Struggling with mental health or depression can feel overwhelming—but in the light of faith, even our deepest wounds can be transformed. In this episode of the A Reason for Hope podcast, Catholic psychiatrist Dr. Aaron Kheriaty shares powerful insights on how prayer, meditation, and embracing redemptive suffering can lead to profound healing and lasting hope.

We’ll explore:

• The connection between prayer, Catholic spirituality, and emotional well-being
• How to find meaning in suffering and allow God to transform it
• What it means to avoid “sanitizing the cross” in modern Christian life
• Practical steps to truly embrace the crucified Christ every day
• How to meditate on Christ’s Passion in daily prayer and especially during the Mass
• Why our culture struggles with the concept of redemptive suffering
• How to confront the hidden battles of spiritual warfare with faith and courage

If you’ve been searching for encouragement and practical steps to grow closer to God through your trials, this conversation will inspire you to see your cross not as a burden, but as a bridge to grace.

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⏰Timecode⏰

00:00 Introduction

02:37 Start of Interview

03:18 The Connection Between Faith and Mental Health

09:26 Reductionist view of Modern Psychology

15:08 The Role of Faith in Alleviating Suffering

19:28 Meditating on the Passion of Christ

24:44 The Broader Context of Christ's Suffering

31:12 Importance of Uniting Suffering with Christ

32:20 The Redemptive Nature of Suffering

33:44 Cultural Mentality and Victimhood

37:08 Spiritual Healings role in Psychological Well-being

40:02 The Role of Sacraments in Healing

47:30 Final Reflections on Suffering and Hope