Posted by Jill on September 19, 2002, at 16:21:30
In reply to Re: OCD/Catholicism article » Jill, posted by johnj on September 19, 2002, at 15:30:11
John,
I am so sorry if I offended you. I have a very close priest friend and my father was originally going to be a priest (was in the seminar before meeting my mom). I was actually approached by the nun at our church to consider becoming a nun when I was younger. I know many people find great comfort in the church.
For me, with my OCD, mass actually became quite difficult. I confided in my priest friend about it, and he was very supportive and understanding. He's talked to many people with OCD. There is a great deal of guilt for the thoughts you have when you have OCD--mine were very anti-God...which really disturbed me because that's not how I really feel. With OCD, you tend to obsess on fleeting thoughts that others would dismiss...and you obsess on thoughts that are disturbing to you (like harming someone you love, hating God), when that's really not YOU. It's maybe hard to understand.
Going to church actually increased my negative thoughts...which was really painful...and the more I tried to stop the negative thoughts, the more they were there. It was very heartbreaking for me.
I am glad that the Catholic church is a positive force in your life. I, too, appreciate that those in the clergy are under a great deal of stress. I work in a medical/counseling profession and know that having my fiance to comfort me when I'm under stress is a great help. I wish my priest friend had a partner he could turn to.
I'm sorry for offending. Please accept my apologies. I was only trying to use humor because humor has helped me deal with my OCD/religious obsessions. I really think that having a positive, happy communication with God and to be at peace is what I've wanted, and I've been able to have that more when my mind and heart are at rest and not obsessing. Prayer for me outside of the mass setting (retreats, meditation, yoga) and medically treating my depression/OCD has really helped me feel I connect with God and those around me more. But that's just me and not a judgement on any one else.
I know there is much good happening in the Catholic church (and other religions) and that those working in the church are so taxed. My friend has shared some of those feelings with me, and I don't know how he is able to do his job sometimes.
I am glad that the church is such a positive force in your life. Take care.
Jill
poster:Jill
thread:1924
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020914/msgs/120450.html