Speaking to my priest about depression

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Marshmallow2

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I’ve been struggling with anxiety and depression and self harm. I need to talk to someone and I was thinking about talking to my priest. I’ve never spoken to him (at all) before and he doesn’t know me, but how do I even start the conversation? I was baptised but never raised RC and have sort of found the faith on my own so I’m not a ‘proper catholic’ or anything…any advice?
 
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Just ask him if you can make an appointment to speak one on one. No particular way you have to ask.

Be aware that if you’re not already speaking to a mental health provider, he might suggest you do that. It’s not because he doesn’t care or is trying to blow you off, but just because he might realize he’s not the best person to help with your particular issue.
 
Do NOT be put off if the parish asks for some information before they set up an appointment. This is not because the priest does not want to talk to you, it is so they have a record of the meeting, so they can contact you if Father gets pulled away on an emergency, etc.
 
I struggle with anxiety and depression, my prayers are with you. I have found some help talking about it with a priest in the confessional when he gave me advice
 
All the priests that I know can sense when there is something troubling me and with a simple sentence the conversation starts very easily, even though there have been difficult things to talk about.
 
I would strongly suggest a doctor or therapist. Nothing against talking to a priest, but this sounds like an issue more appropriate for a medical professional.
 
Having found the faith on your own is wonderful 🙂
If I had depression and wanted to speak to a priest about it I would probably go to the one I find very helpful in confession,easy to talk with and allow for some time,no pressure of a queue of people waiting to go .Just ask if you could have a talk with Fr in private sometime.
I’ll pray that it works out for you,it’s great you are considering taking these steps,God bless.
 
Hi thanks for your replies. I’ve already spoken with several counsellors both at school and out of school but has not helped in the slightest. Also I’m pretty sure the nhs waiting list is like a year!
 
You might want to make a appointment with him. He might suggest you get help. Believe me, priests don’t only talk to “proper Catholics”! Making an appointment may seem intimidating, but I think it will help. If it makes you feel any better, I struggle with extreme anxiety and depression. Congrats on finding the faith!
 
Well I speak to my priest (actually a few of them) all the time in confession and out because I do a few ministries and he (they) is a human just like you and me so I am sure he’ll want to talk to you and help you. Make an appointment to talk to him. He will in all likelihood bless you and tell you if there are any specific groups he can refer you too or a counsellor within the faith which is always helpful. He may have a few tips himself, you never know what expertise he has had or his own experience. It may also help for him to give you prayers to say or sacramentals as these things can also help. The fact that you want to see your priest, is in all likelihood a sign from the Holy Spirit, dont ignore these little nudges. The Holy Spirit will be with you doing God’s will and lead you to whatever that may be. I have had depression before, you are in my prayers. God bless you.
 
For me, talking things out in prayer, like talking out loud in my car or something, has always been helpful for me. I believe God is right there with me talking out my anxiety and depression with me.
 
Just ask to make an appointment. Priests have heard it all before, so don’t feel ashamed to talk about it.

However, I would also like to strongly emphasize that priests are not doctors. While I’m sure he’d be happy to listen to you and give some spiritual advice, you should really seek a psychologist/therapist to talk to as well.
 
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