My Discovery Of St. Dymphna: Patron Saint Of Anxiety | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

My Discovery Of St. Dymphna: Patron Saint Of Anxiety

It was a sign.

7.8k
My Discovery Of St. Dymphna: Patron Saint Of Anxiety

Saint Dymphna is the Patron Saint of those suffering nervous issues like anxiety and all other mental and emotional health issues. Saint Dymphna is unheard of by a majority of people. I personally never heard of her until I had an encounter with her that I will never forget.

I was in San Diego, California. My family and I were touring a place called Old Town when we passed this beautiful church. After spending some time in the church we went to the religious shop next door. We all went our separate ways and were looking around. I decided to look at the prayer cards. I was looking at all the names of the saints, many of which I had never heard of. For some reason, Saint Dymphna kept sticking out to me. I didn’t know why. I had no idea who she was or what she was the patron saint of. So I decided to put my curiosity to rest and picked up her card. My stomach instantly dropped and my mouth fell open. For those of you who know me or have read other articles of mine, you know that I suffer from extreme anxiety. I am one big nerve who is pretty much afraid of everything. When I picked up her card and saw “patroness of nervous and mental disease” I knew I had to buy it. I don’t care what anyone says but I believe this was a sign.


I carry her prayer card in my wallet and recently went to another religious shop and got another one of her cards. I also found a necklace with her on it that I am hoping to get for my birthday.

Saint Dymphna died at the age of 15-years-old. She was killed by her own father who developed a mental illness after her mother passed away. She was born in Ireland but fled to Belgium after her father begged her to marry him which is why she can also be known as the patroness of incest. While she was in Belgium she built a hospital for the sick and poor. She is seen as a martyr.

To me, Saint Dymphna is someone who I will always pray to. I am so happy I got that sign that one day in San Diego. Everything happens for a reason and I truly believe that day she wanted me to discover her so she could help me through everything I deal with. For that, I am so thankful.

Take some time to look up patron saints of things that are important to you. You never know who you may discover.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

4335
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less
Jenna Pizzi and her mom smiling by a waterfront with a historic ship in the background.
Jenna Pizzi

There is always a time in the semester when you have about three papers, four tests, five assignments and two projects due within the same time period. Isn't that just the best?

It's almost as if the professors all plot against you just to make college even more stressful than it already is. No matter how many people try to make you feel better, no one ever compares to your mom. Moms always know exactly what to say.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

7 Jobs Your Roommate Has

She's got your back with everything that college throws at you.

2984
Cristina Yang and Meredith Grey in scrubs sit against a wall, smiling and enjoying a break.

If you are anything like my roommate and I, you have a friendship with your roomie. You’re lucky to have gotten a roommate that is easy to get along with and more importantly cool to live with. Whether you found her on Facebook or went random, a roommate is a big part of life in college. This list goes through some of the jobs that a roommate has that help you get through college.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

35 Things I Wish I Learned In My Freshman Year Of College

Just some relatable college student advice! Yes, you aren’t the only one!

2299
Towson University
YouTube

Freshman year can either be the greatest year, or the roughest year. It depends on your transition and how you adjust. For me, freshman year in college was one of the best years of my life. However, looking back, there are a few things that I wish I learned.

Now that I am a sophomore, I can finally do things a little differently. Here are a few things that I wish I learned my freshman year of college!

Keep Reading...Show less
Woman in field with a red heart-shaped balloon under a colorful sky.

Being single can be great and awful at the same time. Yeah, it's awesome to have time to yourself to figure out who you are and make your own decisions. It would also be nice to have someone to go through life with, but it needs to be the right person. I haven't found that person yet and here's a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments