Mental Health Discussion

[Mary67]

I’ve been away from the forum for a while. I have since started medication for my severe anxiety and depression. But, regardless, today I am having a hard day. My depression has been really bad and I am covered in a feeling of worthlessness. I know as soon as my husband is home from work tonight, I will feel much better. But, these hard days have been on and off since starting my meds. I want to find a therapist, but I have tried multiple times to get help and am starting to have trust issues with mental health professionals as I don’t feel like they actually listen to anything I explain to them.

I started watching a catholic YouTuber who was talking about her experiences with depression and it made me realize that my experience is not uncommon among those with depression. I think for people struggling to have hope in the midst of their depression, talking with others that suffer from the same thing with can be really helpful.

So has anyone here found ways to cultivate hope through their Catholic faith during a depressive episode? I don’t mean this thread to be a post for medical advice, but for spiritual discussion for those with depression. Thoughts? God bless

 

[Dan_Defender]

You can pray through the intercession of St Jude the Apostle, that God give you the strength needed to get through the day.

 

[HolySpirit]

God loves you so much that he created you to be completely unique from everyone else from before Adam and Eve walked the earth. He will never give you a cross that is too heavy to bear if you turn to Him and ask for his Help.

There are days when the cross may seem too heavy. That happens with clinical depression.

Ask God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit to join you in prayer. Talk to them like you would with a friend and share with them how you feel. Spend time listening and talking. Offer up your problems to them. If you make this a regular practice, life will get better.

Invite the Holy Spirit in your heart. Talk to him throughout the day and pray to him whenever life throws you a curve. There is nothing like the love between the Father and Son to fill your heart with love.

Those are just a couple ideas off the top of my head. As a practical matter, find a mental health professional who makes you feel comfortable. Even the best Psychologist isn’t for everyone.

 

[AndrewAxland]

So has anyone here found ways to cultivate hope through their Catholic faith during a depressive episode?

My brother went through a depressive episode once, and he was greatly helped by volunteering at a hospital. Nothing especially involved, basically pushing people in their wheelchairs from department to department. It was a Catholic Hospital, but I don’t think that that was important. What was important that he got to see plenty of people who were suffering, as well as them and their families who appreciated their help, which bolstered his sense of self-worth and his ability to make a real difference in the world, no matter how small. He also met a lot of great people from all backgrounds who provided him with courage and a good example. This and appropriate medical treatment helped him to get back on his feet, and he has been thriving in his career ever since.

 

[HolySpirit]

I couldn’t agree with you more.

I’d also recommend beginning Extraordinary Ministry of Holy Communion. There is something about bringing Jesus to people and people to Jesus that gives back 10X what you put into it.

 

[guanophore]

today I am having a hard day

Sorry you are having a hard day. May God fill you with His presence and Peace, and make you to know his deep and abiding love.

I want to find a therapist, but I have tried multiple times to get help and am starting to have trust issues with mental health professionals as I don’t feel like they actually listen to anything I explain to them.

It is hard to find good therapists. There are a LOT of therapists/counselors, but most of them do not accommodate spirituality in their work, and if they do, it is often not Christian.

To complicate matters, many of them are slaves to managed care so they try to problem solve you instead of listening, so that they can get you “cured” in the 20 or less sessions you are allotted for you problem. Then, of course, they also have to diagnose you so they can get paid.

my experience is not uncommon among those with depression

No, depression is really rampant in our culture, and in some aspects, is actually a healthy response to what is happening in the world.

I think for people struggling to have hope in the midst of their depression, talking with others that suffer from the same thing with can be really helpful.

Yes, any time we are suffering it is good to know that we are not alone!

ways to cultivate hope through their Catholic faith during a depressive episode?

Yes I think there are a lot of spiritual disciplines that are helpful. I like listening to hymns and praise songs. I also like to listen to Catholic radio. I think filling the mind with scripture is a good way to drive out depressive ruminations and I like listening to the audio bible. The Liturgy of the hours has also been helpful. I downloaded it to my phone and I can see how many other people are online praying at the same time.

