Having mental illness, how do I confess?

[Manphibian]

Hello,

I am in the process of joining the Church after a several year long journey from the Southern Baptist Faith. I believe that I have always had a deep love for God and belief in the fact that we MUST display this love by keeping Christ’s commands. Well, suffice it to say that I have failed Him, and failed him miserably. For the life of me I could not figure out why I have been so exceedingly sinful.

I was recently diagnosed with BiPolar disorder (manic-depressive illness), and spent a few nights in the hospital for treatment. My Doctor’s tell me that I have little, if any, control over my actions during my “Manias”. They told me that I was liable to do anything without proper counseling and treatment, which I am now getting.

While I am thankful that my actions have a “label” under which to file them, I cannot help but feel that I am honestly just an exceedingly sinful man.

My questions are these: For my first confession should I make the Priest blush, and possibly run for the hills, by confessioning my multitude of insane sins, or should I blame them on my illness and not confess them, if that is possible? What exactly are the Church’s teaching regarding Mental Illness and Confession?

Pax Christi

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Dear friend,

Nothing you say is likely to make the priest blush. We priests hear everything. I suggest that you mention what appear to you to be sinful actions, explaining your inability to always distinguish what is sinful from what is the result of illness. This way your conscious will be clear. The priest will understand. You will leave the confessional, feeling so free. It would be good to eventually have a regular confessor who gets to know you so that you don’t have to explain your situation every time you confess. You are in our prayers. Welcome home!

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.