Confession - Guilt - Help?

[BrockH]

I have had some issues over the years with depression and anxiety. They were dealt with properly so there is some damage done. My thoughts are racing at all times, sometimes suicidal, impure, cruel, judgemental thoughts - nothing that I want to have going through my head. How can I possibly know if I am guilty of mortal sin by impure thoughts? I could use some good, sound advice. I am terrified of he’ll and my guilt is practically causing me to have convulsions. Help?

 

[PrayPsalm51]

Most people will tell you to find a priest you are comfortable with and share what you shared here. Still, sometimes a person wants reassurance until the time they can meet with the priest. That said, depression and anxiety can be very difficult to live with. Know that if you are not consenting and/or pondering upon these unwanted thoughts then by definition you are not sinning mortally. Still, you would likely find great comfort confessing these things and receiving the graces of the sacrament of reconciliation. I’ll pray for you.

 

[exnihilo]

Have you received counseling? Intrusive thoughts can lead to, and be a part of, anxiety and depression. A good counselor should be able to help, and give you techniques to help especially with the intrusive thoughts. Some thoughts just enter our mind. We do not will them. We may not want them. Sin is always an act of the will. Thoughts we do not encourage are not sinful. The fact you don’t want these thoughts is a good indicator they are not likely sinful. A good priest could help you, especially if you are scrupulous, but this could be a larger issue where psychological counseling could be helpful.

 

[AKDee]

If your thoughts are involuntary and unwanted and you are not deliberately entertaining them, there is no mortal sin.

But I agree with the other person who said you should talk to your priest about this. I guarantee that your anxiety about this will be eased by speaking to a priest, who you can divulge more details to and receive some good sound advice as well as absolution for any actual sin.

 

[Confiteor_Deo]

If you are not willfully entertaining or calling forth impure thoughts, then there is no sin because full consent is necessary to commit a mortal sin, so don’t worry about it. It can be helpful to ask a priest about this in Confession.