Religion and OCD

Hi there, it’s fascinating actually, I never grew up super religious but when I was 13 I developed compulsive prayer. This was at a a time where I had not yet been diagnosed with OCD, but I was suffering from what I now know to be obsessions about death, health, getting older, and change. I had to pray in a certain order, saying certain things, and I had to include every family member who had passed away in said prayers, in the same order. Luckily, over several years, I grew out of it. I had suffered in silence and have only just now been diagnosed with OCD at 26. I’ve wanted to become more religious, but I am worried that I would end up becoming obsessed again and it would trigger me. It’s not a thought the crosses the forefront of my mind, but I’ve contemplated it in the past. I think OCD actually caused me to have an aversion to religion, despite having some amount of faith. I’ve consulted several close religious friends on their perspectives, and might try and speak with a pastor/religious figure to understand and potentially navigate that.

I consulted religious figures many times before I knew I had religious themed OCD. Religious figures often don't recognize OCD or know anything about it. They often cause more issues unfortunately.

Appreciate you bringing this up! I feel seen. I have an OCD theme centered around my faith. I’d love to talk to my priest about it (the content, not having the OCD) but I can’t tell if doing so is giving into a compulsion/seeking reassurance or something that is normal when seeking some guidance in my faith. I’m practicing ERP and my therapist has assured me it’s a compulsion lol…I’m hoping maybe one day it won’t be and I can tell the difference?