Is Anorexia Sinful?

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Hello,
I suffer from anorexia and have seen many posts where people say that anorexia and undereating are mortal sins. I understand their points but I CANNOT STOP RESTRICTING, I literally cannot stop - the thought of eating 1800 calories a day actually terrifies me. Because of this illness I would assume it affects one’s culpability, therefore not being a mortal sin. I do not starve myself to be pretty and I know anorexia can kill you, but I cannot stop. I am in therapy for this and much more so it’s not like i’m ignoring it. Any insight would be much appreciated.
God Bless
 
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You need to seek professional assistance. Never mind what kind of sin it may or may not be.

Anorexia, as you said, can be deadly. You need medical treatment. Please - for your own sake. 💕💕

Edit: you say you’re getting assistance. 💕💕 That’s a start. That’s the best thing you can do. And I’d seek counsel of a trusted priest to help with your spiritual concerns.

I will pray for you.
 
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CatholicCatLover said:
Hello,

I suffer from anorexia and have seen many posts where people say that anorexia and undereating are mortal sins. I understand their points but I CANNOT STOP RESTRICTING, I literally cannot stop - the thought of eating 1800 calories a day actually terrifies me. Because of this illness I would assume it affects one’s culpability, therefore not being a mortal sin. I do not starve myself to be pretty and I know anorexia can kill you, but I cannot stop. I
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You have an illness which compromises your ability to make free decisions. In cases where full consent is absent, then there is no mortal sin.

Right now, you need to focus on getting better. The “sinfulness” of your eating habits should be the least of your concerns right now.
 
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Yes, I see a psychiatrist, social worker and dietician regularly
 
CatholicCatLover said:
Yes, I see a psychiatrist, social worker and dietician regularly
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I skimmed that part, so I made an edit.

That’s excellent. You’re doing exactly what you should be doing: way to make God proud.
 
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I had to ask this same question to a priest. No. Emphatically no! It is a mental health and physiological condition. It is a means of coping with underlying issues - issues that you’ll be able to work out with a therapist who specializes in eating disorders.

Praying for you!
 
Exactly, case closed. Its bad enough. Dont make it worse for yourself by thinking its a sin
 
I’m sorry you are faced with such challenges,but with the grace of God and the help you are seeking things will improve ! God bless and prayers said CCL
 
It’s not a sin. It’s a mental illness. Some people want to make everything under the sun a sin. Don’t worry and please take care of yourself
 
Anorexia is a mental illness, in other words a disease. Mental illness is not a sin.

Please continue to work with your therapist and ignore those who are claiming that a disease is a “sin”. This is first of all, wrong, and second of all, not helpful to your therapy.
 
I believe gluttony is more of a sin that anorexia would be.

However, If you are anorexic and refuse to get help/better knowing you were going to die, i think that would be a sin.

I don’t think the illness itself is a sin… its an illness.
 
My beautiful sister died from the effects of Anorexia when I was 14. It’s a disease of the mind and you aren’t necessarily able to make good and rational choices. So no, I don’t thinks it’s sinful. Horrible and heartbreaking, but not sinful. I’m so glad you’re getting help. Much love to you xoxo
 
This is a mental health issue–you need a mental health professional. If you don’t know one, your primary care provider can refer you.

Do this first.

Our mind body and soul are all connected, and something that affects one affects them all.
Don’t hesitate to seek spiritual direction to help uncover the spiritual aspect of your condition, but do this after you have a psychiatrist on board…
 
Remember - your body - is the holy temple -
A temple where the Spirit of God dwells -
Take care of it.
Don’t throw rocks at the stainglass windows, you could say.
Don’t listen to your mind, if it’s making you THAT nervous and anxious about calorie intake.
Not to scare you, but you may have a dark spirit, that you need to remove from your normal, natural life.

When I go without food - it’s fasting -
To know Jesus better. To pray better.
It’s not based from self - or calorie -
Sorry if this reads somewhat harsh -
But your trying to seriously harm yourself.
I will pray for you at noon mass today 😇
 
Do you think it may also be the case that your Anorexia is also mixed with Anxiety?
I have seen in some situations when people have Anorexia that they can also have Anxiety or “neurotic traits”.
I don’t know if they are predisposed to this or whether it is rather due to a lack of nutrients.

In general,try not to worry (easier said than done I know).
 
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