- Date posted
- 4y
- Date posted
- 3y
Hon, it’s definitely OCD. I’m a Christian and I have definitely gone thru this. No need to confess or pray. Since this is OCD, it will only get worse each time that you do. God’s spirit draws you to him in love. The enemy wants to drive you away thru fear and shame. Of course these thoughts “feel” like they are your own. That’s OCD’s trick. We can’t control our thoughts or our feeling. We can only control what we physically do. Get to therapy as soon as you can. Why not try the NOCD therapists right now. Love to you!
- Date posted
- 3y
I almost want to cry reading this. My “logical mind” (as I call it) wants to believe you so badly and just release all of this, but it’s instantly followed by thoughts of “well, if she knew what you thought she wouldn’t be saying that, etc.” I soo appreciate your response though. I am trying to get through each day as well I can until I see the counselor. It’s a very reputable Christian counselor who deals with OCD where I live, so that’s why I’ve been holding out. Plus, to be frank, I’m scared to open up about these thoughts with just anyone.
- Date posted
- 3y
@NewToOCD8 I'm so proud of you for reaching out, brother/sister. I went through a long phase of refusing to believe my logical brain "just in case." I eventually got a low of despair, barely believing in the possibility of salvation, and another low when I realised I can't go on like this. I made it out somewhat. I think "I could have turned from the Faith entirely" and it keepse going. Here's a beautiful letter from Terese to her cousin: https://stpaulcenter.com/st-thereses-antidote-to-scrupulosity/
- Date posted
- 3y
@NewToOCD8 Hey . Just wanted to let you know that I have the same exact thing . I understand that you don’t want to talk about it . I respectfully understand because I was the same way . Just want to inform you that talking about it with someone really does help . It gives so much relief and freedom . Your mind is fixated on the “ terrible thoughts” that you’ve just had so now you’ve developed a fear and certain triggers . I’ve had terrible thoughts . Some of my thoughts I didn’t want to open up to with my own wife . Seeking counseling, talking with people in church groups and spouse all helped eventually . You’re not alone. The thoughts I battle with are intrusive / blasphemous thoughts . I absolutely hate them . Having the thoughts as I’m texting you . It’s so hard to convince myself that the thought isn’t me because we associate the thought with a negative feeling and we then make the assumption that it must have came from me . When someone explains that it’s OCD , you feel guilty because you are so convinced that it is you and blaming it on OCD would just be a way to not take accountability. Trust me , I understand . I’m a Christian by the way . If you’d like to discuss any further , please do . I’m willing to talk . Also , don’t focus on your problems . Focus on God ! When we focus on “us” we fixate our minds on sin , bad thoughts and situational things which all drive us in a loop . Focus on someone who is so powerful , who loves you , who sees for you , who cares for you , who knows you before you were formed in your mother’s womb , who has plans to prosper you and not to harm you . Someone who is there immediately when you call on Him . I’ll be praying for you . I pray that you receive Gods power , love and sound mind !
- Date posted
- 3y
@Junior96! Thank you so much for taking the time to write this out. It has been tremendously encouraging to read. I think there is a lot to what you’ve said about not focusing on my problems & instead to focus on God. Specifically, I’ve seen some improvement in me when I try to be the hands & feet of Jesus and serve others however I can. The anxious thoughts don’t even cross my mind during those times & I think that says a lot about the validity of the thoughts in the first place. Thank you for the prayers, I certainly need them.
- Date posted
- 3y
@NewToOCD8 anytime ! I’m so glad that I am able to help . Please feel free to text at anytime . More than willing to talk . I’ve been there , at times still going through it .
- Date posted
- 3y
Sorry for the multiple delete and reposts of this comment. I wanted to word it well: what is your religion, if you deem it safe to disclose?
- Date posted
- 3y
I’m a Christian. Are you meaning what denomination specifically?
- Date posted
- 3y
@NewToOCD8 Not sure if my other reply sent as reply, but there. Also, you might want to look into Scrupulous Anonymous
- Date posted
- 3y
I'm a Catholic, so my understanding of conscience is as a logic thing and my view of hearing the God Himself is to take it with skepticism (I spent a lot of time studying it.) If your belief is different, I can't really help, but there.
- Date posted
- 3y
Thank you so much for the response. Any help/suggestions mean the world. I’m not exactly sure that I understand what you’re saying though. I do not believe to hear God audibly. However, I believe that through the Holy Spirit in believers God can “put certain things on our hearts” (if you will) or bring scripture to mind when thinking of certain things, etc. Because of the OCD though, it’s hard for me to differentiate between if it’s something God wants me to do/pay attention to or if it’s just OCD.
- Date posted
- 3y
@NewToOCD8 I do believe He can, but I think it's unwise for *anyone* to try to differentiate between God and ordinary thoughts. The saints say it's better to take them as just ordinary thoughts until the Church seems it to be truly supernatural, just in case. They say God won't be offended if you wrongly assume they're just thoughts
- Date posted
- 3y
@AnonymouslyMe (see bio) That’s helpful. This “real event” that I’m speaking of has been what’s lead to my scrupulousity because I’m TERFFIFIED of misinterpreting God’s will for me and then that meaning I’m not a “true” believer. Thank you.
