the freedom of a diagnosis...

Did it happen to you? did you sighed in relief when there was finally a name for what was happening to you? did you weep tears of joy when you realized there were others struggling like you and that there was treatment, hope?

For five years I walked in darkness. Not knowing what was wrong but knowing that something was terribly wrong. I prayed to my beloved Christ for freedom. I begged him. And He let it come when my therapist said " you have OCD. "

I invite you to see your diagnosis as something liberating. You now know who is your enemy. You know what it is, and what it is not. You know the strategies to defeat it. You are no longer in the darkness of the unknown.

For me this means that when a disturbing OCD though comes now I can look at it, chuckle and say "its just OCD." Knowing it does not define me and that it will not and cannot destroy me. Praise God!

Religious Vocations and Mental Ilness

"good physical and mental health"

That is one of the basic requirements of most religious orders. Yet, what does "good mental health" mean? If a person has a history of depression but has been stable for years... do they have "good mental health "? or should the person aspiring for religious life always be one of those fortunate souls that have never experienced an emotional breakdown?

I don't know the answer to this. I guess it depends on each religious order and on the individual... yet I know that wether the person can or cannot fulfill a vocation, Our Good Lord has a plan of glory for each one of us! Each person, whether sick or healthy, has a mission, a divine task to accomplish!

"He will use you to accomplish great things on the condition that you believe much more in His Love than in your weakness." Mother Teresa

Sacrament of the Sick

For some reason people with mental illnesses rarely request the sacrament of the sick yet they can benefit deeply from this consoling sacrament.

The first grace of this sacrament is one of strengthening, peace and courage to overcome the difficulties that go with the condition of serious illness or the frailty of old age. This grace is a gift of the Holy Spirit, who renews trust and faith in God and strengthens against the temptations of the evil one, the temptation to discouragement and anguish in the face of death. This assistance from the Lord by the power of his Spirit is meant to lead the sick person to healing of the soul, but also of the body if such is God's will. Furthermore, "if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven."CCC 1520

I have received the sacrament twice. Both times at the beginning of real bad bouts of OCD/Depression. Both times I have received renewed strenght, hope and relief from my pain. When your spiritual father marks your hands and forehead with the blessed oil you feel the hand of Christ touching your hands and your forehead.

Your tears mix with the oil. Your heart with His Sacred Heart and somehow, through His grace, the Holy Spirit rushes into your heart and mind and you can rest.

So, if necessary, go to your priest and request the anointing. Christ created it having you in mind. He wants to bring rest and relief to you. In the Sacrament of the Sick He is there, ready to embrace you.

weakness and success

"He will use you to accomplish great things on the condition that you believe much more in His Love than in your weakness." Mother Teresa

Lets never think that because of our illness we are useless in the service of God. To the contrary! the greater or weakness the greater the space for His Grace!

Vive Jesus!

“Ah! I hope this headache will much profit your heart…now my daughter, it is that you may, more than ever, and by very good signs, prove to our sweet Savior that it is with all you affection that you have said and will say Vive Jesus! Vive Jesus! my child, and may He reign amid your pains.” – St. Francis de Sales