Depression and mortal sins

[Madaglan]

I was just wondering how the addition of depression or other mental disorders in a moral situation might affect one’s understanding of sin. For example, many people who are depressed might “cut” themselves; many others might fall into sexual sin. These is in effect are sins, but because of the mood disorder they becomes almost an addictive impulse, and one oftentimes does not have complete free will. Should someone who has the mental disorders leading to anorexia or bulemia be considered as fully sinning when he or she hurts his or her body?
How about someone who has major depression and then shoots himself in the head?

I know that the CCC addresses some of these issues, but I’m just trying to find some more personable answers. I’m having some problems right now, and I often find myself falling into sin because I feel like I’m trapped into sinning, and that I can’t see any available options leading away from sin right before I commit sin. I feel really guilty after sinning and feel like I’ve abandoned Christ. I do the sinning to relieve some of the physical and mental pain I’m having, but in effect I feel even more suffering from the guilt that follows. Should I feel guilty for these sins even though I fully reject them with my will but fall into them because I am elsewise weak right now?

 

[Br.Dan_OCD]

Dear Madaglan,

You’re reasoning is correct in seeing how our lack of freedom lessens or eliminated culpability. The way it seems to me, a person isn’t in his right mind when he (generic masculine) cuts himself or does other mutilatory (is that a word?) things. Certainly, there might be exceptions but, in general, it’s safe to assume that mental illnesses and their effects are beyond a person’s complete control.

As for you, speaking generally (since i don’t know (and don’t need to know) specifics), your culpability would seem to be lessened. A good, complete confession should help your confessor to help you see just how much control you have over yourself–it’s all very subjective so one has trouble giving general rules without knowing a person’s specific situation.

I don’t think you should feel no guilt–doing evil is always doing evil, even if no sin is involved. You know what i mean? So, it is GOOD that you feel some guilt. To think you have abandoned Christ, though, is going a bit far. And, as a minor point, i don’t think your will has rejected these things–your intellect has. Anyway, keep going to confession and if you think professional help is in order, look into that, too (if you haven’t already). Or, a spiritual director might help.

Keep St. Paul’s words in mind from Romans 7. You’re not the only person which such difficulties. It’s part of the human condition. There’s much more I could say but i don’t think i’ve said much so far, even with all these words. Keep trying and trusting in the Mercy of God–that’s our only hope.