First Confession - I am so embarrassed

[CatholicCatLover]

About a week ago I did my first confession as I was preparing to receive my First Holy Communion and the Sacrament of Confirmation (at this point I already have). Anyway, I had finished confessing my sins and the priest had just finished giving penance and absolution when I felt like I was going to pass out. Not just the ordinary light-headedness either, I was dizzy, felt like I was gonna vomit, couldn’t hear properly, poor balance etc. . . So I just said “I think I’m gonna faint” (whilst sobbing), and he was trying to calm me down and was saying “You’ll be fine, just come sit here” (I was kneeling), but when I stood up I was shaking and tripping over - he had to grab my by the arm and haul me into the chair while he went to get my mom. It was really embarrassing, but my mom calmed me down and once I was feeling a little better we went home. Other people saw this unfold too, as 6:30pm Saturday mass was literally starting, he had to rush out and get changed. I don’t even know what caused this as it could be many things, I have extreme Social Anxiety (panic attack?) and also Anorexia (maybe it’s the low blood pressure and tachycardia?) idk, I’m just so embarrassed to go back to reconciliation and I’m also scrupulous so I want to go to Reconciliation weekly. This weekend I am going to Reconciliation at a different chapel but I know I will have to eventually go back. I hope anyone has similar stories, but probably not. . . lol

 

[Emo82]

Don’t be embarrassed, if I had seen this happen I would feel bad for you that you had fainted but there is certainly no need to be embarrassed. I’m sure the priest has had similar things happen before. People faint fairly regularly in Church due to being ill or standing for long periods so it’s really not that uncommon. Please don’t let it put you off.

As an aside, I’m sure you know this already, but please get treatment for the anorexia and social anxiety, both can be debilitating and anorexia in particular can be deadly.

 

[MaryT777]

No worries. The priest just was concerned for you. I agree with getting some treatment for anorexia and social anxiety. I hope you are receiving or will consider treatment soon.

Confession can be a nerve wracking experience, especially a first confession when you don’t know how it will all play out so to speak, so do not be concerned.

Go back to the same Church when you can, and realize that you are only human and priests too. I am sure he would understand and welcome you back to the Sacrament anytime.

I understand it could be embarassing, but it is true, it’s not uncommon for people to faint in Mass due to heat in the summer or other reasons. One woman who had fasted with nothing to eat all Holy Week (she told us that afterwards) fainted during the Easter Vigil and the ambulance was called and she was taken out of the Church on a stretcher. She was scrupulous regarding her fasting.

Be well, and come on back to Reconciliation soon!~ God bless. Priests have seen and heard it all as the ole’ sayng goes and I bet he would be delighted to see you are ok now. (IF he even remembers the incident.) I have been told that priests are trained to forget everything they hear in the confessional once you leave. Don’t know if it’s true, but get back soon. It’s good for the soul.

Blessings this Holy Week.

 

[lilypadrees]

There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. You’ll feel less anxious about Confession the more you go. And your priest will be a wonderful help to you. Don’t be embarrassed to return to him.

The anorexia and social anxiety, I would get treatment for. Both are curable. But you have to want to get well. Anorexia will kill you if left untreated whereas embarrassment only makes you feel like you’re going to die. (And yes, I’ve suffered from both.)

God love and bless you.

 

[CatholicCatLover]

thank you, I am currently in treatment for both (and more!)

 

[Trickypixie]

I’ve been going to church for a long time and trust me, this is nothing! I actually had my skirt tucked into my tights and walked into the sanctuary. I’m laughing as I write this. I caught it quick and I’m pretty sure no one saw it but oh my heavens! Also, I agree that my first response would be concern for your health. No one can control fainting or dizziness so really, it’s not that embarrassing. I also have the gift, haha, of Mass making me cry. It’s very tough to handle as folks really do see that as strange. It humbles me. I’m glad you’re getting help. God loves you so much!