For some people, just sitting with our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament brings peace. If a person has a lot of intrusive anxiety and depression, though, sometimes it is better to take a more active approach to re-ordering one’s thoughts.

My brother went through a depressive episode once, and he was greatly helped by volunteering

This has been very helpful for me also. I find when I force myself to be active and help those who are in worse shape than I am I do not focus on my own.

 

[Buck1900]

Hi!, I also struggle with Major Depressive Disorder and anxiety so I can understand where your coming from. From a medical standpoint I would absolutely encourage therapy and medication, it has helped me immensely.

Especially when feeling overcome with anxiety or sadness, I find prayerful meditation to be helpful. There are some great Gregorian chants on YouTube (

) that you can listen to and simply sit in God’s presence, not having to say or recite anything, just know that he is there with you during your struggles. It’s calming, which stops the anxiety, and allows you to be happy.

I’d also recommend this article:

Black Dog Days: How to Deal with Depression - The Catholic Gentleman

The following is a guest post by Michael J. Lichens. Recently, I’ve been going through what the great Winston Churchill called “black dog days.” These days are defined by an overall low mood, inability to cope with basic things like getting out of bed, or finding enjoyment in my usual passions...

www.catholicgentleman.net

These are just suggestions, but once you find what works for you remember to have faith and be patient. We must persevere day in and day out in order to get better! And it will get better!

Hope I could help
God Bless!

 

[drac16]

I’m not a catholic, but I do suffer from depression; I’ve had it for about 14 years. I think you just need to keep looking for a therapist that you click with. The good thing about depression is that it’s treatable. We’re very fortunate to live in a culture in which there are people willing to help us. Jesus said that in order to follow Him, we have to take up our crosses. For you, depression may be part and parcel of the cross that you have to bear.

The Lord never said that this lifetime would be easy, but He did say that He’s with us even until the end of the world. When you go to bed at night, just be certain that tomorrow is a new day. Tomorrow is full of possibilities. You have hope. You’re not a failure-- you’re a child of God and He loves you tremendously.

Just keep taking your medication on time, make sure you’re active in prayer and come to terms with the fact that you have inherent worth. I am convinced that God will heal me of depression one day and I believe He’ll do the same to you. We don’t always know why God allows us to develop a mental illness, but we know that everything that happens, happens for a reason. We may not know why, but we trust the author of our salvation that everything that’s happening is for our own good.

Perhaps God is calling you to a higher level of faith than most. It takes faith for you to keep fighting and God loves it when we put our trust in Him.

 

[guanophore]

One of the problems for me having had serious depression is just continuing to pray, even when it’s really hard to do.

I agree. The spirit may be willing but the flesh is weak. This is where daily Mass and Liturgy of the hours can really help. One can just join into the flow of the prayer, rather than having to paddle oneself upstream!

 

[0Scarlett_nidiyilii]

Depression is a complicated condition that affects the mind, body and soul.

I’m going to offer a suggestion (and I hope I say this in the clearest way possible)–I’m not suggesting that you can think or reason your way out of depression, but in my experience, trying to maintain positive (name removed by moderator)ut, such as inspirational, philosophical or spiritual media, or even comedic, while avoiding heavily dramatic or tragic media might avert triggering a downward spiral.

Of course on other days it might feel like a chore to watch or read anything

ray:t2:ray:t2:ray:t2: for everyone in this thread

 

[Mary67]

Thank you all for your suggestions. They are a great help to me. Its very encouraging to see that I’m not alone in this struggle. God bless you all!

 

[crenfro]

Hello.

What helped me find a good therapist was a reference from my regular medical doctor. What always has mystified me is when I feel better than usual is usually when I find a better therapist. Please don’t give up. I’ve been in therapy for years, since I was 23 and I’m in my fifties now. It does get better.

What also helps is going to confession, Mass, and adoration.

You are in my prayers. Please pray for me.