How My Faith and Bath Mind Support My Mental Health

Andrew writes about his time at a retreat and how his faith, along with professional support from Bath Mind services, has positively impacted his mental health.

My time at the retreat

I recently attended a private retreat in Devon. The weather was glorious; a perfect summer’s temperature hovering between 22 and 25 degrees in brilliant blue skies and wall-to-wall sunshine. I got up early every day at 6.15am and attended Matins and Lauds. The Buckfast monks sang the beautiful Gregorian chant and there were very instructive and inspiring readings (either from sacred Scripture, or from a Papal encyclical, or from the Fathers) included in the prayers.

I loved it, especially as I have been going on Benedictine retreats for twenty years now. My Consultant Psychiatrist first arranged it with the then Abbot of Downside Abbey and I have been an Oblate for fifteen years now.

There are three other Offices of prayer – Mid-Day Prayer, Vespers and Compline, during which the monks centre their lives and at other times in silence, so that they can “tune into” God in prayer. They also study Scripture and have various work, like being in the wood workshop, or being the beekeeper.

Supporting my mental health

Being an Oblate, my Oblate Master grandly looked after me. With all the prayers I offered up on High (including praying for Bath Mind’s Breathing Space), I came away feeling much more settled and at peace and, crucially, more positive. So much so, that I sent an email to Breathing Space saying, “I know I’ll get better, and I know how to do it, and you can help me!”

As I run the course of severe mental ill health, I can see the finishing line and Breathing Space are going to help me do it. Also, Bath Mind’s Open Opportunities and Active Opportunities groups, and, precious to my heart, the Soundwell singing group which meets fortnightly (I love singing so much!), are all of great help and very enjoyable. I also love entertaining and going out for meals with my friends, and I have one friend who comes for lunch every Thursday in Benedictine hospitality.

Returning to Buckfast Abbey, my Oblate Master told me about the importance of positivity. Central to my positive life is a deep love of God, who is in my heart, mind, soul, and self, and who makes me very happy, as I pray to Him in supplication and awe. 

A huge thank you to Andrew for your honest and open account of your experiences – it is wonderful to hear how your faith supports your mental wellbeing, and how you have been supported by Bath Mind’s Breathing Space and wellbeing group services.