Welcome!
Do not fear: I am with you; do not be anxious: I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear: I am with you; do not be anxious: I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
FAQs
Can Catholics go to a therapist?
Yes! Just as we need a physician for our bodies when sick, and spiritual nourishment from the sacraments when far from God; so to can we benefit from therapy to help form a healthy mindset. Therapists are there to listen to the problems you have going on and help guide you to a solution for lasting peace. They offer great tools to deal with overwhelming feelings and confusing or difficult life experiences. You should feel comfortable and safe with the therapist you meet with, if that's not the case, all therapists want you to find someone you can connect with.
Is it a sin to commit suicide or self harm?
Every human life has infinite value, including yours. To intentionally seek to harm yourself or others does violate the 5th Commandment; you shall not kill. However, there is a lot that goes into what intentionally means. In order for something to be a mortal sin it must fulfill all three requirements; the act must be of grave matter, one must have full knowledge, and one must have deliberate consent. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: 2281 Suicide contradicts the natural inclination of the human being to preserve and perpetuate his life. It is gravely contrary to the just love of self. It likewise offends love of neighbor because it unjustly breaks the ties of solidarity with family, nation, and other human societies to which we continue to have obligations. Suicide is contrary to love for the living God. 2282 If suicide is committed with the intention of setting an example, especially to the young, it also takes on the gravity of scandal. Voluntary co-operation in suicide is contrary to the moral law. Grave psychological disturbances, anguish, or grave fear of hardship, suffering, or torture can diminish the responsibility of the one committing suicide. 2283 We should not despair of the eternal salvation of persons who have taken their own lives. By ways known to him alone, God can provide the opportunity for salutary repentance. The Church prays for persons who have taken their own lives.
Will it ever get better?
As Catholics, we believe that Jesus has promised us a place in heaven, where there will be no pain and suffering. John 10:10 states "I came so that you might have life and have it abundantly". The sacraments of the Catholic Church, along with fellow Christian community, connect us to supernatural graces that offer us lasting joy amid suffering and peace amid confusion. Sometimes, people will experience greater hardships than others, to the point where it may challenge them with the question of "why God?". This is a vital question for all persons to ask. We are not made to walk this path alone in life, please reach out to the Newman staff, a local priest, or a therapist if you are struggling to find meaning in life or contemplating committing suicide. We are here to help.
How do I know if I'm an addict?
Before all else, you are loved and you are not the sum of your successes or failures. You are a child of God. It takes great fortitude to look an addiction at face value and come to the conclusion you have a problem. Recovery is possible. If you are beginning to ask yourself whether you might be struggling with addiction, here are some signs to look out for that may indicate you have more of a problem than a bad habit:
Yes! Just as we need a physician for our bodies when sick, and spiritual nourishment from the sacraments when far from God; so to can we benefit from therapy to help form a healthy mindset. Therapists are there to listen to the problems you have going on and help guide you to a solution for lasting peace. They offer great tools to deal with overwhelming feelings and confusing or difficult life experiences. You should feel comfortable and safe with the therapist you meet with, if that's not the case, all therapists want you to find someone you can connect with.
Is it a sin to commit suicide or self harm?
Every human life has infinite value, including yours. To intentionally seek to harm yourself or others does violate the 5th Commandment; you shall not kill. However, there is a lot that goes into what intentionally means. In order for something to be a mortal sin it must fulfill all three requirements; the act must be of grave matter, one must have full knowledge, and one must have deliberate consent. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: 2281 Suicide contradicts the natural inclination of the human being to preserve and perpetuate his life. It is gravely contrary to the just love of self. It likewise offends love of neighbor because it unjustly breaks the ties of solidarity with family, nation, and other human societies to which we continue to have obligations. Suicide is contrary to love for the living God. 2282 If suicide is committed with the intention of setting an example, especially to the young, it also takes on the gravity of scandal. Voluntary co-operation in suicide is contrary to the moral law. Grave psychological disturbances, anguish, or grave fear of hardship, suffering, or torture can diminish the responsibility of the one committing suicide. 2283 We should not despair of the eternal salvation of persons who have taken their own lives. By ways known to him alone, God can provide the opportunity for salutary repentance. The Church prays for persons who have taken their own lives.
Will it ever get better?
As Catholics, we believe that Jesus has promised us a place in heaven, where there will be no pain and suffering. John 10:10 states "I came so that you might have life and have it abundantly". The sacraments of the Catholic Church, along with fellow Christian community, connect us to supernatural graces that offer us lasting joy amid suffering and peace amid confusion. Sometimes, people will experience greater hardships than others, to the point where it may challenge them with the question of "why God?". This is a vital question for all persons to ask. We are not made to walk this path alone in life, please reach out to the Newman staff, a local priest, or a therapist if you are struggling to find meaning in life or contemplating committing suicide. We are here to help.
