Recently I was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa and major depressive disorder. I have regularly engaged in self starvation, purging, and acts of self harm, and still do. I am currently getting help from licensed professionals. Are self starvation, purging, and self harm mortal sins? Before I engaged in these behaviors I knew they might be a mortal sin because of something I read online, but my compulsions to do so are so strong that I cannot resist. If anyone can help answer my question that would be great. God bless
Those things could be involved in a mortal sin. But in your case it sounds like you have something that amounts to a reduction in culpability. Whenever a condition, or diagnosis, of a major depressive disorder is involved, then there is usually a great reduction in culpability. The best thing to do is talk to a priest or your pastor about this. They would provide more consolation to you than you could get online.
((((Hugs)))) im sorry for youre pain. My prayers are with u. I hope the docs can help u and that u can find solace and additional help from your Priest and the faith.
Dear Kay, you are accepting help from professionals, so please just concentrate on recovering in whatever physical and emotional way is needed.
God sees the good intentions, and God sees the hurt that causes you to struggle.
May our dear God help and guide you as you face and recover from whatever life injuries cause you to feel so vulnerable and hurt that you would bring any harm upon yourself.
Our dear God, please flood Kay with Your love.
Bless her with truly knowing that she is beloved and beautiful in Your sight
Right now, you’re doing the right thing by seeking professional help.
Right now, you’re on the road to recovery.
Regular confession is a smart idea, regardless of your life circumstances, but especially when you’re in a crisis.
When you go to confession, explain all this to the priest, he can give you the spiritual direction you need.
Or make an appointment to meet with him for direction.
Be at peace, and I’m ray:t2:ray:t2:ray:t2: For you that you come to see yourself as the beloved daughter that God sees in you…
People have covered the kindness well. I wish you all the best with your recovery.
In matters like this; I find it even more important to simplify things sometimes.
In short treat your body as the temple of God. His creation. Something that should be protected always.
Just as I would expect you to look after my car if I leant you it for a journey; so to could you see God hoping that you will preserve your gift of life and the ‘vessel’ for that (body) of your soul! You have but one, take care of it as best you can <3
They can be mortal sins only if all three three conditions necessary for mortal sin exist: Grave Matter - The act itself is intrinsically evil and immoral - these acts are against the commandment “thou shalt not kill” Full Knowledge - The person must know that what they’re doing or planning to do is evil and immoral - you claim that you knew the gravity of these acts Deliberate Consent - The person must freely choose to commit the act or plan to do it - this condition is almost certainly not present due to your mental illnesses.
Now, while not mortal sins, they might - and I stress only might - be venial sins. I have struggled with similar problems (self-harm, suicidal ideation and attempts) and have brought these incidents to Confession, with the caveat that I was being treated by a mental health professional so that the priest wouldn’t worry about me too much. I found that the graces received in the Sacrament of Reconciliation greatly aided in my healing process. I suggest you consider at least consulting a priest if you don’t wish to visit the Sacrament.
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ray:t2: