Anxiety and depression are broad terms that describe a variety of physiological and psychological responses. It’s normal for everyone to experience some anxiety and depression in life, like feeling anxious before giving a speech or feeling depressed after a breakup. But, for some people anxiety and/or depression can cause significant distress and interfere with daily life.
Read MoreOnce I was in therapy, I was able to start talking through all of the messes in my mind. It has been a long journey for me, but as I’ve grown into loving and accepting who Christ has made me to be, I’ve been able to slowly let go of the eating disorder. I’ve come a long way, and I’m so grateful for all that’s brought me to where I am now. I still need to focus on managing my anxiety, which can get out of control if I don’t keep myself grounded, but I don’t struggle with an eating disorder and all of the baggage that comes along with it.
Read MoreI used to think that if I loved God better, or if I were more lovable to Him (as if I could do anything that would make Him love me more or less than He does!), then my depression would go away. It made me realize, eventually, how harmful "prosperity gospel" thinking is, and also how easy it is to fall into that kind of thinking. Thankfully, my experiences have made me more aware of that and helped me to recognize it more in my own thinking and in others––and put a stop to it before it becomes harmful.
Read MoreI continued to go to mass and pray regularly even though I wasn't feeling better, and this was hard because there were periods where I wondered if God had abandoned me or if I was doomed to live with anxiety and depression forever. Eventually, I came to realize that God was reaching out to me through the people he sent my way to help me sort through my wounds, my mess, and help me rediscover my true identity as a beloved daughter of God.
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