How do I know if I'm an addict?
Before all else, you are loved and you are not the sum of your successes or failures. You are a child of God. It takes great fortitude to look an addiction at face value and come to the conclusion you have a problem. Recovery is possible. If you are beginning to ask yourself whether you might be struggling with addiction, here are some signs to look out for that may indicate you have more of a problem than a bad habit:
- Problems at work or school, including poor performance, lateness or absenteeism, and social dysfunction
- Loss of energy or motivation
- Neglecting one’s appearance
- Spending excessive amounts of money on the substance
- Obsessing about the next dose, ensuring a consistent supply of the substance, and worrying about the next source of the substance
- Performing risky behaviors while intoxicated
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when unable to take the drug
- Developing tolerance, so it’s necessary to take more to feel the original euphoria
- Stealing to get the drug
- Lying about consumption habits, or getting defensive or aggressive when questioned about consumption
- Compulsively taking the drug or being unable to stop taking it
|
|
|
|
|
What to Do If You're Facing These Struggles
1. Know that there is hope. You are not your struggle and your identity is found in the love God has for you. He loves you no matter what kind of darkness you're in and no matter what choices you've made. Healing, peace, and happiness are possible. 2. Talk to someone who can help. You are not alone and you have nothing to be ashamed of. Talk to a parent, a mentor, a priest or sister, or a counselor. You have to bring the struggle to light in order to get free of it. 3. Go to God for the strength to keep fighting. God gives us His strength when we turn to Him in prayer and especially in the sacraments of the Eucharist and Confession. |
Resources
24/7 Suicide and Crisis Line: 988 Self-Harm Recovery Information Line 1-800-366-8288 Path Crisis 211: Providing Assistance to Help, located in Bloomington, IL. McLean County Community Resources Therapy Options: Better Help - this is a virtual therapy option if you don't have time or are uncomfortable meeting with someone in person. Agape Counseling - This is a Christian Counseling business, located in Bloomington, IL. ISU Student Counseling Services - Student Counseling Services seeks to provide a safe, welcoming, and affirming environment for all students. We also seek to foster a diverse campus community of safety, inclusiveness, and respect. We therefore commit ourselves to creating an environment based on our values that allow our diverse student body to access care, receive high quality services and take positive pathways to mental health. |
|
When you need...
|
When you feel...
|
|
Courage:
Psalm 27:14 Hebrews 4:16 Joshua 1:9 Endurance & Perseverance Philippians 3:12-14 2 Timothy 2:3-7 Hebrews 10:36 Mark 13:5-13 Faith Matthew 25:23 Hebrews 11:1-6 Fulfillment Matthew 5:3-12 John 10:10 |
Hope
1 Peter 1:13 Psalm 42:6-11 Psalm 39:7 Forgiveness 1 John 1:9 Mark 11:25-26 Ephesians 4:31-32 Luke 15:11-32 Purity Matthew 5:8, 27-32 Titus 1:15 Philippians 4:8 Love 1 John 4:7-21 John 15:9-11 1 Corinthians 13 Luke 10:27 Romans 5:8 |
Humility
Luke 18:9-14 Philippians 2:3-11 Matthew 18:3-4 Joy John 15:11 Psalm 100 Psalm 16:9-11 Philippians 4:4-7 Honesty 2 Corinthians 8:21 Psalm 42:6-11 Truth John 14:6 Philippians 4:8 John 17:17 Ephesians 4:14-15 |
Anxious or Worried
Matthew 6:25-34 Philippians 4:6 1 Peter 5:6-7 Psalm 121 Afraid Psalm 46 Psalm 34:4 Matthew 10:28 2 Timothy 1:7 Hebrews 13:5-6 Tempted Psalm 1 Matthew 26:41 1 Corinthians 10:12-14 Philippians 4:8 |
Homesick
Psalm 121 Matthew 10:16-20 Lonely Psalm 23 Hebrews 13:5-6 Hopeless Psalm 42:5-11 Hebrews 11 1 Peter 1:13 Sorrowful 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 John 14 Psalm 51 Matthew 5:4 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 |
Weary
Matthew 11:28-30 Galatians 6:9-10 Psalm 90 Discouraged 2 Corinthians 4:8-18 Philippians 4:4-7 Psalm 23 Psalm 42:6-11 Psalm 55:22 Matthew 5:11-12 |
|
Connect with us on Social Media!
Instagram @NewmanCenterNormal Facebook John Paul Newman (Profile) |
