How do I know this is OCD and not me actually questioning / in denial? Someone answer pls

You have to live with the uncertainty of not knowing and tell yourself, maybe you are or maybe your not. And to sit with the anxiety until it passes. That’s what my therapist has told me. Hope this helps 👍

Idk how not to ruminate. I always give in to the thoughts & ruminate for hours

You’re having OCD obessive thoughts about whether you actually have OCD. How much more OCD can it get? Your situation the glorious hallmark of OCD, and many of us relate.

It is terrible :/ any tips?

@cc97 Nope, because I have these thoughts too! I would suggest “rationally zoom out and look at yourself objectively, and hopefully you’ll see how ironic it is. Your doubt proved your OCD so stop doubting it.” But OCD destroys rationality and objectivity, so it doesn’t really work in the moment.

@danicat29 Yup!

Hi cc97, that’s what makes OCD such a pain, it is rarely easy to tell what is an intrusive thought or real. Making you doubt whether you have it or not is definitely one of it’s most common doubts it’ll throw at you. It’s the only illness I can think of which makes you doubt that you have it, even after being diagnosed with it. As Luke07 stated, the key is to not give into trying to provide definitely whether or not you have OCD, as that is what it wants, but rather try to tell your OCD so what if you do or do not have OCD, maybe you do and maybe you don’t….and try to go about your day. I know that’s easier said than done. ERP is definitely a good way to help not ruminate on your thoughts about doubting yourself or whether or not you have OCD. As hard as it may seem, try to not focus, dwell or actively prove or disprove these intrusive thoughts, but rather pay them no mind or tell then so what if it’s true or not and try to move on. I know it is not easy. Stay strong and best wishes.

Very well said 👏

Thank you so much!