I know too many "devout" Catholics who seem to think that to glorify suffering is a magisterial teaching, a "divine command" if you will.  I do also agree with your statement that it is truly a sickness, perhaps a derivative of the the "sin of scrupulosity"--as another poster alluded to. And, sadly, I have seen a fair amount of those who "fail" in their scrupulosity end up in the mental ward as you suggest. Sad really, but I do think the pathos of Catholic "suffering" is ending due in large part to Francis the reformer and his penchant for preaching the true gospel of love, mercy and compassion.