The Record from Hackensack, New Jersey • 66

HF-8 THE RECORD THURSDAY. OCTOBER 14. 1999 cUteKctorft Thursday October 14, 1999 lues 1.210: When mental disorder wears a religious mask Rel Obsessions, compulsions a vicious cycle fKU ilSSib fp ft? tpSpL wm Jap a. OCD try to deaden their minds by using chemical substances, or even committing suicide." In mainline Protestant churches, OCD symptoms may be harder to detect because there are fewer religious rituals. However, said the Rev.

Dr. Marilyn Bat-chelder of the Creative Living Counseling Center in Franklin Lakes, pastors can spot behaviors that may tip them off to the disorder, such as hand washing before and during services, or an excessive attachment to a particular seat at worship. "If the pastor's not familiar with the symptoms, he or she may just think the person is really stubborn," Bat-chelder said. The Rev. Kevin Jonas of Wyck-off Assembly of God Church remembers that in the charismatic church in the South where he worshiped as a child, there were clear signs of OCD in several parishioners.

"I saw people who weekly would make their way to the altar with the same sins, the same guilt," he said. "After they confessed, they'd be given scriptural encouragement really just a pat on the back and sent home. Young pastors today are less inclined to give cliched answers. We realize some things require professionals." Rituals relieve anxiety Dr. Chaim Wasserman, an Orthodox rabbi and psychologist in Passaic, said many professionals used to think a person's religious beliefs exacerbated the disorder.

In truth, he said, "those OCDers who are religious use their religion's rituals to assuage their anxieties." Like many other disorders, OCD may come from a genetic predisposition, he said. "It has to be treated in the realm of the therapeutic, through behavior modification or drugs." Wasserman stressed that many people with obsessive or compulsive behaviors are not suffering from a disorder, and in fact may function better than others in certain professions. "People with obsessions and compulsions make good doctors and lawyers, for example," he said. "It's when the 'disorder' part kicks in that we have to worry." WILLIAM HOGANSTAFF ARTIST every house of worship. And Brodsky and other experts have found that OCD symptoms intensify during religious-holiday seasons.

"People are people, and what affects one group will affect another," said Imam Armiya Nu-'Man of Masjid Muhammad, a Jersey City mosque. He has seen what he suspects is OCD in people who are unnecessarily scrupulous in fulfilling the requirements to pray five times a day or to fast during the month of Ramadan, a holy season in Islam. "People with emotional problems have a tendency to see their religious leaders as doctor and psychologist rolled into one," he said, "and I do give counseling up to a point, but then you have to go to a professional." The Rev. John Negrotto of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Hillsdale thinks that many people with OCD may also be alcohol abusers or heavy smokers. Brodsky said that may be so.

"Many people with priest knows are trivial often, thoughts that they fear acting upon and the priest gets entangled in a pattern of reassurance that just fuels the disorder. The priest must realize that he has to eliminate any shred of doubt that the thought could turn into something serious. People with OCD can't tolerate ambiguity." Monsignor Philip Morris, pastor of St. John the Baptist R.C. Church in Hillsdale, acknowledged that he has dealt with people who have a need to confess week in and week out the same sin that "I don't see as a sin at all.

The message we give them is that God loves them and we are the vehicle for his forgiveness, but we know we'll see them next week." When a pastor realizes that a congregant's obsessive religious behaviors are out of the norm, borne not of spiritual fervor but of a mental disorder, counseling by a trained professional is usually suggested. But Morris said that before being referred to Brodsky, who works at the Center for Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy in Manhattan and at In-terfaith Medical Center in Brooklyn. Brodsky treated her by purposely triggering the obsession in a controlled situation, not allowing Evelyn to respond with the compulsive behavior that actually reinforces the obsession in this case, avoiding all things religious. In Brodsky's office, Evelyn's fear was triggered by visualizing religious Jews. In time, he accompanied her to a Jewish neighborhood and also asked her to enter an empty synagogue.

"Once the anxiety is provoked in a safe way and nothing happens, the anxiety will eventually fade," Brodsky said. Evelyn found that in these religious settings, she did not curse God. Eventually, her anxiety disappeared. Local clergy say obsessive-compulsive behaviors among congregants, though infrequent, occur in option is not always available. "It's difficult to turn this around in the context of the confessional," he said.

"If the person seeks to discuss things, we encourage them to seek counseling. But sometimes that's not possible because they want to remain anonymous. At least they can find a little peace of soul here." For other religious people with OCD, however, just being inside a house of worship or with other people of their faith may be unbearable. Brodsky had one client, raised an Orthodox Jew, who had suffered since the age of 13 from intrusive thoughts of cursing God. In order to stay away from this perceived danger, "Evelyn" started avoiding all outwardly Jewish people and stopped going to synagogue, although this was contrary to her beliefs.

