Are there any other Christians struggling with Real Event OCD? Specifically being able to differentiate between if it’s the OCD making me feel like I need to confess to more people or if it’s actually guilt coming from the Holy Spirit that is trying to convict me so that I will talk with elders in the church or something, etc.? For a tad more information in case it helps you respond to me- The “real event” wasn’t any action(s) that I committed. It was just thoughts/feelings that I had that were inappropriate. I never acted on them and never would. I even prayed them away when I had them at times, but I don’t think it’s fair to call them intrusive either. I feel like they were my thoughts/feelings. I already confessed to my husband 728734 times and will be talking to a counselor in January (first she had available), but in the mean time I am struggling very, very badly. It’s led me to being very depressed and my mind constantly swirling like a tornado. It’s also led to lots of other “themes”… also, I’m new to OCD. I’ve only been seen in the past professionally very briefly for “general anxiety” although it’s starting to become clear to me that I’ve had OCD all along.

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?

I’m a Christian. Are you meaning what denomination specifically?

@NewToOCD8 Not sure if my other reply sent as reply, but there. Also, you might want to look into Scrupulous Anonymous

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.

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.

@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

@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.

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!

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.

@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/

@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 !

@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.

@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 .

This might be helpful https://nocd.page.link/osjjoBijiDQmQBkZ6