Is this scruplous?

[jeanne71350]

Hi there,

I have these constant nagging thoughts in my brain that everything I do is a sin. Like if I see an opportunity to be charitable (like holding the door open, letting someone get ahead of me in line…) and I don’t act on it that bothers me and I think I sin for doing that. And then I get these constant thoughts whether if something is wrong, then I freak out because now I have full knowledge that it’s wrong and I’m in the state of mortal sin. It’s little things, like if my mom tells me not to eat the candy on the table and I have one when she’s not looking. And I get these constant bad thoughts about people in my head. I see them and they are wonderful people that I love, but there is this little voice in the back of my head that shouts out all sorts of bad stuff. I try to ignore it but it really bothers me. I don’t want to think that way about others and I try my very best not to let that little voice decide my opinion of them. I’m really, really struggling with this. Should I talk to a priest?

-Jeanne

 

[baltobetsy]

Should I talk to a priest?

Definitely. You describe classic symptoms of scrupulosity. You also describe unwanted thoughts that might benefit from a visit to the medical doctor, if they bother you very much. Choose a priest you trust, tell him everything that concerns you, and only go to him for confession. Do whatever he tells you, even if it is surprising. Sometimes you have to go by different rules from the rest of us when you are recovering from scruples. When you trust the priest, your obedience pleases God very much.

Betsy

 

[Bookcat]

Hi there,

I have these constant nagging thoughts in my brain that everything I do is a sin. Like if I see an opportunity to be charitable (like holding the door open, letting someone get ahead of me in line…) and I don’t act on it that bothers me and I think I sin for doing that. And then I get these constant thoughts whether if something is wrong, then I freak out because now I have full knowledge that it’s wrong and I’m in the state of mortal sin. It’s little things, like if my mom tells me not to eat the candy on the table and I have one when she’s not looking. And I get these constant bad thoughts about people in my head. I see them and they are wonderful people that I love, but there is this little voice in the back of my head that shouts out all sorts of bad stuff. I try to ignore it but it really bothers me. I don’t want to think that way about others and I try my very best not to let that little voice decide my opinion of them. I’m really, really struggling with this. Should I talk to a priest?

-Jeanne

Yes that sounds like scrupulosity.

Find a good Priest whom you trust…for a regular confessor and perhaps spiritual director…and see him telling him of your problems.

(also speak with a priest etc about the possibility of OCD…I have worked with those with OCD before…and sometimes those with scruples also have OCD …though scruples do not per se = OCD in themselves…though they too can have similar aspects)

As you learn what is scruples…remember that scruples are to be dismissed. Passed by.

Like when walk by a barking dog or a hissing goose…do you stop to argue or discuss with them? No. Scruples are to be treated the same way …instead when scruples come…ignore them an turn to God (an other good things) (this comes from a 15th century Carthusian Monk) Your confessor will help you as to what to ignore…what are scruples etc…

Think more of the God…of Jesus …of virtue and the truth and beauty etc…and know that Jesus loves you! Keep following him in joy!