As her isolation and distress worsened, Evelyn made unsuccessful attempts at drug and talk therapies By ABIGAIL K. LEICHMAN Staff Writer Priests and rabbis see them all the time: tortured souls who confess repeatedly to sins that aren't sins at all, who repeat the same liturgy again and again because they're filled with dread at the consequences of unacceptable prayer and penitence. In other areas of their lives, these people's behaviors excessive hand washing, constant checking of door locks and stove knobs more readily identify them as having obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In a house of worship, their behavior may be mistaken for religious zealotry. And the clergypeople who try to comfort them may actually be making the situation worse.

"OCD is a vicious cycle beyond normal moments of self-doubt and guilt," said Dr. Stephen Brodsky, a New York psychologist who specializes in treating religious people with the disorder. 'Continuous and inescapable' "For those with OCD, momentary doubts are not momentary. They are continuous and inescapable. And the more they try to neutralize those thoughts, the more they think about them, so reassurance for them provides only fleeting relief and causes them to think more about the danger," he said.

The American Psychiatric Association estimates that about two in every 100 people suffer from repetitive thoughts or behavior that they can't seem to control. It is not clear how many OCD sufferers have a religious theme as their main symptom, but Brodsky said it is not uncommon. The compulsive actions of a person with OCD, Brodsky explained, are in response to an obsessive fear of danger if those actions aren't taken. "The person is in tremendous distress almost constantly," he said. "In Catholicism, the confessional is the most frequent place you'll find OCD playing itself out.

The person will confess things that the Preparing By KATHLEEN GERARD Special to The Record Sensible people will see trouble coming and try to avoid it, but an unthinking person will walk right into it and regret it later" (Proverbs My mother, heeding the wisdom of this Scripture verse, feels a need to be spiritually and materially prepared for any eventuality. She is a deeply spiritual woman who prays for wisdom and discernment. She, like the rest of us, had heard the speculations surrounding the Y2K bug. Though my mother doesn't believe the world is going to end on Jan. 1, she stockpiles provisions to have on hand in case of emergencies Y2K-related or otherwise.

On the morning of Hurricane Floyd's arrival, my mother tuned to the Weather Channel, listened to the warnings, and then proceeded to batten down the house. Though I told her she was overreacting, she tied down lawn furni- CALENDAR CHANGES ITS NAME The YM-YWHA of Bergen County has changed its name to the Bergen County a Jewish Community Center. The change reflects "our community-based mission to provide cultural, social, educational, physical, recreational, and communal programs to individuals in the Jewish community," said Daniel Silna, president. Call (201) 666-6610, ext. 331, for information on programs offered at the center, 605 Pascack Road, Washington Township.

CHURCH PRESENTS AWARD The Katheryn Miller Award will be presented to Evelyn Auerbach of Glen Rock on Sunday at the 10:30 a.m. service at Central Unitarian Church, 156 Forest Paramus. The award recognizes a woman for long and dedicated service in Bergen County women's organizations and is given in memory of the former Glen Rock resident who taught in the spiritually, physically before life's storms of View This article contains material from news service reports. hit home that in mind, we should ask ourselves: What measures are we taking to become spiritually prepared for whatever the future holds? Storms in life take many different forms. Although some, like Floyd, affect us collectively, others will loom privately in our hearts.

Nobody knows what awaits us. In the face of this uncertainty, we should cultivate faith, not fear. Proverbs states: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." To share your Point of View on matters of religion, values, and faith, send submissions to Lisa Haddock, Religion Values editor, by mail to The Record, 150 River Hackensack, N.J. 07601, by e-mail to or by fax to (201) 646-41 35.

Be sure to include your name, address, and phone number. All submissions selected for publication are subject to editing. GERARD ofWestwoodisa regular contributor to Our Sunday Visitor, Catholic Christianity and the Arts, and Yours. The recipient of a bachelor of in writing and philosophy, she bos her studies at Barnard College and Dickinson University. Gerard is a of Our Lady of Good Counsel R.C.

Washington Township, and a member of God prayer group at Our Lady Church, Park Ridge. She has written a memoir titled "Without a Leg to Stand Metamorphosis of Faith. Point ture, moved plants and garbage pails to the shed, and raised things off the basement floor. "If Noah had listened to other people and the opinions of the world, would he ever have built the ark?" she asked. She had a point.

"Trust God, but tie up your camel," as the Bed OF EVENTS Ridgewood school system and was active in the church and the League of Women Voters. Auerbach will be cited for her work on behalf of domestic-violence victims since 1992 and her 42 years of service through the League of Women Voters of Glen Rock, among other volunteer projects. Information: (201) 262-6300. OUTREACH TO ALL As part of its outreach mission, the Jesus Christ Prince of Peace Chapel of William Paterson University's Catholic Campus Ministry Center in Haledon will sponsor Masses with ethnic themes. "The crucifix of our chapel is from Tanzania, Africa, symbolizing the universality of the Catholic Church.

These celebrations will emphasize our unity and diversity as a Church," said the Rev. Lou Scurti, ministry director. "La Bella Notte," the first celebration at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, will cele i i 1 I KATHLEEN Twin Circle, Personally arts degree continued Fairleigb parishioner Church, of the Family of Mercy spiritual on: A in Floyd's wake has been well-documented in news reports. But the storm held an enlightening lesson for me: A sense of community was evident.

