Mental Illness

[Blue_Bird]

Hello everyone, I am new here. I am trying to learn more about the Catholic faith. I am signed up to take RCIA classes in September.

Here is my dilemma, I have a mental illness called Schizoaffective disorder. It is a form/cross of Schizophrenia and a mood disorder (Bipolar)

I also have severe anxiety. I recently started attending mass with my sister (my family is Catholic however I wasn’t brought up any particular faith or baptized).

It’s hard to focus on God during mass because my anxiety gets so high. I feel like people are laughing at me or judging me.

My moods have not been very stable lately. Meaning I’ll go from depressed and suicidal for several days or a week then super happy and motivated. I am on meds and in therapy. I’m also in a day treatment program.

I have an appointment with my psychiatrist for a med review tomorrow but I was wondering if any of this will affect going into RCIA. I don’t think they would want someone like me there. I’m also wondering if I should continue going to mass or not. I feel like I do not belong even though I want to be there.

I have always believed in God and faith has gotten me though a rough time recently (my mom passing from cancer a couple months ago) but sometimes I wonder if I’m just wasting peoples time pursuing this

 

[Mary_Estelle]

Don’t worry about focusing on God during the Mass. God is just glad your there and He will gently let His spirit flow throw through you. People who laugh or judge others REALLY NEED to be there, too. Just close your eyes when you can and smile because the Lord sees your struggles and pain and is smiling on you. Peace and prayers.

 

[RuthTherese]

You’re definitely not alone in these struggles. I have bipolar disorder and experience the same anxiety and feeling very judged in Church situations. As I’m in the same position of feeling unwelcome in the Church, I don’t have advice, but I am praying and hope that peace can be found in this situation for the both of us.

 

[ChurchSoldier]

No worries, Christ accepts all. I’m sure if for some reason your medical condition effects your RCIA, that Jesus will find a way for you to become Catholic.

Remember, Christ had a line particularly for you and others with great difficulties “come to me all you who labor and are carrying heavy burdens and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your soul”.

May God bless you on your journey.

 

[WJeffrey]

Hello everyone, I am new here. I am trying to learn more about the Catholic faith. I am signed up to take RCIA classes in September.

Here is my dilemma, I have a mental illness called Schizoaffective disorder. It is a form/cross of Schizophrenia and a mood disorder (Bipolar)

I also have severe anxiety. I recently started attending mass with my sister (my family is Catholic however I wasn’t brought up any particular faith or baptized).

It’s hard to focus on God during mass because my anxiety gets so high. I feel like people are laughing at me or judging me.

My moods have not been very stable lately. Meaning I’ll go from depressed and suicidal for several days or a week then super happy and motivated. I am on meds and in therapy. I’m also in a day treatment program.

I have an appointment with my psychiatrist for a med review tomorrow but I was wondering if any of this will affect going into RCIA. I don’t think they would want someone like me there. I’m also wondering if I should continue going to mass or not. I feel like I do not belong even though I want to be there.

I have always believed in God and faith has gotten me though a rough time recently (my mom passing from cancer a couple months ago) but sometimes I wonder if I’m just wasting peoples time pursuing this

You are in the right place. God loves you so much that He breathed life into to you. Christ died in agony on the cross for you because he loves you.

Everyone has a cross to bear in life. Reading the parable of the prodigal son was helpful to me when I returned to the Church. (Luke 15: 11-32) God is saving a seat for you at the table. RCIA is exactly for people like you and me.

No matter what we do in life, people are going to make judgements about us. However, their opinions really don’t matter. There are only two opinions that matter. One is God and the other is yours.

Good luck to you. I’m rooting for you.

 

[BlueKnight]

Mental illness is no different then physical illness and many saints had mental illness.

By the way fish oil has mood stabilizing effects. Make sure you get good sleep.

 

[Franciscan_Way]

I am very sorry for the loss of your mom. Be patient with yourself. Your grief is still fresh.
I am glad that turning to God has given you comfort during this difficult time. I will pray for you as well.

You are doing the right thing in seeing your psychiatrist for the med rewiew. It sounds like you have been extremely proactive in seeking the necessary treatment.
I have been through my own mental health issues in the past and the last three plus years with my daughter. I understand many of your struggles. You are certainly not alone.

I believe that RCIA would love to have someone EXACTLY like you: unbaptized, a believer who wants to grow in the Catholic faith, enjoys attending mass, and has turned to God in a time of need! You’ve got the goods Kiddo! You are NOT wasting anyone’s time! GOD BLESS YOU in your journey!