Writing Prompt #96 “Cacodemonomania” March 1, 2015

“Cacodemonomania is the pathological belief that one is inhabited, or possessed, by an evil spirit or entity.”- Wikipedia

Growing up I had a number of people express this fear to me. Good people who were convinced that the Devil was controlling their every word and deed. Sane people that sometimes broke down under the weight of their own shame. Intelligent people who could not comprehend their own inner workings without condemnation.  In my experience this condition is often associated with religious guilt, child abuse and/or bullying. I myself struggle with guilt, assuming blame for things that are not within my control. It is not necessary that you use the word in your work only to convey the meaning.