Looking for Comfort

[Katiedale73]

Hi, I'm relatively new to Mumsnet and consider myself agnostic.

The reason I'm in this section is because I'm curious about how people who believe in God/Heaven/Afterlife/Re-incarnation know that what they believe in actually exists. I ask because since having my daughter over three years ago I've suffered Post-natal Depression and one of my biggest problems has been worrying about death and dying.

I've spent hours at night crying and worrying that one or both of my parents will suddenly die (they're only in their 50s) without me saying goodbye or that something will happen to me, my partner or one of our two kids.

As someone who doesn't believe (but would love to) in religion in any shape or form it's hard when people (such as Catholic partner) tell me not to worry because 'we all go on and meet again' or 'no one ever really dies' but can't back it up with anything other than 'they just believe it because they do'.

Can anyone offer anything concrete to a lost soul before I go completely out of my mind?

Thanks

[Papillon]

Hi Katie

You are most welcome to come and hang in Chill & Chat. I can´t stop to post more here on your thread atm but there is a cross section of spiritual MNetters from religious to non who go to Chill & Chat. You might find some answers or direction there.

All the best, Paps

[MrsWobble]

Hi - I can't answer your question directly but I believe in God because I think there has to be a purpose to what we do, whether we are aware of it or not - I can't believe that what we do doesn't "matter" in some way. As to the worries about bereavement - I went through something similar when my mother had a serious car crash in the US while on holiday. I never thought I would be able to deal with that sort of thing (mother in intensive care overseas - father at home unable to cope etc etc) but the support I and my father received, both emotional and practical, was overwhelming. I firmly believe that whilst God does not stop "bad" things happening, he gives us the strength to deal with them when they do. This means there is no point worrying about what might happen, just trust that you will be able to deal with it when and if it does. Meanwhile, enjoy life and make the most of it.

Don't know if this helps at all - it's quite difficult to explain why I believe in God - but I know that I do.

[ionesmum]

I'm a Christian and have had pnd, I still find myself now holding one of my dds and crying because I am terrified that she will die, or that I will. Belief in God doesn't make you immune from these fears or the depression that causes them, but it does give you a faith that whatever happens, God has us in his care, and that in the end everything shall be well. It's scant consolation to know that we will be together in heaven when we want our loved ones with us now, but I try to remember that they have gone to a place far better than where we are, and to a God who loves them far more than we do, and who will keep them safe forever.

[DixiExpat]

I understand how traumatic this worry must be, I am a Christian but in the past suffered from an anxiety disorder and often though I was dying.

I have many reasons to believe in God and Jesus.The thing is, they are personal experiences such as miraculous healings and instant answers to prayers once in awhile,plenty of stories I could share with you and tell you about but nothing I can "prove" to you here by typing.

Even though you don't believe, have you ever considered "crying out to God" and asking him to help you?

I know you would feel silly at first but, you may be surprised.