Sexual disorder - sin or sickness?

[Nuruns]

I have gone to confession many times for the same problem involving a mental/sexual obsession regarding thoughts which are sexually arousing. I can’t get the problem out of my system, it’s too strong and I kind of stopped going to confession because I’m tired of being embarrassed and I’m making no progress and the advice I ask the priest does me no good. I decided I should go to a psychiatrist and ask if I need some kind of help. If this is the case, can I stop feeling so guilty and like I’m sinning all the time because my problem may be a mental disorder?

 

[Marina14]

Sin is a sickness/illness. The Church is the Hospital and Jesus Christ is the Divine Physician. Come and be healed.

 

[Marina14]

I have gone to confession many times for the same problem involving a mental/sexual obsession regarding thoughts which are sexually arousing. I can’t get the problem out of my system, it’s too strong and I kind of stopped going to confession because I’m tired of being embarrassed and I’m making no progress and the advice I ask the priest does me no good. I decided I should go to a psychiatrist and ask if I need some kind of help. If this is the case, can I stop feeling so guilty and like I’m sinning all the time because my problem may be a mental disorder?

No, not a mental disorder. You’re being attacked spiritually. Remember that not all the thoughts that run through our heads are our own. We must all learn discernment. Thoughts may be from ourselves, may be planted by God or His Holy Angels or may be planted there from Satan or his demons. Many times this can be misdiagnosed as a mental disorder, but it is a very real spiritual one. When we have thoughts of our own which are not compatible with the Will of God or we discern to be from an evil one we must: 1. Sweep the thoughts out of our heads 2. Never dwell or contemplate the thoughts - this gets us into sin. Sin always begins from inside us, from inside our minds. The Scriptures say: “Be transformed by the renewal of your minds.” The mind is the battle ground. Increase personal prayer.

Confession is an important step in the healing process. Humility is important, difficult, but important. I would suggest to you to seek out a spiritual father to help you in all aspects of you walk with God. The spiritual father will be able to help you overcome your sexual sin. Also, attempt to step up your Church attendance and reception of the Sacraments: Confession and the Holy Eucharist. Attempt, whenever possible, even if a sacrifice, to attend Mass daily. Read the Scriptures and write down any passages which particularly speak to you, carry them with you and in times of temptation read them. An increase of Fasting will also help in quelling the passions of sexual sin. Wait until physical hunger to eat and stop eating at either: abstinence, adequacy or satiety - never eat beyond satiety. You may want to look into what the Eastern Catholic Churches teach re: Fasting, etc. and may find it helpful to adopt some or all of their spiritual practices.

God never allows us to be tempted beyond our ability - so know deep in your heart that it is completely possible to overcome sin - with God all things are possible!

Your sister in Christ,
Marina

 

[DailyBread]

I think we have to be careful because in some instances, these types of things can be signs of real mental diseases outside the control of the will of individuals and therefore out of the relm of a typical priest or spiritual directors ability to handle. The very fact that these thoughts are obsessive and unwanted could be a sign of a mental disease like OCD (not that it is, but giving an example). That being said, a typical psychiatrist may have a poor approach and think that arousing thoughts are healthy and that the OP needs to resort to impure actions to help solve his problems. So with the previous poster, I agree that he seek out someone in the church, but maybe he needs a Catholic Psychiatrist. I suggest he talk to a priest who would be understanding and help him seek out some good advice in regards to experts in the area who could help him.

 

[TC2]

I second the ‘second opinion’. Talk to someone within the Catholic faith, pref a counselor/ect that can help you sort this out.
No harm in that, it may help.
Prayers for you.