Fear of going to hell

[autumnsky]

I have a drastic fear I am going to hell when I die and I am scared. I keep reciting these words and keep having these negative thoughts, or having inappropriate thoughts about something and if something terrifying or catastrophic happenings in the world I think it's from me, like I have an evil power. I've been watching the world news and if something bad happens like death or terrorism I think I am the one causing it and when I die God will judge me and send me to hell!!!! I know it is my OCD kicking in. My psychiatrist told me yesterday to stop watching the news and do things that keep my mind off of it and she said there is no way my thoughts have causes these bad happenings in the world. But, it is not enough, I think I am going to hell. I have even thought about talking with a priest or going to confession, it's that bad and I am not even a religious person. Anyone out there can help me?  I am so frightened what will happen to me when I die.

[Paxiled]

Hell is a human invention to frighten you into doing what you're told.  Not every culture has a concept of hell.  It's completely your choice, therefore, whether or not to believe in hell or not to believe in it, but it's not an objective thing, it's a concept people invented.  Don't know if this helps or not, I know that belief in God, and let's face it, most humans believe in it even if they don't, is a very hard thing to deal with if we obsess over it.  But know that lots of people who do believe in hell aren't depressed.  Depression is an illness that some are prone to and others aren't.  It's not OCD -- thinking obsessively is a necessity in order to have any mental problem.  OCD is a particular form of anxiety.  I'm guessing something is going on in your life that has triggered an obsessive fear and probably guilt.  Therapy might help you to figure out what's going on and help you formulate a plan to deal with it.  

[Katie82123]

I am so so scared of going to hell that I now have depression from my fear. It is with me in the morning and at night. I hope it's just ocd because otherwise I am screwed. So far my therapist hasn't really helped too much with this fear.

[specialmom]

Hi Katie.  You know, depending on your religious background, this stuff is taught to a lot of people.  We attended church with my kids where this idea of hell upon being "bad" existed and was taught aggressively.  While that is what some people believe, I wasn't sure I bought into it as the taught it.  My religious background does believe in a hell but we can all ask for forgiveness and aren't "doomed".  We no longer go to the church that scared my kids.  That is a fear that is understandable depending on what you've been taught but that doesn't mean it is realistic.  You will become an age in which you can make decisions about what you believe.  You can still be a faithful God person and not buy into a burning hell.  :>)))  So, this is likely part of your overall depression and anxiety (and ocd).  Treating these disorders will hopefully help you resolve it overall but if I remember correctly, you are having some issues with finding a medication or type of therapy that really has helped you so far?  

[Katie82123]

Thank you for writing. I am doing some therapy but it is very uncomfortable and focuses on childhood feelings and events. I am on Zoloft and increased my dose a few months ago. Some improvements there. I just feel out of control and want to be myself again. I wonder often if I'll ever be at ease again overall

[Paxiled]

Just to say, if you have things that you know happened to you that were traumatic and caused your anxiety, that's good.  But most of us who suffer from anxiety and depression haven't suffered anything different than everyone else -- nobody gets through this life unscathed -- so you might want to look into a form of therapy called CBT.  That form doesn't much care what your life has been like, it just tries to teach you how your thinking is causing you pain and tries to teach you ways to overcome that way of thinking.  So if this form of therapy doesn't work for you, think about trying other forms.  Hypnosis can also be very helpful.  In my own life, I've seen several different therapists, all with their own almost religious belief in their form of doing therapy, but years have gone by with no help because in the end we were just chatting, not fixing anything.  If you don't find they type you're doing helpful, therefore, try a different form.  Best of luck.

