continue to have obligations. Suicide is contrary to love for the living God.

2282 If suicide is committed with the intention of setting an example, especially to the young, it also takes on the gravity of scandal. Voluntary co-operation in suicide is contrary to the moral law.

Grave psychological disturbances, anguish, or grave fear of hardship, suffering, or torture can diminish the responsibility of the one committing suicide.

2283 We should not despair of the eternal salvation of persons who have taken their own lives. By ways known to him alone, God can provide the opportunity for salutary repentance. The Church prays for persons who have taken their own lives.

I’ve suffered from depression, to varying degrees, all of my life. My major depression was particularly bad, and got worse, after I returned to the Church. My faith life was deepening and my depression was, too. It was hard to pray and to live a life of virtue when I was battling the horror of self-hatred and self-abuse. The treatment I received from my counselor, my doctors, and the hospital staff have helped me turn around. God used them to help heal me. I also availed myself of the Sacraments, particularly Confession, which have also helped in the healing process.

Mental disease, such as depression, is a medical condition and just as we seek medical treatment for severe arthritis we should seek out professional treatment for depression. Medications, cognitive (talk) therapy, ECT (as in my case) can be effective means by which God sends us the help we need.

 

[edwest2]

The Bible tells us we will experience trials. For some years, I’ve gone through mental health issues and God was been with me the whole time. After my last difficult period, I read from the Bible and prayed daily. I thank God for all the help he gave me.

Peace,
Ed

 

[e_c]

Our true interior/spiritual life is seated in our higher intellect and in our will (which is “connected to” the higher intellect, like a match is connected to the fire it lights). The virtues of faith, hope, and charity are primarily THERE. If they are lost, then some temptation has infiltrated into the highest part of our soul, and we have consented, in this case of “interior temptations” that are of the kind that come with mental health issues, through a full, reasoned deliberation requiring time and reflection and “hardening of one’s heart” in the decision.

In the case of mental health problems, something is going wrong in the “lower soul” or even in the body. In the case of something going wrong with the body, action or inaction might be compulsory, and therefore entirely free of guilt… For instance, a schizophrenic may say or do something materially sinful (like stealing a car), but we rightly recognize he’s not culpable for that because it has become basically instinctual. This may cut into the outward life of faith as well (like missing mass, for example), but it has not penetrated into the higher soul.

There are some mental health issues that are more “spiritual” than schizophrenia, like depression or anxiety. We recognize that there is a larger “immaterial element” in such conditions, even though there is still a material component. Though there might be some culpability for certain things, provided the person really could have chosen differently (and we will not investigate the complexity of that here in this post), all such a condition can do to the theological virtues (and thus the “vital signs” of the spiritual life) is present temptations against them through the lower soul “pulling down” on the higher soul.

As Francis DeSales tells us, when we are in these kinds of states, as long as we can say “Vive Jesus!” (“Long live Jesus!”), we have nothing to fear. And he should know, since he was once bedridden by anxiety and depression over spiritual issues and went on to become one of the greatest authorities on the spiritual life, especially on the attainment of peace!

 

[adamhovey1988]

Catholics with mental or emotional illness needn’t feel too isolated. They have a powerful patron Saint:

PRAYER TO ST. DYMPHNA

Franciscan Mission Associates ; St. Dymphna

Oh yes very good friend indeed

 

[GreyWings]

Honestly, I think mental health issues can enhance a person’s closeness to God. Many people with mental health issues suffer, just as those with physical ailments suffer, and suffering brings us closer to God.

I have depression, although I’m doing much better these days because I have a strong support group and plan I follow. I have not had an “attack” in a while because of this and I am healing. I feel so close to God, and love Him so much.

Mental health issues are treatable, just as physical ailments are. And I’ll say it, my depression brought me closer to God, because like Job, I cried out and said “Lord, it hurts, I don’t want this pain anymore, please, I put it in your hands.” And, well, I’m now smiling as the sun is shining outside.

The stigma is getting better. God loves us all, is there for us all, and can heal us. We just need to cry out to Him.

The Lord heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3.

 

[cheezey]

The person with major depression may not have the energy or the ability to live the Faith in an active way. However, by offering his suffering to Jesus, he can profoundly aid in the salvation of souls.

true. if she/he has the presence of mind to do so. Not absence of mind, but one wracked with pain.

