Tips for Anxiety and Scrupulosity
Note for this chart, there are some things that you "can do something about it", but are products of overthinking and obsession, in these cases seek help. A big help to me is to stop in the moment, recognize my intention and keep justice in mind and ask What Would Jesus Do? If experiencing worrisome thoughts, I let them pass and if I find it too difficult I write them down to save for later and ask my therapist.
Next to sin anxiety is what God wants us to stray from. Below I have included resources for those who are scrupulous, anxious or experiencing any mental health concerns. God is merciful and kind and will not let those who love Him be lead astray, that is our first and supreme hope against fear and anxiety and scrupulosity as well as all types of OCD. Please do not be afraid to seek help from a spiritual director and or a counselor!
- Joyfully Resign to God's Will, even amidst aridity.
- Ignore each and every intrusive or fear based thought, do not fight it or force it.
- Do not give in to feelings of failure when you slip up, be humble that we aren't perfect When in doubt if you're obligated or not, doubt proofs lack of obligation.
- Trust your intention.
- Be kind to yourself and others. Don't judge nor compare yourself to others or visa versa.
- Practice the pause, breathe when you find yourself being overwhelmed. Value each present moment.
Core Tip 1: The Scrupulous Can't Offend God
Core Tip 2: Scruples are an Illness That Diminishes Culpability.
Feasts: Unite to the public events of the Church and make mention of them in your morning prayers, don't worry about your number of prayers.
Confession/Contrition : The preamble below mentions the scrupulous should consider confession only during Advent and Lent. When in confession it’s not possible to recall every minuscule fault and for a valid reception of the sacrament we need to only be universally contrite, after confession don’t try to remember sins. When you’re scrupulous, forgive yourself for God has forgiven you. Do not confess sins you've already confessed, even if you fear incompleteness. Penance is not to make up for our sins but to show we accept mercy, we can not make up for our own sins. Only Jesus’ suffering is redemptive and we unite to it, human suffering exists because we are finite beings.Do not to be not scrupulous about restitution, if necessary the priest would make restitution part of your penance. You cannot "make up" for your sins. God's forgiveness is gratuitous. Just thank him and live a life of thanksgiving.
Rosary: When you pray the rosary it is not mysteries vs prayers to grab our focus but a sweet release into conversing with God.
Note: No one is bound by devotional practices associated with private revelations!
More resources: The Curing Sadness tips of St. Thomas Aquinas, the Serenity prayer, and the daily practice of being thankful for 3 things.
“Come, repose on My Heart and I will permit you to rest without anxiety.” -Our Lord to Saint Gertrude
Do not let your weakness make you unhappy. When, in the morning, we feel no courage or strength for the practice of virtue, it is really a grace: it is the time to "lay the axe to the root of the tree, relying on Jesus alone. St Thérèse of Lisieux
“ I know that Jesus Could not wish useless suffering for us, and He would not inspire me with the desires I feel, were He not willing to fulfill them.” - St. Thérèse of Lisieux
"Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset." -St Francis de Sales
“This sweet Savior has long since forgotten your infidelities. He sees only your longing
after perfection, and the sight makes His heart glad.”- St. Therese
“Do not look forward in fear to the changes in life; rather, look to them with full hope that as they arise, God, whose very own you are, will lead you safely through all things; and when you cannot stand it, God will carry you in His arms. Do not fear what may happen tomorrow; the same understanding Father who cares for you today will take care of you then and every day. He will either shield you from suffering or will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations.” -St. Francis de Sales
“May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where yiu are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us." -ST. THÉRÈSE
10 Commandments for the Scrupulous
Prayer to St. Anthony for Anxiety
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