Stress is associated with depression.  It influences depression’s onset and conversely, the presence of depression influences stress.  Think of depression’s affect on family relationships and you see what I mean. 

Stress negatively affects one’s ability to concentrate, solve problems, and deal with other kinds of stress that come along. Tempers get short.  Prayer becomes a time of tapping ones foot.  Mass becomes a service of watching one’s watch. 

These past weeks have brought a period of more than usual stress for me.  It is actually amazing I have been able to write these posts.  Indeed, you may have noticed that a week ago there was only one.  Having lived through this before (we all have) I began a series of stress-reducing interventions. So I pass them on as advice for you.

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“Holiness is not perfection according to human criteria; it is not reserved for a small number of exceptional persons.  It is for everyone; it is the Lord who brings us to holiness, when we are willing to collaborate in the salvation of the world for the glory of God, despite our sin and our sometimes rebellious temperament.” 

What do these words by Pope John Paul II have to say to those who struggle with depression?

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We don’t question when we are depressed.  We assume.  We can assume we are wrong.  We can assume we are not good enough.  We can assume we are worms of sinfulness or faithless or lazy.  We can assume we can do nothing right.  We can assume others don’t understand us.  Have I left anything out? 

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Stress is strongly associated with the onset of a depressive or manic episode as well as with a whole host of other problems such as heart attacks.  Many times we cause our own stress and one of the ways we do this is by over-extending.  When we are doing so much that we find ourselves neglecting quiet time for reflection, exercise, eating right, and sleeping enough we are over-extended.

Why do we over-extend?  In a word, needs.  We all have needs and wants and they tend to drive our behaviors.  They are good but when we allow them to take over, they can lead to not-so-good things.  Mostly, these needs operate out of our awareness.

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For you with a depressive or bipolar condition, instead of giving up candy, cake, or coffee for Lent try giving up the following:

• RESISTANCE -to admitting you have a depressive or bipolar condition or seem to be heading for relapse

• PRIDE -that says, “I can handle this on my own. 

• SHAME -in the belief that you are not good enough or “strong enough” because you have depression or a bipolar condition

• FEAR -that prevents you from seeking help 

• GUILT -to the point that you don’t believe you are forgivable because of the things you did while seriously depressed or manic

Certainly pray, fast, and give alms but also do the following: 

• GO TO CONFESSION -because it will help you get rid of unreasonable and excessive guilt and make you feel more a part of the community. Take care of this spiritual aspect of your illness. It will help you stay well.

• SEEK HELP OR AT LEAST CONSULTATION –regarding any symptoms you may be having. This is the virtue of humility in action.

• MAKE THE EFFORT – to walk or otherwise exercise, give your self a healthy treat (not necessarily food) once a week, make sleep and socializing a priority, and each day go outside and notice one thing that God created.

For those of you who do not have a depressive or bipolar condition, Lenten sacrifices can come in the following forms:

• REFRAIN –from making judgments

• GO EASY ON YOURSELF –if it seems you cannot help no matter how hard you are trying

• MAINTAIN HEALTHY PERSONAL BOUNDARIES –even those ill should not be allowed to overstep proper boundaries.

• TREAT THE AFFECTED THE SAME –as everyone else

• RESPECT –the affected’s privacy. DON’T ask if they are on medication or are in therapy. Those closest to the individual will know that information and it’s no one else’s business.

Have a blessed and fruitful Lent!

(picture is from Wikepedia Commons)

This post is a re-post from last Ash Wednesday.

Saints Theresa of Avila, Catherine of Siena, John Bosco, Catherine of Genoa, Bernadette Soubirous, and the seers of Fatima all had visions.  Did God give them these visions or did mental illness?

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“Why does anyone who has God for the object of his intentions and who is doing the best he can, let himself be disturbed?  Why is he troubled?  What has he to fear?  No, no, God is not so frightening to those He loves.  He is content with little because He knows very well that we don’t have much.  And you, my dear daughter, know that our Lord is called Prince of Peace in the Scriptures, and that, wherever He is absolute master, He holds everything in peace.”  —St. Francis de Sales to a directee 

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