Is it okay to...?

[Veronica97]

I’m planning on going to Confession tomorrow for the first time in 7 weeks. This is the longest amount of time I’ve had between Confessions since I came back to Confession two and a half years ago, after having not been for 7 years. Many of you who have seen my posts know that I have become scrupulous (after having a lax conscience for many years). I have been feeling better in recent weeks, to the point where now I get a little “voice” inside my head telling me, “Be careful”, and if I don’t listen to it, I usually end up committing a venial sin. However, there are still times when I get a voice that tells me, “You shouldn’t do this,” but then I think, “Nah, you’re being scrupulous this time–this is your ocd talking.” Right now I think I’m having one of those times, but I just wanted to post my question just in case I’m not judging this rightly. I’m getting very nervous about going to Confession–I usually find my examination of conscience wrought with agony over what to confess. I have prescription anxiety medication (xanax), and I’m thinking of taking it before I examine my conscience tonight, so that I will be calmer. However, something keeps telling me, “No, if you take it you won’t be in your right mind and your examination of conscience will be false…and then your Confession tomorrow will be bad.” I think I am being scrupulous this time, but I need some advice and encouragement. I have noticed my ocd is getting better overall since I started wearing a Miraculous Medal (and praying for Mary’s great graces) and since I make an act of consecration to the Blessed Mother every night. (Just thought I’d throw that in there, for anyone who reads this who might also be struggling with scruples.)

 

[Humbly_Hopeful]

Maybe this is an opportunity. It may be bad advice, but I immediately thought, what if you did your examination when you feel this way without your meds, then (a bit later) take your prescription and re-examine yourself? Maybe you can compare differences then & find a balance?

 

[jaimeleglise]

For years I have struggled with OCD, scrupolosity, anxiety, depression. It is perfectly fine
to take your medicine as prescribed before an examination of conscience. You will be calmer but still able to make a good inventory of yourself. Be at peace. Praying for you.

 

[Book_Worm]

What is your mental state when you take Xanax at other times? Are you rational and lucid? Do you function at a normal level so that you make competent decisions?

If you can function normall when you take it, why would during your examination of conscience be at different? You should be using your rational mind to examine your conscience, not your emotions of anxiety.

 

[trevorhall]

Take the meds as prescribed.

 

[chefmomster2]

If you have a good psych, s/he is medicating you appropriately, meaning just the right amount to enable you to function appropriately. Your judgment should be intact. Also, taking your med may be helpful in keeping your mind from racing and drawing you into the scrupulosity.

I’m on meds myself for PTSD, anxiety, depression, etc. I wouldn’t think of heading into a triggering event without them, but that’s just me.