Scrupulosity what is it? How to help it?

[polishdude]

So what is scrupulosity? And How do we help it or stop it? please explain

 

[SaltnPeppa]

Scrupulosity is a disorder that is not unlike obsessive compulsive disorder in that it features an obsessiveness with sin. Basically someone who is scrupulous obsesses over whether or not every little thing is a sin. For example, a scrupulous person may go to church and accidentally pass gas in church and then worry themselves practically sick over whether or not it is a sin. In order to stop scrupulosity, one step is for the person to change their mindset by focusing on what they have done right instead of what they have done wrong. This often helps with scrupulosity. For more information on scrupulosity, see this Wikipedia article:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scrupulosity

 

[Pray4Life]

Scrupulosity is “seeing sin where there is no sin, or mortal sin where there is only venial.” The only real cure is total obedience to one’s confessor. Sometimes scrupulosity is a temporary condition, common to converts and when someone moves forward in their faith and starts taking it more seriously, and simply better understanding what comprises mortal and venial sins is what is needed. But a good confessor would be able to provide the necessary guidance. It is extremely important, if you think you may be scrupulous, that you do not indulge every nerve-wracking question on someplace like an internet forum. Take it to your confessor and whatever he says, do. You cannot go wrong this way. If he gives “bad advice,” he will be responsible for it before God, not you. Don’t seek second opinions and go looking for other advice that may end up contradicting the first and causing you yet more anxiety. That’s MY advice. It is very common in scruples for a person to feel compelled to seek second opinions and make SURE of this or that. If you find yourself wanting to do this when you know you are scrupulous…well…know it’s the scruples talking and not your common sense.

A good link is Scrupulous Anonymous, be sure to check out their newsletter archive. Liguori also publishes a book called “Understanding Scrupulosity” by Fr. Santa which is an EXCELLENT resource.

Also…it may help to remember your feelings mean nothing in relation to the state of your soul. No matter how bad, guilty, or anxious you feel, it doesn’t mean you’ve committed a mortal sin. Moreover, you CAN do something sinful, feel as horrible as if you killed someone, and whatever you did actually be venial in nature. Your feelings can not be counted. Rely on the facts, not feelings, and most certainly not doubts and "what if"s. God would never condemn someone for something THEY weren’t even sure they did. Where’s the justice in that? Or the mercy?

God bless you

 

[livi]

I for one am pretty sure I have scrupulosity. A priest said he thought I had scrupulosity once during confession. Its awful. One time, I was convinced I had been excommunicated and worried myself sick over it. I finally got to talk to a priest I like about it. But I didn’t get to talk to him right away and in the mean time I felt horrible, even like I just wanted to die. There are periods when I feel fine and periods when I am miserable and obsessive. Although, it is better now that I’ve figured out its a legitimate problem. I kind of wish I knew other people with this problem so that I had someone to talk to. I don’t like talking with my mother about it, although I have spoken with some non-family members, like a former teacher who was my teacher at the time, about it. However, I wonder if they really understand what I feel like.

 

[baltobetsy]

Scrupulosity is closely related to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. One who suffers greatly from scrupulosity would do well to consult a physician about OCD. I know someone who suffered from both, and when the OCD was properly treated, the scrupulosity disappeared.

This may not be the case for everyone, but it’s certainly worth consideration.

Betsy