Reddit reviews The Dark Night of the Soul: A Psychiatrist Explores the Connection Between Darkness and Spiritual Growth
We found 2 Reddit comments about The Dark Night of the Soul: A Psychiatrist Explores the Connection Between Darkness and Spiritual Growth. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
That is a perfectly normal reaction. A lot of times there are physical, biological, or practical issues in our lives that can hamper our ability to pray and connect with God. Unlike periods of spiritual desolation (which are typically addressed by simply sticking with your Rule and waiting it out) the underlying issues typically need to be addressed. It sounds like you are doing that and I commend you on continuing!
Gerald May might be someone you want to look into more. He was a psychiatrist and spiritual director. I know he talks about depression in Care of Mind/Care of Spirit and in Dark Night of the Soul (where he points out the dark night is not the same thing as depression!)
That kind of self loathing is very unhealthy. I hope you're getting some help or doing some reading. I recommend this book:
http://www.amazon.ca/The-Dark-Night-Soul-Psychiatrist/dp/0060750553