- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 3y
I believe you helped me earlier this week with this same topic, so I want to return the favor. Don’t do any of your own ERP, and please, don’t Google search (not saying you did, but that’s what I did) I’ve managed to get my anxiety level down, but the thoughts are still running rampant. However, I have started a new therapy as well. I’ve decided to try and attack my faulty beliefs about myself. The reason why is because I went through an SOCD phase for a few months from 2020-2021, and I managed it, but now I have a new fear and its been more intense and scary. Wanna know what both themes have had in common? They stem from how I view myself. And I had to ask myself, “should I just keep trying to control the thoughts every time a new theme develops or should I try to uproot the way I look at myself, where the thoughts originate?” Because let’s face it, why just control the thoughts if you have deep wounds where the intrusive thoughts get you when you’re feeling vulnerable? Like why are you feeling vulnerable should be the question at the end of the day, not just the thoughts. So anyways, I also started Dialectal Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help me begin to shift the way I view myself. If you haven’t heard of it or haven’t tried it, I would def look into that if you have any…faulty core beliefs like I’ve had for several years.
Thank you 🙏🏼 and I’m glad you’re feeling better and making good changes!!!
@MCT Of course, keep that in mind. Really dig deep and see where the thoughts come from, if you know the root causes yet, that is.
I’ve been struggling with religious OCD for the past month or so (blasphemous intrusive thoughts, fear of going to hell, etc). I’m a Christian. I’ve been in ERP and I’m learning to let the thoughts just be which is hard, but I’m struggling with the overwhelming feelings of guilt about having the intrusive thoughts. I know the thoughts aren’t from me and don’t reflect my true self, but sometimes if feels like I’m bringing the thoughts on if that makes sense. Does anyone have any advice on overcoming the guilt? OCD is also telling me I’m never going to get over this and my relationship with God will never be the same. I just want to be able to praise God without all of this and it’s making me incredibly sad and lonely. Any words of encouragement are appreciated.
Been struggling with existential OCD lately. Very hard to describe the thoughts/feelings, but it is a constant feeling of being stuck in my head. Like what is consciousness and where do I think from? Like I think it’s OCD, maybe it is maybe it isn’t. But if it is, what would be good ERP exercises? Just existing (lol)? And what would be my response prevention? I’m not even sure what mental compulsions I may be doing.
I read about ERP and have seen information about it on here. One of the goals is to say, "maybe I am this or that...ect." That terrified me. The thoughts and images that go in my head are disturbing and upsetting. I don't want to even think about saying, "maybe this or that." It's devasting to have these thoughts and question why you're having these thoughts. Doesn't the "maybe" make it worse? The one thing that helps me is that is to remind myself that these are just thoughts and I know I'm not a monster, even if I feel like one. Is ERP not for everyone? Has anyone else had a problem with the techniques used in this kind of therapy? I had cognitive therapy for years with an OCD specialist and that seemed to help a lot. Writing out the worst case scenarios would make me suicidal. Im having a difficult time not obsessing over the "maybe" after intrusive thoughts now. It doesn't make it better.
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