Being Human Episode 198: A Bishop’s Raw Story of Anxiety and Depression: Why ‘Try Harder’ Doesn’t Work
Bishop James Conley shares his raw and personal journey of battling anxiety and depression as a Church leader. He reveals the trap of “just try harder” and emphasizes that true healing comes only by breaking free from self-reliance. If you’ve ever felt the pressure to keep pushing through, this episode will challenge and encourage you to embrace authentic healing.
Discussed in this episode:
- Bishop James Conley’s personal journey with anxiety, depression, and PTSD;
- The surprising decision to take a leave of absence and publicly share his mental health struggles as a bishop;
- Recognizing the trap of “try harder” and the American mentality of “ungodly self-reliance;”
- Self-reliance deepening mental health struggles instead of relieving them;
- Breaking free of the messages of “man up,” “work harder,” and “toughen it out” which led to a loss of joy;
- The fears involved in admitting that “I can’t fix myself;”
- How vulnerability and radical surrender became essential parts of his healing process;
- How relying on our own talents gets in the way of Christ working through us to do great things;
- The importance of a proper Catholic anthropology in addressing the modern mental health crisis;
- The impact of technology on children’s mental health and the value of play-based learning;
- How parents, schools, and the Church can work together to support children’s development;
- Bishop Conley's call for a radical renewal in education and healthcare grounded in Christ-centered principles.
Resources mentioned or relevant:
- Pastoral letters by Most Reverend James D. Conley, STL, Bishop of Lincoln:
- Resources recommended by Bishop Conley:
- Familiaris Consortio (The Christian Family in the Modern World)
- Ex Corde Ecclesiae (On Catholic Universities)
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