Episode 198: A Bishop’s Raw Story of Anxiety and Depression: Why ‘Try Harder’ Doesn’t Work

Being Human

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:
  • A Future with Hope (on mental health)
  • The Joy and Wonder of Catholic Education: Developing Authentically Catholic Schools
• Resources recommended by Bishop Conley:
  • Surrender Novena
  • The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
  • Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
  • Catholic Medical Association
  • Catholic Healthcare Leadership Alliance
• Familiaris Consortio (The Christian Family in the Modern World)
• Ex Corde Ecclesiae (On Catholic Universities)
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