by Peter A. Drabbant
Scrupulosity is a scourge many Christians suffer. It is an affliction that hinders one from flourishing toward a healthy and joyful Christian life. If left untreated, it can drive one simply mad.
Scrupulosity belongs to the category of obsessive-compulsive disorder, a mental health condition whereby a person is plagued by obsessive thoughts often followed by compulsive behaviors. Usually, but not always, it is an inordinate fear of sinning against God or fearing his punishment. It could also be fear of offending against one’s parents, teachers, coaches, military, or religious superiors — for reasons stated below, I will focus exclusively on God himself.
To best simplify a complex condition, the scrupulous person will feel like they must live a life of perfection to please God and dare not offend him. One theory proposes its cause lies in a faulty perception (i.e., inner core belief) followed by an emotion of crippling fear. One of two things will occur — one will either repress their troubled emotional state or they will compulsively act out (i.e., run to the Confessional) in order to assuage their irrationally based guilt to find some solace. Again, if left untreated, the cycle will likely repeat itself relentlessly. Ultimately, God fashioned us to live a “freedom for” and not a “freedom from” morality — once scrupulous persons understand this very important distinction, they will be well on their way.
Here are some quick tips one can do to alleviate their suffering and find peace within themselves but above all with God:
- Try not to ignore the problem but bring it “to the light” so that God can heal and restore.
- Share with someone whom you feel safe with and can trust.
- Seek professional counseling preferably with someone who understands this debilitating condition.
- Seek information about scrupulosity preferably from Christian sources. I recommend a book by Conrad W. Baars, “Feeling and Healing Your Emotions.”
Finally, it is of no coincidence this article was written on Divine Mercy Sunday, so I invite, especially scrupulous souls, to meditate on God’s merciful love for them and consider reading the Diary of St. Maria Faustina Kowalska, “Divine Mercy in My Soul.”
Drabbant is a licensed therapist for Catholic Charities Diocese of Arlington.