Mental Illness, Faith, and Patron Saints

There seems to be a patron saint for almost anything and any place. So, when I came across this article, I found it really quite interesting that there are saints that we can invoke spiritual support from for our mental illnesses. The story of St. Dymphna was truly heartbreaking. I shared it with my daughter who thought the same thing. But, we can use her story as inspiration for our own trials. AND....we need to share our trials with others so we can inspire and uplift them, as well. God never gives us problems without a way to use them for the good of ourselves and others.


As one who suffers from anxiety and depression, it makes life really hard. Recently I ventured out by myself and went to an early evening Mass at a nearby Franciscan chapel. That was a big thing for me. I really haven't been anywhere on my own in quite some time. But, I felt I needed to be there, so off I went. And I was glad to have gone. Unfortunately, my anxiety wouldn't leave me alone enough to enjoy the peace and serenity of it all, but it still was an accomplishment. The whole idea is to at least do SOMETHING, no matter how small. AND... be proud of yourself for accomplishing it, no matter how insignificant it may seem.

Give this article a read. If nothing else, it will give you some hope that you can keep surviving and moving forward. https://www.catholiccompany.com/getfed/mental-illness-patron-saints-6296?fbclid=IwAR30K5Np3eQjI0mqkycPB_TkHzWudUmPrQ0Q1ydBEwcDU17JjVlTkrCpqCc

Sending Love and Blessings. 😊💙✝️