This post is based on a talk by Dr. Matthew Breuninger at SEEK24, found below.
In a world overflowing with treatments, medications, and therapies, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when seeking help for mental health challenges.
Many find solace in the Christian faith, especially during times of anxiety and depression. Today, we’re exploring how depending on God does more than nurture our spiritual lives—it also offers significant and necessary healing for our mental well-being.
Central to our faith as Christians is the Eucharist, where the true body of Christ is transformed into the bread that we partake.
But how do the Eucharist, Catholicism, and mental health go together? Continue reading to discover the profound impact this sacred practice can have on our emotional and spiritual wellness.
The Power of Connection
Let’s delve into the experience with a 5-year-old boy I met in therapy, who was removed from a neglectful home. On his first day, he defiantly declared, “I don’t want to be here,” showcasing his turmoil. Despite his initial aggression and loud protests—including flipping a chair and threatening violence—I managed to bring him to the playroom where his anger erupted further. He tore the room apart, screaming and crying out his rage.
After a tense half-hour, I approached him, reassured him of his safety, and held him gently to calm him. This moment of connection was crucial; he slowly relaxed, his tears stopped, and he began to breathe more easily. I reassured him, “It’s okay, I know your feelings are really big right now.” We then cleaned up together, and I made it a point to affirm him before he left, kneeling to say, “I can’t wait to see you next week.” His response, a slumped embrace, underscored his desperate need for connection and reassurance.
Catholic faith and Mental Health: Insights on Human Nature and Relationships
We are created in the image of a God whose very essence is relational. This theological perspective is supported by psychological science, which shows that our emotional health and identity are profoundly impacted by our relationships. Safe, nurturing connections are essential for emotional regulation and recovery from trauma.
Characteristics of Healing Relationships
Healing relationships, whether therapeutic or personal, provide safety, visibility (being seen and known), soothing, value, and support for personal growth. These qualities are essential for individuals to feel accepted and understood, facilitating deep emotional healing.
Personal Reflection: The Importance of Emotional Support
Reflecting on my own vulnerabilities, I experienced anxiety before this talk. I called my wife, who immediately provided reassurance. Her words, “Oh, it’s alright, Boo. I love you, you got this,” instantly calmed me, underscoring the power of having supportive relationships in our lives. This moment not only alleviated my stress but also reinforced my belief in the importance of being connected to others, especially when facing challenges.
The Eucharist: A Source of Unconditional Love and Healing
The Eucharist offers a unique form of connection with Christ, embodying perfect love and acceptance. This sacred act is more than a ritual; it’s a profound encounter where we experience being deeply understood, loved, and valued. For those suffering from mental ailments like anxiety and depression, the Eucharist can be a significant source of comfort and renewal, offering a spiritual reassurance that mirrors the therapeutic connections that facilitate significant emotional healing.
Christ’s Sacrificial Love and the Dynamic Nature of the Eucharist
The Eucharist is not a static experience; it’s a dynamic encounter with Christ who meets us in our deepest needs. In the Eucharist, we don’t just remember Christ’s sacrifice; we participate in it. This sacrament allows us to engage with Christ in a way that is both deeply personal and transformative. It’s an active, living communion where Christ’s body, blood, soul, and divinity are present, offering us the gift of His perfect love in every Mass.
Practical Steps to Deepen Our Eucharistic Experience
To truly benefit from the Eucharist and deepen our relationship with Christ, we should engage in several practices:
- Read Scripture: Familiarizing ourselves with Christ’s life and teachings deepens our connection during the Eucharist. Knowing the person of Christ helps us understand and appreciate the depth of His love and the sacrifice He made for us.
- Use Your Imagination: Envision the safety, love, and acceptance Christ offers. Imagine Christ not only as a historical figure but as a living presence that interacts with us. This can transform the Eucharistic experience from a ritual to a personal encounter with a loving God.
- Be Vulnerable: Approach the Eucharist with openness, bringing all fears, insecurities, and even the hidden parts of our hearts to Christ. This vulnerability allows for a genuine transformation, as Christ meets us with compassion and offers us His healing grace.
Integrating the Eucharist, Catholicism, and Mental Health Into Daily Life
The relationship with Christ cultivated through the Eucharist doesn’t end with the Mass or adoration; it should permeate our daily lives. By continuously inviting Christ into our daily challenges and reflecting on our sacred encounters with Him, we allow His presence to reshape and heal us. Maintaining a dialogue with Christ throughout the day helps us to recognize His ongoing work in our lives, transforming us gradually into His likeness. This continuous engagement is essential for our spiritual growth and emotional healing.
In the Eucharist, Christ extends an invitation to us to receive profound love—the love that seeks to fill the voids left by earthly pains and disappointments. It is an invitation to embrace the freedom to love fully and be loved in return. This sacrament is a transformative power, capable of changing our lives in the most profound ways by allowing us to experience the depth of God’s love and to carry that love into the world.
Additional Resources
Learn more about the Eucharist and why it’s so important here and here.
Want to learn more about Catholicism and mental health? Check out this blog from FOCUS Equip: 4 Ways to Strengthen Your Mental Health. and 5 Ways to Pray When Your Life is Falling Apart.
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