 

[cheezey]

Catholics with mental or emotional illness needn’t feel too isolated. They have a powerful patron Saint:

And He who leads them all.

 

[cheezey]

Glad you posted this, cheezey. A day or two ago I almost posted a thread about stressful lives and how they affect us spiritually. I’ve been trying to discern if my difficulty praying is because I’m depressed, having a Dark Night of the senses or the soul, just tired, or all of the above. Hope we can all help one another walk through whatever it is we’re going through. :grouphug:

Then I beat ya to the post…May we all carry as we are able…

Mental Health can affect one’s ability to make the correct and moral decisions necessary in one’s life of faith. The only official church teaching I know of comes from the Catechism of the Catholic Church in the section about suicide:

Grave psychological disturbances, anguish, or grave fear of hardship, suffering, or torture can diminish the responsibility of the one committing suicide.

Does the church teach something like this also?

Grave psychological disturbances, anguish, or grave fear of hardship, suffering, or torture can diminish the responsibility of one’s obligations to his/her faith?

I’ve suffered from depression, to varying degrees, all of my life. My major depression was particularly bad, and got worse, after I returned to the Church. My faith life was deepening and my depression was, too. It was hard to pray and to live a life of virtue when I was battling the horror of self-hatred and self-abuse. The treatment I received from my counselor, my doctors, and the hospital staff have helped me turn around. God used them to help heal me. I also availed myself of the Sacraments, particularly Confession, which have also helped in the healing process.

Mental disease, such as depression, is a medical condition and just as we seek medical treatment for severe arthritis we should seek out professional treatment for depression. Medications, cognitive (talk) therapy, ECT (as in my case) can be effective means by which God sends us the help we need.

I am happy for your progress!! Many blessings!

The Bible tells us we will experience trials. For some years, I’ve gone through mental health issues and God was been with me the whole time. After my last difficult period, I read from the Bible and prayed daily. I thank God for all the help he gave me.

Peace,
Ed

Praise God indeed!

…There are some mental health issues that are more “spiritual” than schizophrenia, like depression or anxiety. We recognize that there is a larger “immaterial element” in such conditions, even though there is still a material component. Though there might be some culpability for certain things, provided the person really could have chosen differently (and we will not investigate the complexity of that here in this post), all such a condition can do to the theological virtues (and thus the “vital signs” of the spiritual life) is present temptations against them through the lower soul “pulling down” on the higher soul.

As Francis DeSales tells us, when we are in these kinds of states, as long as we can say “Vive Jesus!” (“Long live Jesus!”), we have nothing to fear. And he should know, since he was once bedridden by anxiety and depression over spiritual issues and went on to become one of the greatest authorities on the spiritual life, especially on the attainment of peace!

“Vive Jesus!” Thank you for this. A new one for me!

There is fear and then there is fear. Panic is debilitating. It can prevent one from attending church. This pertains to my question. Now 2:

What does the church teach and how does it counsel those who cannot fulfill their obligations?

And, well, I’m now smiling as the sun is shining outside.

I am happy for you!

 

[crenfro]

(Am I in the right place?!)

I hope so, but I’m glad you’re here. Your name makes me think of mozzarella cheese.

If you would help me to understand…

Mental health, or lack thereof, can impede one’s actions of faith. So how to follow through with a psychological illness, such as major depression?

I’ve struggled with depression and all its friends for many years. It is paralyzing and my mood can drop into a pit in a matter of minutes. And all the forms of medicating it - like alcohol, other people, drugs, busyness, don’t fix it. How I know.

One thing that helps me is Winston Churchill’s quote to “never, never, never, never, never (insert the amount of never’s you need here!) give up.” So I drag myself, when I can, to the next thing, and if I can’t, ask God’s forgiveness and help. Also ask other people for help.

Another thing that helps me is going to therapy, seeing the psychiatrist, finding which medications actually work - this has taken me years - and trying to do what they tell me to do.

Another thing is regular confession. That helps me a lot.

Another thing is Mass. I’m not at the point yet where I go to daily Mass.

