Is it God or my OCD?

[Cards11]

I have obsessive-compulsive disorder that can make it hard for me to discern where things are coming from. A few weeks back I had a thought unexpectedly enter into my mind that I was going to die soon. This caused and still causes great anxiety. I know God can’t lie, but evil spirits and my mind can. Ever since I haven’t been able to clearly focus on anything because I keep thinking death is imminent. I feel no peace over these thoughts, just anxiety. I’m not really afraid of death, but I have lost my ability to perform daily tasks well. The thought of dying soon is always present and seems very reel. Is there a way I could discern where this idea came from?

I would greatly appreciate any response.

Nathan

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Hi Nathan,

OCD is a psychological malady and not a spiritual one. It feeds on fear and is completely irrational. By taking involuntary thoughts seriously, one gives them attention that they do not deserve. But to engage in attempting to directly counter them is to give them energy. To ignore them is to encounter fear that such behavior could be seriously sinful—even though reason can tell us that such is not true. This is really the way to go. But it takes practice and patience with oneself.

If you are not getting any counseling over this, it would be a good idea to do so. Feel free to contact me privately by clicking on my name above. You are in my prayers.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.