BE NOT AFRAID -- Catholics Living With Anxiety Disorders

Arielle1234, we are glad you found us! It takes a lot of courage and graces from God to take those first steps - and all the steps that follow!

I remember the first time I went to a counselor, in college in 1987. It was difficult for many reasons. I didn't do so well, sort of went downhill (there were some family crises and a breakup with my then-boyfriend to contend with ).

A few years later through the retreat center that I went to I got in with a support group and met some wonderful Catholic friends going through similar things. And I got in the habit of going to Eucharistic Adoration and Daily Mass.

Now these days I have slid on those, and hope to rectify that soon (life continues to be crazy with applying for this disability and not even having extra gasoline money at times).

But I'm not saying this to yap about me, what I'm suggesting is stick close to your Faith and continue to make good Catholic friends and post here during the therapy process because it puts everything in a spiritual context. There were times of floundering I went to before I found that extra spiritual help. God Bless You and let us know anything we can do to help!

Welcome Arielle,
I was here when there were only 5 members.
I have suffered for Schizotypal Personality Disorder.
most of my life. I too gave up on God while in
college. But now I no longer drink and take my
meds. It is my cross to bare. I have anxiety,
paranoia and depression. I searched for God
and He found me. I now only have God and
a few family members. I love to pray now.
Welcome!!!
iMac Dan

I'm really happy I found this group. I was starting to think that I was going crazy. I have never officially been diagnosed with depression ( i guess it's because I never seeked real help) Since I was nine years old I have had thoughts of suicide. I have tried a few times to end my life. But the last four years have been really difficult. I have been away from my family and my support group as I left home to attend university. I had lost my faith. I made some really bad decisions which cost me the love of my life. As recent as wednesday I began seeing a counselor. I am not giving up until God tells me to (and I doubt he will) I want to get back on track. I want to feel like I deserve to be loved. I want to feel like my life is worth living. I want to fall in love with God all over again.

Amen, 3Doc!!!
I too have a great wife who suffers from anxiety and
SchizoAffective Disorder. We had the same fears
so 12yrs ago we got married.
Welcome rebusrms!!!

rebusrms, welcome. Rejoice in the 3 years of strength to resist temptation to hurt yourself. God has blessed you and will continue to bless you. And with a caring wife, too, that's great. We are all here to fight these battles together, because we have probably all had our fill of trying to fight them alone. We are the "two or more gathered in His name" praying for each other.

I don't talk much but am very anxious to listen. I am on disability because of my depression and anxiety issues. I am a recovering cutter who has not cut for the past three years. I am married to a very wonderful woman who has put up with the med changes and multiple suicide attempts. I appreciate the opportunity to learn.

Greetings SHARINMARK,
I take a lot of meds too. I also go
to Confession monthly and my Penance
always is too continue to pray and carry
my cross.
Welcome!!!

Welcome SHARINMARK!
Sounds like we have a lot in common. St. Dymphna is a great help.

I've had a stressful afternoon because my pet rabbit was acting really sick but he seems better now (thank you St. Francis, St. Anthony, & St. Martin de Porres for your animal-loving intercession).

Thanks for prayers, GenevieveII!

3Doctors, Thanks for the up-date. Will contine to pray for a favorable outcome.

I'm a cradle Catholic who has suffered from panic attacks and depression since the mid 80's. I'm on 14 presciptions a day and am still fighting the battle. I pray to St Dymphna daily and just started wearing her medal today.I attend daily mass and my priest says this may be my cross to bear. On the good days you take it a day at a time and on the bad days a minute at a time. Hope you are all havinga good day.