Saint Dymphna

Saint Dymphna was a 7th-century Irish virgin and martyr, best known as the patron saint of mental health and anxiety disorders. Born to a pagan father and a devout Christian mother, she secretly practiced her faith with deep devotion. After her mother’s death, Dymphna’s father descended into grief and madness, demanding to marry his daughter because of her resemblance to his late wife. Horrified, Dymphna fled Ireland with her confessor, Father Gerebernus, and sought refuge in Geel, Belgium. Her father tracked them down, and when she refused his sinful demand, he killed her in a rage. Dymphna died defending her purity and her faith.