REFUGE Catholic

blog sharing our collective stories of mental & chronic illness as Catholics to build up the Church as a refuge.

[REFUGE Catholic @CatholicRefuge]

Hello world! We’re REFUGE Catholic and we’re a little piece of the big conversation on mental health and the Catholic Church.

We’re setting out to share reflections, skills, and stories on faith & mental illness.

Check out the blog & give us a follow!
https://t.co/bwPTuJr5g0

[REFUGE Catholic @CatholicRefuge]

Some people’s daily lives have enough penances for a lifetime of Lents.

It’s okay if all you offer to Jesus this Lent is yourself in survival mode—that’s all He could ever want.

[REFUGE Catholic @CatholicRefuge]

@FelixForWI If you have any question that it might not be a healthy holy thing, then consider eating healthfully that day your penance.

Generally if you have to question it, it’s “bad” enough!

[Meg Hunter-Kilmer @MegHunterKilmer]

Many even struggled with suicidal ideations because mental illness is not the result of a lack of faith. We don't pray away depression any more than we pray away cancer. Pray, yes! But go to therapy. Take meds if you need them. You are loved. https://t.co/mBLtDorEJ8

[REFUGE Catholic @CatholicRefuge]

Catholics, remember your brothers & sisters w/ eating disorders before you post about your new January diet or weight loss plan.

In recovery it can be so damaging to have these reminders of harmful behaviors shoved in your face merely because the date changed from 12/31 to 1/1.

[To The Heights Podcast @ToTheHeightsCTV]

If you need to log off of social media tonight and/or tomorrow for your own mental health, do it.

And, if you're looking for something chill and inspirational to listen to while you do, here are our 10 most well-loved episodes this year. Remember tomorrow is just tomorrow ;)

[REFUGE Catholic @CatholicRefuge]

If you need to log off social media for 24 hours so you can take some space away from everyone’s fitness goals and accomplishments this #NewYearsEve... you are more than valid.

Do it. Lean into self compassion and the Lord, and lean away from comparison and self hatred.

[REFUGE Catholic @CatholicRefuge]

We’re allowed to see January as just the month that comes next after December, not this huge reset with tons of pressure.

Focus on the daily bread, one day at a time.

[To The Heights Podcast @ToTheHeightsCTV]

Happy international disabled person day :) little reminder that invisible disabilities are just as valid and can be so isolating ✌🏻and truly, you never know what crushing battles someone could be facing even when they look “healthy” 🐕‍🦺🐕‍🦺 #disabledisntabadword

[REFUGE Catholic @CatholicRefuge]

If for whatever reason you can’t eat traditional #Thanksgiving foods today, we see you. We see how hard it is to be surrounded by family eating “normally”, to answer hard questions, and to fight to be understood.

We see you. Nourish yourself, that’s all that matters.

[REFUGE Catholic @CatholicRefuge]

For the love of anyone who struggles with disordered eating, don’t say anything this #Thanksgiving about:

-weight gain/loss
-the amount of food on someone’s plate
-equate more food or dessert with being “bad”
-talk about exercise in relationship to burning off food

Please.

[REFUGE Catholic @CatholicRefuge]

Just heard someone say “she struggled with mental health illness”

I think I might cry

[REFUGE Catholic @CatholicRefuge]

Hey, if you can’t vote today because of reasons out of your control, it’s okay. You’re valid.

[REFUGE Catholic @CatholicRefuge]

#WorldMentalHealthDay

... posting on your Instagram story is not enough.

[REFUGE Catholic @CatholicRefuge]

I want to live in a Church where healing and deliverance are not considered the same thing.

Mental illness =/= possession

[REFUGE Catholic @CatholicRefuge]

Now the important thing is that all the kind words and empowering messages we said yesterday on #WorldSuicidePreventionDay, we continue to live them for the next whole year.

Don’t let someone feel alone today, after pledging your understanding yesterday.

[REFUGE Catholic @CatholicRefuge]

@cecsquared You are cute!! 😍

[REFUGE Catholic @CatholicRefuge]

@mattfradd think about all the women who have been abused and feel invalidated by his leadership. Catholics should always stand by the marginalized and wounded among us. 🙌🏻

[REFUGE Catholic @CatholicRefuge]

when eating disorder treatment is pretty much never covered by insurance

[REFUGE Catholic @CatholicRefuge]

@StephenMaryTOR Our lady of sorrows 💙

[Cecilia Cicone 🚀 @cecsquared]

St. Maria Goretti was an extremely holy young woman.
But as a survivor, it's very difficult to have a girl who chose to die rather than be sexually assaulted upheld as the person to emulate in that situation.