Faith, Depression, and Anxiety: A Catholic Response to Mental Health

Salve Maria! In this powerful episode, we welcome Deacon George Urenas, a Toronto police officer for 30 years and now a hospital chaplain serving in oncology, palliative care, and psychiatric wards in Mississauga.

With decades of frontline experience — from gang units and child abuse investigations to hospital ministry — Deacon George offers a deeply Catholic perspective on depression, anxiety, guilt, shame, and hope.

Why Are Mental Health Issues Increasing?

The pandemic may be over, but anxiety and depression are not. According to Deacon George, one major factor is the decline of faith in society.

Faith gives meaning. Faith gives hope. Faith reminds us that suffering is not the end of the story.

When people lose meaning, they struggle to cope with life. Many who appear strong externally are internally falling apart.

The Hidden Reality Behind the Perfect Facade

Some of the deepest cases of depression are hidden behind smiling faces and perfect social media profiles.

Families that seem joyful and stable may be struggling with doubt, hopelessness, and emotional collapse.

One of the greatest barriers? Fear of asking for help.

Does Faith Protect Mental Health?

Deacon George observes that practicing Catholics — those who actively live their faith — show significantly lower levels of severe mental health crises compared to the general population.

This does not mean Catholics never suffer. It means faith provides:

• Meaning in suffering
• Hope beyond present pain
• A structure for healing
• Community support

Many patients who spent years in therapy discovered deeper progress once they rediscovered faith.

The Power of Community and Peer Support

At his parish, Deacon George runs a spiritual support group similar to AA, but for those suffering from depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and emotional trauma.

The key element? Shared experience.

One peer mentor, living with bipolar disorder, once believed he was “broken” and unworthy to serve. Today, he helps others by sharing how he learned to live with his condition through faith and structured prayer.

Faith did not erase his disorder — but it gave him strength to live with it.

Hope Heals

Hope is not wishful thinking. It is a theological virtue.

In psychiatric wards and palliative care, Deacon George has witnessed hope transform people who felt beyond repair.

Even in chaotic hospital settings filled with severe mental illness, love and acknowledgment calm the storm.

Most people do not need judgment. They need to know they are loved.

Guilt, Shame, and the Difficulty of Forgiveness

One of the most common struggles in spiritual care is guilt that lingers even after confession.

Many people say: “I’ve been forgiven, but it can’t be that easy.”

The truth of the Gospel says otherwise. Like the Prodigal Son, once we repent, the Father runs toward us.

The difficulty often lies in forgiving ourselves.

Without self-forgiveness, healing stalls. Releasing shame allows people to move forward.

The Tragedy of Unforgiveness

In palliative care, some of the saddest cases involve people dying alone because they never reconciled with family.

Yet even at the final hour, forgiveness can break through hardened hearts.

There is always a spark of love beneath years of anger — and grace can reignite it.

Daily Practices That Sustain Mental and Spiritual Health

1. Prayer Life

A consistent prayer life anchors the soul.

2. Liturgy of the Hours

One powerful method shared in the episode is praying the Liturgy of the Hours.

Rather than trying to survive an entire day of depression or anxiety, break it into small segments:

• Morning Prayer
• Midday Prayer
• Evening Prayer
• Night Prayer

“Lord, just get me through the next two hours.”

Faith makes survival manageable one step at a time.

3. Daily Examination of Conscience

Looking honestly in the mirror each day — asking what can be changed and what must be accepted — builds resilience and growth.

Perspective from the Bedside of the Dying

After accompanying over a thousand people in their final hours, Deacon George shares a profound lesson:

Most of life’s daily frustrations are inconveniences — not true problems.

True problems are eternal questions. True healing comes from hope beyond death.

Where to Find Help

Deacon George offers a free spiritual care clinic at:

St. Joseph’s Parish, Streetsville (Mississauga)
Tuesday evenings, 6:00–8:00 PM
Appointments recommended

Support is offered freely, rooted in faith and pastoral care.

Final Message

When the world feels like it is collapsing, remember:

You are not alone.
Christ is present in the Tabernacle.
Hope is real.
Grace is stronger than despair.

Take one step. Walk into a church. Kneel before the Lord. Ask for help.

And help will find you.