Can one receive Anointing of the sick as an aid to help combat mental illness?

[KameronTraxler]

Hey all!

Just a very quick question; I know that one can receive the Anointing of the sick for certain physical ailments or in near death occasions, but I have always wondered if one could receive the sacrament for things such as depression, suicidal ideation, eating disorders, bpd or things of the sort? Does the sacrament extend only for those who are terminally ill or near death, or can it also be received by those battling phsycological woes?

Thanks in advance! God bless.

 

[Cor_ad_Cor]

A quick search here shows that we’ve hashed this out with varying opinions somewhat recently. The only sure way to know is to ask your priest.

 

[edwest211]

The answer is yes, but talking with a priest is required.

 

[mrsdizzyd]

That’s a better question for your priest than for us.

 

[Jen7]

I’m glad you asked this because I never would have thought of this! It’s good to know the possibility may be there if it’s needed!

 

[InThePew]

Does the sacrament extend only for those who are terminally ill or near death, or can it also be received by those battling phsycological woes?

The Sacrament of Anointing is for those who who have begun to be in danger of death due to sickness or old age - in other words. it is not just for those who are near death or terminally ill. At the same time, the person anointed has to be “seriously ill” - so more than just ordinary illness - in keeping with the “danger of death” part. This is not limited to strictly physical illness The introduction to the rites of Anointing and Viaticum make it clear that “those who are judged to have a serious mental illness and who would be strengthened by the sacrament may be anointed”. This makes sense given that some mental illnesses such as eating disorders obviously have physical consequences and some of those suffering from mental illness may be a danger to their own lives.