Depression During Lent

[tinytherese]

So as many of you know, I have a severe case of depression. Fortunately, I have been getting better over, but I still have a long way to go from healing not only from the disorder, but also from the family drama that I have suffered which brought on the disorder. It won't be long before Lent is here. Lent is a time of penance and reflection on Our Lord's sorrowful Passion and ultimate sacrifice of His life. I'm concerned that this year it will be especially hard on me because of all of this focus on suffering and death. I know that if one desires to truly follow Christ that we must take up our cross and follow Him, but this might do me a considerable amount of harm. I'm taking this semester off from school to get better. I was really hurting last semester and I want to get healthier. I find that happy movies, music, etc. are helpful for me in getting better. I often find it hard to concentrate, especially during mass and it won't be long before I start to hear my parish priest and deacon mentioning Lent in their homilies. I don't want to feel guilty at this time or for my illness to get worse. I'm sensitive enough as it is. Any tips?

[mcts]

I know not everybody is the same, but last year lent really helped me with my severe depression. It kind of put things into perspective that maybe on the days when I'm feeling REALLY bad, I can offer that up for a good cause (not that it's a good thing to have REALLY bad days, but there can be good that comes out of it.) Now that I'm getting somewhat better, I am definitely looking forward to seeing what this lent will bring.

[TotusTuusMaria]

Another thing... Lent is also a time to look toward the coming of Easter, the Resurrection. There is light at the end of the tunnel.

Many prayers!

[rachael]

exercise and getting outside.

[Azriel]

Maybe, Lent for you, as it is going to be for me, a time to ADD things in to your days, like adding an additional time of prayer?

Much love to you, there is a Light at the end of the tunnel, I promise.

[Domine ut Videam]

I have been told by multiple priests and holy lay people that God desires both our physical and mental well-being; in short our happiness. If certain aspects of Lent increase the severity of your depression I would suggest substituting different things. As Azriel suggested, adding things can be a great way to increase in holiness but not sacrifice your health. Just remember, if you had a broken leg God would not expect you to run a marathon because that would just create a worse problem for your health. Mental illness is no different. You are in my prayers.

Under Mary's Mantle,
Lauren

[Skinzo]

Tiny T.,
I think your entitled to "Lent Lite" . Why not have a chat with your pastor and see what he thinks? Sometimes I think we focus too much on negative stuff during Lent so maybe you can focus on praying more for other people, and cheering them up. Just my thoughts.
All the best,

S.

[dauntingknight]

"The day is always darkest before the dawn"

[Saint Therese]

Perhaps as someone suggested you might benefit more from a positive approach. Instead of focusing on penance etc maybe you could add more prayer or adoration. And since things like movies help you, instead of giving that up maybe you could focus more on inspiratipnal type movies. just a suggestion. I definitely wouldn't feel guilty about needing those things because we all have strengths and weaknesses. God bless you.

[tinytherese]

Thank you everyone.

[kljoyce]

Hey I hope you have a good/meaningful Lenten season and that you feel okay! I actually always feel/associate happiness with Lent just because of how great the love of God was/is for all people. Just how his life and trials were for us to learn from, benefit from and find comfort in. Lent makes me feel comforted, that God was that good, that loving. That type of sacrifice is so beautiful and meaningful, it uplifts me to think of what He did/had done for us. Sometimes Lent makes me feel weepy, but in a happy 'overcome by God's love' way. I hope you only have that type of 'happy' weepy moment, and that you feel better : )

[tinytherese]

Well this year I'm reading the 2010 version of the Magnificat Guide for Lent and will be reading Sacred Scripture each day, particularly the writings of St. Paul.

[Ash Wednesday]

The first Lent after my mom died, I was so depressed all I could do was just offer up my daily sufferings for Lent. It took me everything to just be able to stay in the Church and even just go to mass. I was at a breaking point that year and just a whisker away from turning my back on God. Everyone is different, all I can say is if you're going through a really hard time don't kill yourself. The idea of Lent is to make it out joyful and celebrating in the end.

[MissyP89]

[quote name='Ash Wednesday' date='15 February 2010 - 12:02 PM' timestamp='1266253347' post='2057566']
The first Lent after my mom died, I was so depressed all I could do was just offer up my daily sufferings for Lent. It took me everything to just be able to stay in the Church and even just go to mass. I was at a breaking point that year and just a whisker away from turning my back on God. Everyone is different, all I can say is if you're going through a really hard time don't kill yourself. The idea of Lent is to make it out joyful and celebrating in the end.
[/quote]

This is me right now. I am considering a Lent Lite for myself, J...maybe it's best if the both of us take it easy. He holds us closer in our suffering. Take care of yourself!

[Ash Wednesday]

During the hardest times we share in the passion in a very profound and unique way and is a worthwhile meditation during difficult Lents. Actually the agony in the garden has always been close to my heart. I meditate on the mental and physical anguish and emotions that Jesus experienced while in the garden. I could relate to that part of the passion most, myself.