[specialmom]

Hi Katie.  You are not the first person I've heard say that therapy is very uncomfortable.  My dear friend had some childhood trauma and she left therapy a couple of times for this reason.  Eventually she found she had to 'go there' to move past it though.  Hopefully you have a good therapist who can be empathetic to your feelings and help you through it.  hugs

[Alex1995555]

I relate to this question completely. Seeing terrorism or anything on the news makes me think of death, death makes me think I'm going to hell. Except I don't feel it is my fault. I just fear I'm going to hell. Now I'm googling what's wrong with me and found this post. I haven't seen anybody about it. I just told my mom who tells me to pray. It's so scary to think things like this. Thoughts can consume you very badly and it's terrifying. You are not alone and are not the only one terrified. I wish it was something I could just turn off but it's not. If you have found anything that helps please let me know.

[Alex1995555]

Def don't know why when I typed that, all the numbers and symbols popped up.sorry.

[Logicalmind31]

God of love -     Eternal torture
Perfect mercy -  anger and wrath
Against murder - kills all firstborn children, sodom and gemmorah, global flood.
Jesus tells people don't be fooled by lyin signs and wonders - Jesus uses signs and wonders to get people to believe.

[justanotherdusty]

You should try reading the Bible. Start in Matthew. God does not send people to hell, although it is a real place. He sent Jesus to be the middle man. To die for our sins, to bring us close to him. Get to know him. See what you think..

[icsonia]

you have a say so in whether or not you go to hell based on your decision. The thing is we all deserve to go to hell. Our God is 100% pure and holy. He can't bare the sight of sin. We have all sinned. However, God loves us beyond our wildest imagination. He sent his son Jesus to live a perfect sinless life and die on the cross in our place. In those six hours that he hung on the cross, all of God's wrath was poured on him. He died and came back to life 3 days later. If you believe that Jesus died for you and rose again, he will save you. Ask him to come into your heart. Then get a bible and learn about our loving God that loved you so much that he'd die for you. Build a relationship with him. Obey him. You will be assured of your salvation by the holy spirit.

[allmymarbles]

Why do you believe in hell at all? Most of the world doesn't. If you can get rid of the notion of hell that should help you. Read up on non-Christian religions..

[Jipper]

what is interestng is that you posted a religious topic on a anxiety site. This leads me to believe that what you dealing with is more in the area of axiety. Before you disagree, please note that Anxiety disorder (nothing spiritual) can have an overwhelming effect on the body and mind. For example, the fact that you keep having this repeated thoughts are signs and symptons of an anxiety disorder. I really think this is what this is. lasting thing is that. FEAR is also part of anxiety because it taps into the fight or flight. She the word FLIGHT???? It's just another word for FEAR. Please  go see a doctor and try a simple medication. And I'm sure that thoughts will subside.

[MrGreen]

Question. The God of the catholic faith is a fair and good God. Let us say that you are judged by him. What exactly have you done wrong in your life, through your eyes, that will make him send you to hell? Even people who don't believe in a God fear a God come the end of days. Is that your worry? That you didn't believe? And that is what you will be judged on? That he won't want you in heaven and send you to hell. I am no great believer. But I once talked to a priest. Told him I turned back on religion and the church. Because at that certain time it was on my mind. He just asked me to say a prayer. That it takes more of person to be able confess to such a thing. There was no talk of hell. To me when a person is down they think more of religion and of a God. I know that is wrong. When they are fine it is not even a thought. Just the way of the world. Finding that something you can have faith in. Doesn't even have to be a religion. That is optional.

[RubyWitch]

I totally agree with lost_myself that your question/fears belongs in this "prayer group" she spoke of.
There is nothing wrong with you posting here about your OCD problems, and I am NOT making any sort of judgement call on your religious beliefs whatsoever, but I think you would be happier and perhaps more at ease talking with folks who hold the same strong beliefs as you.
All this bad stuff happening in the world right now.........NOT YOUR FAULT!
I hope you find peace
Greenlydia

[lost_myself]

If you have been wanting to talk to a priest then, you should, it can't "hurt" anything and would probably make you feel better. We have a prayer group on here, if you're not comfortable talking face to face with a priest, there maybe someone in our prayer group (although not a priest) who could help answer your questions. You can get to it from my profile page just click on prayer group.

I also responded to your earlier post by PM did you see it in your inbox?
Take care...