Please pray that I don't experience a Lenten psychotic episode *POSSIBLE TRIGGER*

Justicia et Pax · #1 Feb 17, '12, 5:46 pm

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

I approach this Lent with much trepidation and a somewhat heavy heart (though I try to be optimistic). I have long struggled with Catholic guilt during Lent. Three Lents ago, in 2009, this Catholic guilt manifested itself into a "voice". What the voice was or where it was coming from was unclear; all I knew was that the voice seemed different to my thoughts.

I have heard voices since I was five, so I thought little of it. Certainly I did not think it merited medical attention. A tutor at university begged me to see a doctor and so I did. After years of differing diagnoses and various trials of medication, I have been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder

Two Lents ago, in Lent 2010, I was in a major psychotic episode. I had to be pulled from all my classes and my functionality was very low. Aforementioned university tutor was directing some medieval Passion plays and, even though I knew it could/would trigger the Catholic guilt, I got involved. It was, in short, a horrific time of my life (yet blessed in many ways, too), culminating in a suicide attempt on Palm Sunday

Last Lent, Lent 2011, my body and mind went through what's known as the "anniversary effect". The previous year's psychotic episode basically replayed itself due to unresolved issues and feelings, and general trauma. This again culminated in a suicide attempt.

Fortunately during both attempts, my guardian angel intervened. It is by the grace of God that I am still here. I am, however, quite afraid of reexperiencing this trauma again this Lent, 2012. I do not want to ever be in a position again where I am so out of my mind that I try to take my own life, especially during such an important liturgical season.

I'm on meds, pray when I can, am seeing a hospital chaplain and a separate confessor, and received the Sacrament of the Sick on the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. I am quite prepared for whatever comes my way... but please, dear brothers and sisters, please pray for me

Sorry for the longwinded explanation. If you have managed to read all this, God bless you and your loved ones and keep you happy, safe and healthy in mind, body and spirit. Amen

Edmundus1581 · #2 Feb 17, '12, 6:04 pm

Dear Lord, I give to you Justicia's mental health and wellbeing, especially duing Lent. Please hear his(or her) call for peace, for mental health, and your comfort in his life.

Keep him safe from all dangerous mental and spiritual ailments. Help him to recover his strength to pursue his studies.

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with Thee.
Blessed art Thou among women,
and Blessed is the Fruit
of Thy Womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners now,
and at the hour of our death.
Amen.

Saint Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle.
Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray;
and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host -
by the Divine Power of God -
cast into hell, satan and all the evil spirits,
who roam throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen.

St Dymphna, pray for us

domandcarols · #3 Feb 17, '12, 7:30 pm

Praying for you.
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me.

Amen.

Jaypeeto4 · #4 Feb 17, '12, 7:37 pm

Dear Justicia,
I too suffer from mental and emotional problems,
though I feel that, in my case, some of mine are deserved.
But still:

PLEASE DO NOT EVER AGAIN ATTEMPT SUICIDE.

If you are hearing voices now, please check with your confessor AND
your psychiatrist (preferable a Catholic one).
These voices could be spirits, or they could be auditory hallucinations,
or possibly both.
Either way, it can be controlled with the RIGHT medications and you can
have relief from them.

Try to pray more often,especially the Divine Mercy Chaplet.

Private Message me with your real name, and I will enroll you
in the Seraphic Mass Association, so that hundreds of holy priests, monks,
and nuns can remember you daily in their prayers and good works.
Father Solanus Casey, Capuchin, a future Saint, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
being enrolled in the S.M.A.
God bless you,
Jaypeeto4

Rossco · #5 Feb 17, '12, 7:56 pm

The Lord bless you and keep you. May He show His face to you and have mercy. May He turn His countenance to you and give you peace. The Lord bless you!

nightranger · #6 Feb 17, '12, 9:22 pm

Justicia: You just need to receive the anointing of the sick from a priest.
Don't be afraid, charge straight into the storm that surrounds you and believe that you will be healed. You will.

Saint Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle.
Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray;
and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host -
by the Divine Power of God -
cast into hell, satan and all the evil spirits,
who roam throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls.

Amen.

Justicia et Pax · #7 Feb 17, '12, 9:28 pm

Thank you for all your kindness so far, everyone. It is much appreciated. God bless you all

A few things that have arisen in the posts above and could do with clarification/expansion:

- I'm female

- My confessor and psychiatrist are in agreement that not all the voices I hear have a medical
cause. My confessor believes I'm being called to mystical prayer and that I'm sensitive to
the supernatural

- Just to confirm: I have already had the Anointing of the Sick

**Trishie** · #8 Feb 17, '12, 9:39 pm

Lord please fill and surround her with Your love and peace.
Please deepen her trust in Your love.
Mother Mary please pray for her

Irishmom2 · #9 Feb 18, '12, 5:00 am

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle.
Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray;
and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host,
by the Divine Power of God cast into hell, Satan and all the evil spirits,
who roam throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen.

Justicia et Pax · #10 Feb 18, '12, 3:35 pm

Bump! Need as many prayers as I can get

Dee S · #11 Feb 18, '12, 4:20 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Justicia et Pax

Thank you for all your kindness so far, everyone. It is much appreciated. God bless you all

A few things that have arisen in the posts above and could do with clarification/expansion:

- I'm female

- My confessor and psychiatrist are in agreement that not all the voices I hear have a medical
cause. My confessor believes I'm being called to mystical prayer and that I'm sensitive to
the supernatural

- Just to confirm: I have already had the Anointing of the Sick

The Magnificat

My soul doth magnify the Lord:
And my spirit hath rejoiced
in God my Savior.
Because He hath regarded the lowliness
of His Handmaid:
for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
For He that is mighty hath done great things to me: and holy is His Name.
And His mercy is from generation
unto generations,
to them that fear Him.

He hath showed might with His arm:
He hath scattered the proud
in the conceit of their heart.
He hath put down the mighty from their seat, and hath exalted the lowly.
He hath filled the hungry with good things: and the rich He hath
sent empty away.
He hath received Israel His servant,
being mindful of His mercy;
As He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed forever.

-----Luke 1: 46-55

Irishmom2 · #12 Feb 19, '12, 6:30 am

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle.
Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray;
and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host,
by the Divine Power of God cast into hell, Satan and all the evil spirits,
who roam throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen.

Irishmom2 · #13 Feb 19, '12, 12:47 pm

May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May He show His face to you and have mercy.
May He turn His countenance to you
and give you peace.

chococat · #14 Feb 19, '12, 6:46 pm

Justicia, You know you are in my daily prayers but after reading this post I will double them up for you. I will say an extra rosary for you, too. My heart goes out to you. I know from your other posts that you have had problems with the voices, but this one really brought tears to my eyes. I also pray to St. Dymphna for you daily.Be strong and believe that Jesus is holding you in His arms and your guardian angel will keep watch over youl:
byzsoc:

:hear t:

mitex · #15 Feb 19, '12, 7:07 pm

O God, the creator and preserver of all mankind, we humbly beseech thee for all sorts and conditions of men; that thou wouldest be pleased to make they ways known unto them, thy
saving health unto all nations. More especially we pray forthy holy Church universal; that it may be so guided and governed by thy good Spirit, that all who profess and call themselves Christians may be led into the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life. Finally, we commend to thy fatherly goodness all those who are in any ways afflicted or distressed, in mind, body, or estate; [especially those for whom our prayers are desired]; that it may please thee to comfort and relieve them according to their several necessities, giving them patience under their sufferings, and a happy issue out of all their afflictions. And this we beg for Jesus Christ's sake.

Amen.