- Date posted
- 3y
This might be helpful https://nocd.page.link/osjjoBijiDQmQBkZ6
- User type
- NOCD Alumni
- Date posted
- 3y
Hi NewtoOCD8, glad to hear that when you practice not focusing on the problems/intrusive thoughts, but focusing on something else like God, that you have seen improvement. Neither ruminating or trying to actively disprove the intrusive thoughts is definitely key. and Like 21-Now! Stated, confessing about it or praying repeatedly as a compulsion will only reinforce your OCD further. Very glad to hear that the counselor you are going to is experienced in OCD and I agree that talking to someone definitely does help, especially with real event OCD. In my experience, the more you revisit the event in your mind the more the event seems to get distorted making you seem worse, thereby making you feel worse and causing you to revisit and ruminate on it more. Try to remember that no amount of dwelling on or revisiting of past events will change what happened, be it thoughts or actions. Also, intrusive thoughts are going to seem real, otherwise they wouldn’t be causing us problems and making us fixate on them and further fed our OCD bully. OCD will find a way to constantly shift themes, and will ratchet up the intensity whenever you are already anxious, under duress or exhausted, I know that all too well. They key is to recognize the intrusive thoughts and doubt about your self worth and beliefs as the OCD trying to trick you into feeding it and then avoiding falling into its traps. Not focusing on the intrusive thoughts and giving them weight will definitely help and not giving into your compulsions, be it repeated confessing or prayers, as hard as it may seem is also very necessary for recovery. If focusing on God, instead of your intrusive thoughts or real event, has been allowing you to move ahead with your life with less anxiety and depression and pain, then double down on that light that has been guiding you way and clearing your mind. Please stay strong and seek therapy and you can overcome you OCD bully.
Related posts
- Date posted
- 20w
So about 2 years ago I gave my life to Jesus. I've always been a "Christian" but never truly lived liked one. Honestly never truly felt love for them until 2 years ago. It was the best couple months of my life!!! I felt so happy and loved and unstoppable! I thought this fire for God & Jesus will never burn out. One day I had a thought about is God real? It bothered me so bad and I went into a massive spiral. Doubting everything. My faith. if I was good enough. Am I really saved? Do I have enough faith? Is my doubt real? Is it too much? Have these blasphemous made God not want me anymore? Or Jesus? :( But I knew I was and that they were real! I know I've heard them. Then I started having horrible blasphemous thoughts but then it would go back to doubting thoughts then back to the blasphemous ones. I hated the thoughts and doubts. The thoughts are so mean towards God, Jesus & HS. It’s anywhere from evil thoughts to cussing thoughts to rejection thoughts/denying. Demonic thoughts. Literally anything bad you could think of! Even thoughts of if I really love them or wanna follow them. I learned about OCD from what I've looked up but I've been dealing with this for about 2 years now. It's hard. I doubt if it’s OCD. Definitely feel like I'm trapped or my faith isn't the same. Which makes me sad because I want my faith! I feel like I've gotten lazy and honestly that I don't deserve them or am "too far gone" from them. I feel like idk how to be a Christian or how to have faith or just exist tbh. I wanna love God & Jesus! I want faith! I just feel kinda stuck. Has anyone gone through this or has advice or tips?
- Date posted
- 19w
I put a trigger warning because I will be discussing themes of end of times. I feel like I'm not following God's will. God knows ultimately that things were going to speed up end of times wise. A few months ago, I had a random thought to call someone I had affected with past sin and apologize to him although I did not know he was there, my sin affected him. I know he deserves an apology, but I chalked it up to ocd and treated it as such for months fast forward to now I feel like I'm completely against God. Horrifying. It's a complex situation I caused and therefore though I know he deserves an apology I'm really scared as I created a mess of things. I've been praying that God help certain things come to fruition so I could be exposed and help minister to others if that's what He's calling me to do but no answer. Instead horrible images and thoughts and feelings of doom. I see signs to apologize everywhere. I'm at my wits end. Because I tend to get ahead of myself I asked two family members and they said don't and then I see things that say Though people in your life mean well, don't go based on what they say only what God says. I tell God to do His will and I'll follow, do you think He'll listen. I even told Him I straight up don't want to do it, not because He doesn't deserve one, but because last time I apologized to someone else I didn't do it right and it was messy. I feel so evil, like a wolf in sheep's clothing. I also remember looking up morbid things for what???? Only to be disturbed pray about it and leave by why search it up again? I also fantasized alot about guys I've been single forever, late 20s now, I'm trying to go to church and my crush is there and I try to stop thinking about him because I know it's delusional but the thoughts don't leave. I'm so tired I want to stop but stop what? Living? I want to stick to God as close as possible. I'm going crazy.
- Date posted
- 8w
I joined a worship fellowship group with friends at my community college it’s not a extracurricular thing but it’s someone just putting a thing together. but i can’t tell if this is my ocd. but i’m having thoughts of “what if i’m not believing God anymore?” or “what if this isn’t my ocd” or “what if i’m lying to myself and i don’t trust God and this is real” “what if this is real and i don’t wanna be close to God anymore” it’s like triggering because i’m a new christian and still learning about a lot of stuff since i just joined a group because i’m trying to get into more of Gods word. but i get scared of opening because i sin and i tend to be so hard on myself or if i see others like be christian and cuss and i’m like all suprised but idk i think im afraid of opening up in this type of stuff around christian’s that know a lot as i’m still learning… and sometimes i think my ocd will be like “ugh we have to talk about God all the time” and i’m like no no i want to… i’ve had ocd for a year now and my therapist has been in the hospital and i need to sit with it but it’s so hard bc i’m trying to figure if it’s real or not or if i’m lying to myself but i have a current second therapist rn and she’s teaching me about how rumination works and how to stop it. because i struggle with it ugh. i’m so scared this is real. i believe in God i do i just hate these thoughts why does it feel real
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