If you suffer from scrupulosity or OCD that’s interfering with key life goals, take heart...

[Michie]

I thought this might be helpful to all of you that suffer from these issues.
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How is a person with scrupulosity or OCD supposed to manage going about life when their condition interferes with achieving key life goals–like getting an education, finding a spouse, or holding a job?

Recently I received the following email (per my usual policy, I’ve edited it to remove any personally identifying details):

Hi Mr. Akin, I am a practicing Catholic, but also very scrupulous. (I do have the mental disorder of OCD)

My question is in regards to near occasions of sin. I think many things are near occasions of sin, some being real and some being scrupulous.

I have decided to go to a Catholic college. The major I am going into has both a 100% on-campus option and a 100% online option. I really want to go onto campus but I feel it is a proximate occasion of sin because I have the opportunity to avoid it.

The reason I see this as a proximate occasion of sin is because I struggle with chastity; almost every time I see a beautiful girl I have impure thoughts.

I do not want to offend God because I know that we as Catholics are required to avoid proximate occasions of sin that can be avoided.

I would very much appreciate it if you could give me your educated input on if I have a moral responsibility to avoid being on campus. I have spoken to my spiritual director and he said I need to weigh the pros and the cons and which one outweighs the other.

Thank you for your time.

I responded:

Thank you very much for writing. Your situation is a difficult one, but not an uncommon one. We all have challenges and temptations that we face, and the latter can be especially strong at your time of life.

Unfortunately, I can’t give you a simple, single answer to what to do in your situation regarding attending college on campus or not. However, I can sketch the principles that need to go into that decision...

Continued below.
http://jimmyakin.com/2020/06/scrupulosity-ocd-and-life-goals.html

 

[covergirl]

God's grace through Christ is with you. You cannot avoid temptations and it's normal to have those thoughts with women. You will still have those temptations when you walk outside, go to a store, etc. God won't punish you. He will help you get stronger. If you want to go, go. God gives you the freedom to choose. You have to life your life and there is no right or wrong answer.

 

[Michie]

Bumping it up.