www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Prayer Severe Depression

I'm almost embarrassed to ask this, but for some months now I've been attempting to cope with severe depression brought on by some serious conflicts with loved ones as well as the continual stress of taking care of my mother. Unfortunately I'm not succeeding very well at the moment, and even long intense prayer is causing only frustration and despair. I feel like I've tried everything, but the problem just continues to get worse. In your charity please say a prayer that I'll be able to find the peace to endure this difficult situation.

Prayers for my brother, Lawrence, that the Lord lift from his mind the burdens imposed by the stresses that he faces in life and that he be enabled to be at peace within himself.

Lawrence,

I understand why you might be somewhat embarrased but don't be. We are all weak humans here, in need of each other's prayers and God's mercy. What a wonderful act of charity and mercy to take care of your mother. You seem like a very kind person. Not doubt Satan is going to try to attack you but remember when God seems far away, that is when He is the closest. God Bless You!

Almighty Father, bring Lawrence the peace and grace to endure this difficult situation. Heal the conflicts that have been going on with Lawrence's loved ones. Help Lawrence to care for his mother as your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ cared for his Blessed Mother. We ask this through our Lord, Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. AMEN

Dear Lawrence, +May the LORD heal and help you! Please don't EVER be embarrassed to ask for help with depression...severe depression is a serious thing...and you should ask for prayers and help with this. We will put your name on our prayerlist immediately and begin at once to remember you in our daily prayers.

Lord heal and help Your son who is suffering...and lift his spirits so that he can see the brightness of Your Ressurection beyond the cross in his daily life! Most Holy Mother of God, 'Joy of All Who Sorrow' be near your child as his Mother and raise him from his darkness and help him to see the light of your Risen Son. Bright guardian angel of God given our brother at holy baptism...be with your servant and help him to see that glory and joy are never far away and that he will share in this one day for all Eternity. Help, save, and pity Your son O Lord!

In His great mercy & love,
+Fr. Gregory, who is praying for you!

Perhaps us Westerners overemphasise his passion but remember that it is the most powerful act of love from the only true lover. Human love in many cases can be reduced to biological or psychological factors, which isnt bad because God designed us that way. But in God there is no neccessity for anything outside of Himself. Therefore, to create the universe and to create man to seek Him, know Him and love Him was an act of infinate goodness. When man fell God could've washed away all our sins with a single command, it is more than within his power. But instead He iniated some complicated process of salvation history that cultminated in Him emptying Himself taking on the form of a servant and learning obidience even unto death simply because thats the way He wanted to express His love. God the being upon whom no neccessity rests, chooses completley freely to suffer for you personally and me and everyone ever. Wrap yourself up well in that love my friend and let it be the light that guides you through this darkness.
I'll remember you in my daily Rosary

Dear Lawrence, I am praying for you today too. Whatever you are feeling, don't despair, because sooner or later God WILL lift you up out of this pit of depression.

Love,
Theist Gal

P.S. if you don't mind my suggesting this, please consider going to a doctor you trust, and getting a checkup, if the depression continues -- there may be a physical cause as well as an emotional/spiritual one. If not, at least you'll have a better idea of what you're dealing with, and your doctor might be able to offer some advice on how to cope.

May the Lord bless you, Lawrence!

Prayers for His graces of healing through the intercession of the most holy Theotokos.

Prayers for you and your difficult situation, may the Lord strengthen you and calm the rough waters.

james

Many prayers for you, and for your family that they will be a help to you instead of another problem for you.

Dear Lawrence,

I am praying for you, and hope that you will soon be free from that depression. There are also some natural things that might help.

Make sure you are taking enough 'B' vitamins and vitamin 'C'. Also, you can try St. John's Wort, (it takes about two weeks to work). You can also try the Amino Acid 'L-Tyrosine'. It helps depression and mood swings. You might be deficient in it.

I did hear two days ago, that cutting down on sugar and caffeine was able to reduce depression... even in those clinically depressed.

All in all, watch the foods you eat, you might be having sugar lows, (I say that as one coming from a family where it's all too familiar).

And just in case, it's something a little more 'evil', and that your problems are being compounded by otherwordly forces, (and that does happen you know), I suggest that you seek serious spiritual help. (Special liturgies, Masses, etc.)

In the meantime, we'll all be praying for you.

Zenovia

Dear Lawrence,

I can only speak for myself, but sometimes what brings on depression in me is the refusal to accept pain and suffering and contradiction in my life.

I get all worked up about having to endure these things as if to say, "Lord, surely these things are beneath me! How can these things be happening to me?"

People will be out to get our goat, sometimes with the best of our intentions.

They will impute negative motives to us and otherwise try to be hurtful.

That is their way of addressing a number of their own personal issues, including their own sense of insecurity.

I agree with Myles on the meditation of the Passion.

Our Lord was once said to have exclaimed to a nun in a vision, "Whenever you suffer anything, think immediately upon My Wounds in My Hands and Feet and Side - and your suffering will ease."

In addition, saints have long recommended the beginning verses of Psalm 69/70: "O God come to my assistance, O Lord make haste to help me."

This is to be said throughout the day.

Also, get the sleep and rest you need, and fill up on fruits, vegetables and grainy bread.

"Wait on the Lord, I say!"

Alex

Lord, grant our brother, Lawrence, the peace he needs to endure in his situation as well as the light at the end of the tunnel. Help him to remember that you walk with him through that tunnel and give him a really good day today.

In Christ,

Mary Jo

Lawrence -- PRAYERS!!! Please know that your forum friends care very much. You will be kept in prayer. Trust in the Lord, and know these things. Hold onto them in the time of trouble, and look up to the Lord...

1. God is faithful. With every temptation will make a way of escape that we may be able to bear it.

2. God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

3. God cares about you deeply --more than you care for yourself.

4. Others are praying....your burden is being shared by others.

5. God isn't far away, no matter how it feels...

6. Jesus cried out "My God, My God, why have you abandoned me..." He understands your trials.

7. Others need your prayers, too. For our sakes take courage, and if you can't pray for yourself, pray for us. We will pray for you.

8. Don't be afraid to reach out in your time of need.

God bless you, Lawrence, and all those you care for....

We bear each other's burdens as part of our Unity in Christ

Lawrence:

Let each of us be Simon of Cyrene to you at this time. May each of us help to pick up your cross and carry it with you.

Remember that you are not alone at any time since you have reached out to us. In this portion of the Body of Christ, someone will now pick you up in prayer at some time of the day or night.

Write back. We care. MORE IMPORTANTLY, JESUS CHRIST CARES FAR MORE THAN YOU CAN IMAGINE.

You posted a day or so ago. So how are you doing right now?

In Christ,

BOB

Dear Lawarence,

I know your time is limited and valuable, and your mom's health is very demanding, but as often as you can get you both out into the sunlight. Set out in the fresh air, let nature help you relax some. The winter months are very hard for seasonal depression and with everything else going on around you, I can understand the depression.

So as much sunlight as possible may help.

Also, if I might offer one more suggestion uplifting contemporary Christian music. Allow the Holy Spirit to lift you in the melody you hear about you.

Prayers..
Pani Rose