Whereas some opportunists worsened the situation, many more people rose to the occasion, offering assistance and comfort to others. Neighbors came together, united in their loss and misery as residents carted waterlogged possessions out to dry on the front lawn. At inoperative ATMs, telephone booths, and darkened 7-Elevens, folks sought one another out, conversing face to face about the storm and its woes. Powerful storms such as Floyd make us all the same powerless without regard to class, color, or creed. Our limited human intellect will never fathom why some of us including those who make sensible provisions are destroyed while others are left unharmed.

But because of these very calamities, we reconnect more beverages at its annual Carnival Night from 5:30 till 8 on Saturday. Suggested donation is $12. information: (973) 893-9091 or (973) 338-7676. PHILADELPHIA OUTING The Hellenic Women's Club plans a trip to Philadelphia to see the Barnes collection of paintings on Friday. Lunch at Bookbinders will be followed by a guided tour of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

The bus will leave at 8:30 a.m. from the parking lot of the Cathedral of St. John the Theologian on Clinton Avenue in Tenafly. Return will be at 7 p.m. Cost is $57 for members and $60 for others.

Call (201) 569-52e2. LECTURE ON ARTHUR MILLER 'The Jewishness of Arthur Miller: A New Look at America's Foremost Playwright, with Particular Emphasis on the Jewish Sensibility That Informs His Dramatic Canon" will be the topic of a talk by Fairleigh Dickinson University professor Benjamin Nelson from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday at Temple Emanuel strongly with other people. Stripped of our sense of self-importance, we become aware of what's truly important in life.

God, in his all-powerful sovereignty, gains our attention: We realign our priorities and recognize that he is in total control. Though God rules all things, the Bible gives us ample reminders that we should prepare for calamities. Proverbs urges us to consider the ways of ants, who store food in advance of the coming dearth of winter. In Matthew 25, Jesus tells the parable of the 10 virgins. The wise were those who had stockpiled enough oil to last.

And according to the book of Genesis, Joseph's wise management of resources during years of plenty helped Egyptians, neighboring peoples, and his own family survive seven years of famine. In the end, we can take only so many steps to ensure our physical survival. Much of what can harm us is outside of our control. With of the Pascack Valley, 87 Overlook Drive, Woodcliff Lake. Refreshments will be served at 1 1.

The adult education program is free and open to all. Information: (201) 391-0801. RAFFLEMANIA ON FRIDAY New Milford Chapter 1003 of Jewish Women International will hold its seventh annual Rafflemania event at 7 p.m. on Wednesday at Seasons Restaurant on Pascack Road in Washington Township. Tickets, at $30 per person, include dinner.

More than 100 prize baskets will be raffled. The drawing for a 13-inch color TV will be limited to 100 tickets at $5 each. "Entertainment 2000 coupon books, at $30 apiece, also will be available. Reservations are needed by Friday. Call (201) 261-8265 or (201) 261-6660.

HADASSAH HONOREE Englewood-Tenafly-Englewood Cliffs Chapter of Hadassah will honor Lisa Marcus Abramowitz of Tenafly at its 37th annual Youth Services Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday at Alpine Country Club, ouins say. So I donned a rain slicker and helped her and I don't regret that I did. The precautions we took were sufficient for us. Our basement water problems were minimal, and we lost only power and phone service.

Not everyone was so fortunate. The damage left brate Italian heritage. La Festa Italiana, planned afterward, will feature food, videos, and music. The Mass at 7:30 p.m. on Nov.

7 will feature the Christian Gypsies, a Latino music group. Refreshments prepared by the Organization of Latin American Students and the Spanish Club will be served afterward. ART ON THE GREEN The second annual St. Bart's Art Show, featuring drawings, paintings, sculpture, and photography, will be presented from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

on Saturday on the St. Bartholomew Church green, Sheridan Avenue, Ho-Ho-Kus. The Venus String Quartet will perform. Rain date is Oct. 23.

Interested artists may call (201) 612-9309 or (201) 612-6769. The $5 participation fee will benefit the church's charities. CARIBBEAN NIGHT PLANNED Brookdale Reformed Church at 10 Bellevue Ave. in Bloomfield plans music by a steel band, carnival costumes, and characteristic foods and Demarest. A member of a four-generation Hadassah family, Abramowitz has served as president of Tikvah, the chapter's young women's division, for three years.

Guest speaker will be Carol Fein of Fair Lawn, president of Hadassah's Northern New Jersey Region. Minimum donation is $60. For reservations, call Vivian Dien, (201) 886-0678. ANNUAL BREAKFAST Annual Communion Breakfast of the Court St. Jude 1614 of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Oct.

24 at The Fiesta restaurant on Route 17 south in Wood-Ridge. Tickets, at $13 apiece, will be available through CDA courts in Bergen County until Wednesday. BARGAINS GALORE A rummage sale planned by the Holy Rosary School Parent Association will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday in the school audi- SeePageHF-9.