Another thing is praying for another person who may be in the same condition I am and asking others to pray for me.

Another thing that helps me is to listen to God and my own heart and not what the world is saying.

Also my dog helps. And my husband. He is wonderful and I’m very lucky to know him.

And to stop criticizing others. This one is really difficult for me.

Another thing that helps is that saying that sometimes “the most courageous thing a person can do is to get out of bed in the morning and face the day.”

Sometimes it helps to simply give up and let God take care of things. Depends on a person’s motives.

The thing about depression is that you can’t always see it and others suspect that people use it as an excuse. It’s an invisible wound a lot of the time.

Some people use humor to mask it.

(What are the teachings of the Church as such?

I think someone already posted about what the Catechism says about suicide and that there can be mitigating circumstances.

 

[cheezey]

I hope so, but I’m glad you’re here. Your name makes me think of mozzarella cheese.

We have had little if any interaction here at CAF. That said, with that bag over your head, I, for whatever reason, thought you were a guy.
Then again, I was thought to be a guy at first…

**The thing about depression is that you can’t always see it and others suspect that people use it as an excuse. It’s an invisible wound a lot of the time.

Some people use humor to mask it.
**

Which is why I hate the oft used term “presents well.” I understand the intention and it is appropriate. It somehow undermines the fight at the same time.

And humor. Clubhouse…

I think someone already posted about what the Catechism says about suicide and that there can be mitigating circumstances.

Yes; thankfully this isn’t regarding suicide. I am curious about one’s inability to fulfill faith obligations from the perspective of church teachings and pastoral care.

I appreciate your response. And appreciate where you have been with this.
:hug3:

Ah, cheeze; ya gotta love it…

 

[cheezey]

If anyone is still out there for this, I still need to understand
Someone with psychological issues may have great difficulties with the obligations of his/her faith. Attending church, i.e… Lenten offerings now come into this question. Are there dispensations? Is there not a dispensation for those over 60 or those with dietary restrictions?
Any others as they may pertain to psychological issues?

Help! And thankyou…

 

[pianistclare]

Yes. If you check the usccb website, it explains that the Lenten fast and abstinence applies from ages 14 to 60, and the infirmed should take their med as usual, eating if they must for health reasons.
Peace!

 

[3DOCTORS]

If anyone is still out there for this, I still need to understand
Someone with psychological issues may have great difficulties with the obligations of his/her faith. Attending church, i.e… Lenten offerings now come into this question. Are there dispensations? Is there not a dispensation for those over 60 or those with dietary restrictions?
Any others as they may pertain to psychological issues?

Help! And thankyou…

Your confessor can assist with this too. The age for fasting is 18 till 59 so if you’re over 60 you aren’t obligated. Abstinence from meat binds 14 and above but if there is a health reason you can probably get a dispensation.

I caught your bit about panic and offer my empathy, as I’ve been there and bought the T-shirt. Apparently much of mine was hormonal; my hysterectomy 8 years ago eased the frequency and intensity of some of it. But like today, when I attended Mass at the Cathedral with the Bishop instead of my home parish, even though I really was happy to be there, I felt anxiety trying to come on.

I’ve been under tremendous financial trials and what happens to me is that when I’m semi-relaxed, my worry thoughts try to push in and make me anxious. It happens when I’m driving, it happens at night on occasion, and it happens once in awhile still in church, though less often than before. Today I got back on track before it got out of hand, thanks be to God! :coolinoff:

 

[cheezey]

thank you for the responses.
I used the fasting/14-60 obligation as an example.

I am wondering about those who are psychologically ill. I am not limiting this to Lent.
I.e., Sunday obligation et al. And then also Lent and its obligations.

(Thanks, 3!)

 

[3DOCTORS]

thank you for the responses.
I used the fasting/14-60 obligation as an example.

I am wondering about those who are psychologically ill. I am not limiting this to Lent.
I.e., Sunday obligation et al. And then also Lent and its obligations.

(Thanks, 3!)

You’re welcome! I would take the questions to your confessor, explain about your anxieties and any treatments you’re in for them (and how they’re going - because sometimes it takes awhile, in my experience!), and hopefully he’ll be understanding and help you discern what to do, and if dispensations are in order he can give them. Praying for you!