After recovering from an episode of depression, mania, severe anxiety, or any other mental or emotional problem we can feel like we’ve lost time. What could have been cherished moments were spent in a total self-absorbed struggle. If the episode was short it’s not so bad but if it lasted months or came and went for years time truly does feel lost. Other people talk about the good old days and you can’t remember a thing except trying not to die, being in incredible pain, or doing shameful things while ill.

Yet have you really lost time, or have you lost your fantasy of what you thought you should have been doing with it?

Holy people seemingly lost time to various mental and emotional ills. Blessed Fr. Enrico Rebuschini spent several years in and out of mental hospitals struggling with depressive psychosis. St. Jane Frances de Chantal spent months in grief, resentment, and bitterness after the accidental death of her husband. St. Louise de Marillac was so morose over her problems that her spiritual director chided her. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton during one time in her life was described as a walking skeleton with her children trying hard to be good so as not to disturb her. According to her relatives she was deluded.

The fact is when we are ill our time is spent combating the illness. The secular outlook is that quality of life is gone. The Christian outlook is that all time is precious, even time we spend struggling. All is redemptive. No time is ever lost.

So yes, seek treatment so that you can enjoy the gift of life. Do it over and over again in any way reasonable. Pray for healing and strength. However, if these don’t help, continue the good fight. It is time well spent in the eyes of God.