Struggling in my faith; can you help?

[clairemarie97]

Hi! I am an 18 year old girl who is really struggling. I was raised in a Catholic family and attend mass every Sunday and Holy Day. About 6 months ago I was hit hard with anxiety and depression after moving to a new state. Because of this I had to seek treatment at a hospital and have to take time off from college to get my medication right. I had suicidal thoughts and I still do sometimes when I am in the middle of a panic attack. For some strange reason I found myself struggling in my faith. During mass my mind starts to wander and I have been questioning if there is a heaven. These thoughts have been making me even more anxious then I already am. I went to Catholic school from pre-school to 12th grade and never had a problem with my faith. It may be because of my anxiety and depression but I have no idea. I want a strong relation with God but I am really struggling right now. Please help.:crying:

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Hi,

The last thing you need right now is more pressure. The Lord understands what you are dealing with at this time. Know that He loves you right where you are. He Himself, suffered great anxiety in the garden, thinking about all that He was to undergo. So you are not alone in this; you are in very good company. The doubts and thoughts against the faith that come into your head are not coming from you. Don’t worry about them and don’t take them seriously. They are just symptoms of illness. He knows that you want to believe. Just give the doubts to Him to deal with. Know that you are in our prayers. Feel free to write me privately by clicking on my name above.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.