- Date posted
- 3y
- 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
- 16w
I been going to church looking for answers about my false memories if they are even false and overall ocd. Everything that I'm learning about ocd ultimately I get told that it's due to sin and that's why I feel overwhelmed and have the urge to confess on things idk if they are real or not. I just dont know whats my truth my mind Is saying one thing but I need a lot of confirmation if what im thinking its true thats why i been seeking confirmation going to church. Would appreciate a response or if anyone is going through this 🙏
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 15w
So I’m not sure how many/if any of you are Christians, but I’m assuming this can still make sense to some of you. This morning has been rough. I’m constantly thinking, “am I saved? Have I never been saved and I’m tricking myself into thinking I am? When I’m listening to Christian music am I doing for the right reasons? Is it too late for me?”. Things I know the truthful answers to but yet I still think these thoughts. I don’t understand why. Why do I constantly think about these “what if”’s? My heart always feels so heavy and I feel as if I need to talk to God right then and there to make it stop and go away. But then am I talking to the Lord for the wrong reasons? And the cycle repeats. Thankfully, day one of my therapy is tonight and I’m hoping to find at least a little clarity on this stuff. I’ve had OCD for 7 years and I don’t even know how it works. Any advice?
- Date posted
- 9w
Hello, This is my first community post and I would like to know if anyone else struggles with Religious OCD themes, I'm a Christian but please share any perspective you have. - What do your thoughts look like? - How do you know they are related to OCD? For me it's becoming a constant, 24/7 cycle and it's very draining. I want to find some kind of peace between my thoughts and God so I recently started NOCD therapy again. I'm not totally sure how this all works (treatment, OCD diagnosis, etc.). But if anything I want to know that I am not alone with Religious OCD. Thank you
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