Do you practice religion?

I was an atheist as a young adult.

Had some life experiences and converted to Catholicism.

Left Catholicism for a good number of years because I felt like my Bipolar 1 and PTSD were worsened by the social aspects of being mentally ill at church.

Returned to Catholicism this year after forgiving people and myself.

Mental illness still plagues me. But unlike in the past, I’m grateful to participate in the sacraments.

I think being isolated and feeling the absence of faith in my life led to this feeling of profound gratitude that I can return and practice Catholicism again.

Currently, I’m struggling with depression and have found beautiful prayers like the one below to be comforting during this painful time.

Prayer Against Depression

(St. Ignatius Loyola)

O Christ Jesus,
when all is darkness and we feel our weakness and helplessness,
give us the sense of Your presence, Your love, and Your strength.
Help us to have perfect trust in Your protecting love
and strengthening power, so that nothing may frighten or worry us,
for, living close to You, we shall see Your hand,
Your purpose, Your will through all things.