My Situation

[Artanis87]

Greetings. In 2008, while I was going through summer Cadet training in ROTC, I decided to request acceptance into the Army’s chaplaincy program as a potential candidate for later entry into the ranks as a priest and chaplain. I was a mere undergraduate college student at the time. However, it turned out I was too late to put my request in, since the packet had been due the prior Spring. So I would then, of course, simply fulfill my four year active duty obligation and then seek out a seminary upon being discharged from the ranks.

Then some bad news arrived. During my early days as a lieutenant, which was in the summer of last year, a psychological evaluation determined that I suffered from Bipolar I Disorder (also known as Manic-Depressive Disorder). Consequently, I was seen by more doctors, placed under observation on a couple of different psychiatric wards, all of which confirmed the original diagnosis. I was put on medication and five months later medically discharged from the Army.

So my question is: should I even consider a vocation to the priesthood or religious life, or would my illness prevent me from being accepted?

I’ve talked to the former vocations director for my diocese about this, and my brother has asked the current one for me, telling him my situation. Both have said that I need a few years of proven stability before I can present myself to any seminaries or orders. Other priests I’ve spoken to have said the same thing.

What do you ladies and gentlemen think?

 

[Moscati]

I think you should follow the advice of the vocations directors. Your illness certainly wouldn’t automatically preclude you from being accepted, though.

In the meantime, I would do what they suggested–demonstrate your stability. Get involved in your parish, do the best you can to live a holy life, take your meds, work with your doctors and a spiritual director. Don’t give up hope! Ask God to make your calling clear to you and to those who will be helping you discern, whatever it may be.

 

[fabricdragon]

i cannot advise about seminary, but i CAN speak to manic depressive (bi polar) issues, as i know many people who struggle with them.

it can take a significant amount of time, energy, and work to get you on a correct dose of medication for you… or you could hit the right medicine immediately.
your medication could work well right away, and STAY working. or it could work for only a few months and then need adjustment.

the medicines for bi polar disorder are very personalized, and occasionally 'finicky".

you would not be a good candidate for any stressful, demanding, job until you are stable on your meds.
well, patience IS a virtue

i can tell you that many of my friends have learned to recognize 'oh, thats mania" or “oh, thats just the depression” and can , having recognized the issue, work through it to some degree… often “knowing whats wrong” is so helpful!!!

and lastly? many people who have bi-polar or other “tricky chemistry” issues, have allergies or . odd reactions. to some things others do not.
ask your doctor to help you do a complete food challenge. you may find that some ordinary things, things others can have with no issue at all! are “triggers” for your bi polar (like asthma triggers for an asthmatic)
some of my friends react to artificial sweeteners, colors, or common foods like corn!

i will keep you in my prayers. once you have been stable for a couple years, it sounds like you can re-apply to seminary!

 

[Artanis87]

Thank you very much for your advice, on both spirituality and manic-depressive disorder. I have only been on medication for a relatively short period of time- about seven months. We are still trying to make sure that the medications I’m on are right for me.

We shall see how things develop. Either way I have a few years to work with before I need to start thinking about what orders to join or what seminaries to look into. I’ve been advised to use that time to work, go to graduate school, and become as holy possible. I intend to do those things to the best of my ability.