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.