Rosary depresses me a bit :(

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NeCo99

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I am not sure how to put this, so I’ll just say it plainly. When I am dealing with one of my bouts of depression (clinical or situational as in when a relative passes), I try to pray the rosary or focus on some prayers. (I have tried different rosaries so it’s not the same one all the time). However, I find the rosary to be incredibly sad sometimes. Even if I focus on the joyful mysteries, I find myself thinking of the crucifixion, etc and I just get even more sad.

I’ve heard that I should focus on the fact that my suffering is not as bad as Mary and Christ, and all that. But honestly, when in the midst of sadness, constantly saying “it could be worse” doesn’t exactly help.

Does anyone find the rosary exacerbates sadness or have any other ideas to help with this?
 
NeCo99 said:
I am not sure how to put this, so I’ll just say it plainly. When I am dealing with one of my bouts of depression (clinical or situational as in when a relative passes), I try to pray the rosary or focus on some prayers. (I have tried different rosaries so it’s not the same one all the time). However, I find the rosary to be incredibly sad sometimes. Even if I focus on the joyful mysteries, I find myself thinking of the crucifixion, etc and I just get even more sad.

I’ve heard that I should focus on the fact that my suffering is not as bad as Mary and Christ, and all that. But honestly, when in the midst of sadness, constantly saying “it could be worse” doesn’t exactly help.

Does anyone find the rosary exacerbates sadness or have any other ideas to help with this?
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I once had a time I couldn’t go with my rosary group because I felt it made my depression worse.

Are you in treatment?

I have had several months now I have stopped it, entirely, feeling I can’t pray.

As to the response, “It could be worse”, that’s not empathic. Although, we have a lot of people on the forum who will respond like that, insist it IS empathy. Go figure.

Yes, in response to your question…yes.

How to help? Get treatment for the depression. I you are in treatment, not sure what to say. I still feel like I can’t pray, but my medication hasn’t fully kicked in, yet.
 
Thank you. Even knowing that it’s not just me is helpful. I have had a lot going on in my life that has had me down. So I know some of it will just take time to get over (family death, etc). But I found it strange that so many people say pray the rosary when they are sad or depressed. I thought maybe I was missing something. I think those are the times when I have to pray for peace of mind or something.

Thank you so much!
 
NeCo99 said:
I am not sure how to put this, so I’ll just say it plainly. When I am dealing with one of my bouts of depression (clinical or situational as in when a relative passes), I try to pray the rosary or focus on some prayers. (I have tried different rosaries so it’s not the same one all the time). However, I find the rosary to be incredibly sad sometimes. Even if I focus on the joyful mysteries, I find myself thinking of the crucifixion, etc and I just get even more sad.

I’ve heard that I should focus on the fact that my suffering is not as bad as Mary and Christ, and all that. But honestly, when in the midst of sadness, constantly saying “it could be worse” doesn’t exactly help.

Does anyone find the rosary exacerbates sadness or have any other ideas to help with this?
Click to expand...
Maybe you can focus both on the crucifixion and the resurrection. The sudden turn from sorrow to joy. Maybe this will help you when you are depressed. As they say weeping may remain for the night but rejoicing comes in the morning.
 
NeCo99 said:
Thank you. Even knowing that it’s not just me is helpful. I have had a lot going on in my life that has had me down. So I know some of it will just take time to get over (family death, etc). But I found it strange that so many people say pray the rosary when they are sad or depressed. I thought maybe I was missing something. I think those are the times when I have to pray for peace of mind or something.

Thank you so much!
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No problem. You sound depressed, and sometimes a counselor one can talk to can be of help to get this all off your chest.

I’ve used antidepressants. One can use them also, even temporarily, and they have ones now that aren’t addictive.

One thing is sadness, and the other is depression. Depression is more of a chronic nature than regular sadness, that one basically can’t bounce back. Sadness is more like the emotional equivalent of a cold, and depression, the emotional equivalent of cancer.

Counselors are available if you need to talk about what’s on your mind. A lot of health insurances include at least a few visits under their coverage.

Anyway, good luck with whatever you decide to do, and you are correct. You are definitely NOT alone!
 
NeCo99 said:
I am not sure how to put this, so I’ll just say it plainly. When I am dealing with one of my bouts of depression (clinical or situational as in when a relative passes), I try to pray the rosary or focus on some prayers. (I have tried different rosaries so it’s not the same one all the time). However, I find the rosary to be incredibly sad sometimes. Even if I focus on the joyful mysteries, I find myself thinking of the crucifixion, etc and I just get even more sad.

I’ve heard that I should focus on the fact that my suffering is not as bad as Mary and Christ, and all that. But honestly, when in the midst of sadness, constantly saying “it could be worse” doesn’t exactly help.

Does anyone find the rosary exacerbates sadness or have any other ideas to help with this?
Click to expand...
I understand what you are dealing with. It is important to remember that God is a God of love and a God of life. That is why he sent his only begotten Son. Jesus told us in John 15: 13 that “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” This is what I focus on when praying the Sorrowful Mysteries, of the great love that God and Jesus have for us.

DGB
 
Today I started praying the rosary full knowing that at some point I would fall asleep. I did fall asleep! When I woke up the phone rang and then when that conversation was over I went back to finish praying my rosary.

My point?

Start the rosary…hold it in your hand and pray as far as you can. Go back to it as you are able.

I will pray for you next time I pray the rosary. :console:

Also
Find a person or group of people to pray the rosary with. Or trying praying in front of the Blessed Sacrament in church. Try praying in a beautiful park while walking or sitting.
 
NeCo99 said:
I am not sure how to put this, so I’ll just say it plainly. When I am dealing with one of my bouts of depression (clinical or situational as in when a relative passes), I try to pray the rosary or focus on some prayers. (I have tried different rosaries so it’s not the same one all the time). However, I find the rosary to be incredibly sad sometimes. Even if I focus on the joyful mysteries, I find myself thinking of the crucifixion, etc and I just get even more sad.

I’ve heard that I should focus on the fact that my suffering is not as bad as Mary and Christ, and all that. But honestly, when in the midst of sadness, constantly saying “it could be worse” doesn’t exactly help.

Does anyone find the rosary exacerbates sadness or have any other ideas to help with this?
Click to expand...
In my situation it was going to Mass after a loved one had died. But it wasn’t depression that was causing the problems it was grief, plain and simple. I would go to Mass and cry and not a good cleansing cry, I felt drained after and it made the anticipation of Mass unpleasant.

As far as help, I’m not sure what to offer. After my Mom died I decided to go a different church where I’ve always felt more comfortable; I still cried but it felt more private. So maybe change prayers for a time, another chaplet perhaps.

If your depression is situational after the death of a loved one seeing a grief counselor can help. That type of counseling does not have to be as intense or long-term as for clinical/chronic depression. I mention that since some people might benefit from counseling but dislike the idea.

How are you doing in other areas of self-care and depression?
 
Sarcelle said:
Maybe you can focus both on the crucifixion and the resurrection. The sudden turn from sorrow to joy. Maybe this will help you when you are depressed. As they say weeping may remain for the night but rejoicing comes in the morning.
Click to expand...
👍

LOVE! ❤️
 
Sarcelle said:
Maybe you can focus both on the crucifixion and the resurrection. The sudden turn from sorrow to joy. Maybe this will help you when you are depressed. As they say weeping may remain for the night but rejoicing comes in the morning.
Click to expand...
👍
 
You should try not to give you too free; create opportunities for themselves busy by cooking, adding that at work or school should go further … It is also entertainment for the art form that you are not bored. Do not miss the opportunity, and above all, try to arrange the active participation in collective bodies in contact with colleagues, make new joy of living … In the community, you will find yourself useful for other people, other people loved.
 
In my case, Its not that the rosary depresses me, its that I bring whatever I am feeling at the time with me to the rosary. I can’t remember a time when I was in a good mood, and then felt bad after praying the rosary. I can remember many times when I was agitated, worried or feeling down, and then felt more in balance - somewhat more at peace - after praying the rosary. But if the rosary adds to your sadness, perhaps try another way of prayer. Or seek to remedy the cause of your depression (I know - easier said than done!) before coming to that prayer.
 
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