Posted by cindy lou on June 9, 2006, at 23:40:56
Hi,
I have never posted on this board before, only the "original" board about people on meds. I am glad there is a board here on faith.I have a question that I am hoping to find some help with. I grew up Catholic -- lived in a devout Catholic family, went to Catholic school for 12 years, etc. For many reasons I no longer practice Catholicism, but I am strong in my Christian faith (attend a nondenominational church.)
I have suffered from depression and anxiety for at least 20 years, have tried many different meds and been in and out of counseling. Lately, I have had two pdocs tell me that I suffer from trenendous guilt. One of them had just met me, and he asked if I was Catholic. At first I said no, and then I said, "But I was raised a devout Catholic." The pdoc went on to say "I could smell it!" meaning he had a feeling I had a Catholic upbringing because of all the guilt I suffer from.
My question is this ... why? I am trying to look back on my childhood and figure out why I still suffer from guilt now that I know I am saved by grace. One pdoc even said that people don't ever recover from the guilt they incur by being raised Catholic. I understand that not all Catholics are guilt-ridden, but could someone try to explain to me why my Catholic upbringing may be causing me so much guilt to this day? (Basically, I feel guilty about everything -- every wrong move, wrong word, etc.) I am 42 years old (as of midnight!) and I still have this.
And one more question -- how do I get rid of it? Any recommendations on books or workbooks?
Thanks so much for any help you can give me!
cindy
poster:cindy lou
thread:655101
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faith/20051105/msgs/655101.html