I began the ceremony with intention, by praying for healing from depression and anxiety. I have had a difficult time explaining some of my symptoms to doctors and others. I guess the best I can explain it is a lack of mental stamina. Too much activity, stress, or time around people would wear me out. And in day to day life I didn’t feel right. It was limiting and exhausting. I prayed about that. I also prayed about burnout. I’ve been a caretaker for my handicapped wife for years. Before that, I was the primary caregiver for my Dad when he was dying. That was 2 years.
I have read a lot, and watched videos, but didn’t know what to expect. I followed counsel by starting very small. I only took a very small amount of the sacrament.
I was a little headachey at first, and nausea came in waves. The thought came to me that God was using the sacrament to heal my gut. I had IBS symptoms for years. I hadn’t prayed for healing for that. It was like I could feel it going from my gut and from there radiating out to the rest of my body.
I heard buzzing that sounded like a machine buzzing. I also heard realistic sounds of an insect buzzing near my left ear. I heard loud cracking sounds which were startling. With my eyes closed, I could see some visuals. I had a thought about myself dying in the future. I had a certain feeling, and thought “This is what it feels like to die.” I was at peace with it. There’s nothing to be afraid of. That’s nice to know, and to have experienced. Obviously, I haven’t died. But I really believe I felt what it’s like to die.
With my eyes open, colors were brighter and more clear. I’m 60, and it seems like my vision had been fading. I’m also nearsighted, and need to get knew glasses. But that’s not what I’m talking about. During the experience, my vision seemed clearer and more 3D. Days later, my vision is still stronger.
The following day, I felt like a new person. The “floor” of my mood was raised. I didn’t feel down low and sad all the time. I felt normal. I haven’t felt this way since I was around 10 years old. I also have more mental stamina. I’ve been able to do things and not feel mentally spent.
It’s only been days, but so far so good. It’s amazing, actually. God has really blessed and healed me. Will it last? I’m trying to have faith that I’m healed. This is the new me. God is good.
The IBS seems to be healing as well. I won’t go into all the symptoms that I had in the past, because it’s not polite conversation. I’ll just say that it was uncomfortable. Also, when my gut didn’t feel right, then I wouldn’t feel like doing anything. And if I tried to force myself to do things (while I was feeling that way) then it was difficult. Well, the IBS symptoms are clearing up. I hadn’t prayed for that, specifically. But I had prayed about the depression, etc, and the IBS clearing up is also helping my mood. So I guess it all works together.
I needed healing for myself. It had been hard for me to carry on. But also, I have to take care of my wife. Without me, she would have to go into a nursing home, or a facility like that. She’s only 58 and didn’t want to go. But burnout and depression was taking me out. Thank God for healing me, because now I can take care of her. I’ve been doing this for years. Previously, I didn’t see a road ahead. But my mind and body have been “reset”. I can keep doing what I’m doing. I see it as an honor and a privilege. It’s really hard to find nurses who can do what I do. (And I’m not a nurse or any kind of medical professional.) I’m just a regular guy. Somehow God has equipped me to do this. Now God has healed me from burnout, and given me new life.
I am so happy, excited, amazed, and thankful. This is only the first step, and it is much more than I had hoped for.
Doug
August 2, 2026