Taking anti-anxiety medication before Mass

[Ad_Altare_Dei_1]

I have an interesting issue I could use some sound teaching on. A few years ago on the first Sunday of Advent, during Mass, I suffered an acute anxiety attack, complete with uncontrollable shaking, shortness of breath and pale skin (according to my wife). It happened for several more Masses after that. I suspect this was happening because I had a very sinful habit and I hadn’t been to confession in awhile and the guilt was overwhelming. I saw a doctor who prescribed an as-needed anti-anxiety pill. I started taking it an hour before Mass and could get through Mass okay. A few times I didn’t take it and suffered the attack. I stopped going to Mass because of this and because of the habit. I got depressed from the constant sin → confession → Mass → sin → confession → Mass weekly cycle. I vowed to break the habit, then return. Well, that process took 2 years and the habit still isn’t 100% broken. But, I am going to confession and Mass again, praise be to God!

I still take the pills, but now 2 hours before Mass. They don’t affect my thinking or make me drowsy. They just prevent an adrenaline rush which causes the shaking, etc. I function perfectly normal. I’m afraid to not take them but I may try in the near future. But for now, is this a problem for me to take them? Am I violating any canon law? Is my reception of the Eucharist still valid?

 

[Seatuck]

I have an interesting issue I could use some sound teaching on. A few years ago on the first Sunday of Advent, during Mass, I suffered an acute anxiety attack, complete with uncontrollable shaking, shortness of breath and pale skin (according to my wife). It happened for several more Masses after that. I suspect this was happening because I had a very sinful habit and I hadn’t been to confession in awhile and the guilt was overwhelming. I saw a doctor who prescribed an as-needed anti-anxiety pill. I started taking it an hour before Mass and could get through Mass okay. A few times I didn’t take it and suffered the attack. I stopped going to Mass because of this and because of the habit. I got depressed from the constant sin → confession → Mass → sin → confession → Mass weekly cycle. I vowed to break the habit, then return. Well, that process took 2 years and the habit still isn’t 100% broken. But, I am going to confession and Mass again, praise be to God!

I still take the pills, but now 2 hours before Mass. They don’t affect my thinking or make me drowsy. They just prevent an adrenaline rush which causes the shaking, etc. I function perfectly normal. I’m afraid to not take them but I may try in the near future. But for now, is this a problem for me to take them? Am I violating any canon law? Is my reception of the Eucharist still valid?

What canon law do you think you might be taking medication? The one hour fast ? Water and medication are allowed.

Very happy you are able to go to Mass and confession.

 

[Oneofthewomen]

No, you are not violating any Canon Law by taking medicine.

So long as you are in a state of grace (no mortal sin) nothing “invalidates” the Eucharist.

I suggest that you find a regular confessor/spiritual director to help you to deal with this issue as well.

Peace be with you on your journey!

 

[puzzleannie]

I I still take the pills, but now 2 hours before Mass. They don’t affect my thinking or make me drowsy. They just prevent an adrenaline rush which causes the shaking, etc. I function perfectly normal. I’m afraid to not take them but I may try in the near future. But for now, is this a problem for me to take them? Am I violating any canon law? Is my reception of the Eucharist still valid?

of course it is okay, there is no canon law or moral law against taking medication, and even if you took it closer to Mass time medication does not break the fast. Nothing you do makes Eucharist invalid. Nor does taking necessary medication have present any problem with reception of communion. I am a little worried that you would think that, and just for the reason it causes some anxiety you could bring it up with the priest to put your mind at ease. Very perceptive to see the connection between battling a sinful inclination or habit to the feelings about Mass attendance and I am sure that awareness and determination to perservere will help you get over this.

 

[Ad_Altare_Dei_1]

Thanks all for the comments! I guess my concern was taking something that could be considered mood altering, something artificial that changed my “normal” behavior, and then receiving our Lord in such a state. You have put my mind to rest!

Peace and blessings to you!

 

[puzzleannie]

Thanks all for the comments! I guess my concern was taking something that could be considered mood altering, something artificial that changed my “normal” behavior, and then receiving our Lord!

on the contrary you are taking something that restores you to “normal” not something that interferes or disrupts “normal”.

 

[passus]

As I see it, this is very clearly not a spiritual question, but a health question. I very strongly suggest that you look for a good psychologist or therapist who can help you deal with your anxiety. That the guilt of your sin should be so strong as to drive you into chronic anxiety attacks with shaking and white skin would lead me to think you have other issues dealing with guilt or responsibility that therapy might help you deal with.

 

[George_Largess]

Greetings;

I have had the experience of extreme social anxiety disorder and when I discussed it with several priests as well as my spiritual director the conclusion was that it had nothing to do with moral, or spiritual contributors but was the result of a life-long experience (since age 6 at least) with social anxiety disorder which flares every so often.

If possible I would recommend a Catholic University with a Center for Anxiety for possible help, (nothing as such is a cure) that uses Cognitive Behavior Therapy based on Catholic principles.

If I find the need – especially during a choir concert – I will take a couple of anxiety medications. Although I rarely, if ever, need the medication before Mass, it is acceptable to do so.

I will keep your intentions at daily Mass and in my prayers.

George