i decided that i probably need to be more active on here, since i come back and disappear every couple of months haha :) i’ve been recovered of HOCD and currently show no symptoms. ask away!
Hi how do you beat this I want my old life back I hate this so much I can’t get the thoughts out of my head it feels so real as well like it makes me feel like I am in denial all day I can’t cope with this at all
exposure and response prevention therapy. i reccomend finding a therapist or using the built-in features in this NOCD app.
I’m on my recovery journey.. like definitely a lot better. Since so many of my compulsions are mental, how do you snap yourself “out” of it when you want the ruminate
hey! thank you for the question. here are some possible ways to deal with it : 1) write your obsessions down, and switch the topic. ex - “i’m scared that the notebook i touched was contaminated with covid” and play video games or listen to a podcast. 2) “the white wall technique” is where you visualize a white wall! usually your thoughts dissipate and “bounce off” the hypothetical wall. these are the two i did!
I and try that kinda on my own but no luck I just don’t get this at all 2 years I have been suffering from this now it all started with a joke at work one of the guys said no wonder gay guys are happy and I started to think I was gay and couldn’t get the thoughts out of my head I tried so hard but just couldn’t I have two kids and a girl friend who I have been with for 5 years now it is breaking me I feel like am lying to her I feel like I am in denial but it just doesn’t add up I have been straight all of my childhood and teens and as a adult never had feels for boys… the night before that joke I didn’t think about this at all IT FEELS SO REAL it’s crazy I feel like I am going mad
i strongly urge you to see a therapist for exposure therapy for SO-OCD. that’s the best & strongest treatment. it seems hard right now, and it will never be an easy road, but the ocean always ends up calm on the shoreline. persist and take care of yourself <3
Hi lovely! How long have you suffered for with this theme? Did you feel like it had changed your whole identity? X
hi! i struggled with it from ages twelve to fifteen, so 3/4 years. yes… and no. i had this when i was so incredibly young that i don’t remember a lot of memories before i had it. the experiences i went through because of it have been absolutely traumatic- to the point where i’m going to have to be treated for it similarly to PTSD. however, the wisdom i’ve encountered is insane and my mindset is stronger than it’s ever been. has it changed my *identity* per day? not really- just add “OCD survivor” to it.
@ingrid ✨ Do you feel the theme has fully gone away now? X
@HJOx absolutely! my brain processes are lined up with someone who doesn’t have OCD.
@ingrid ✨ Did you feel the thoughts were automatic just by seeing the same sex? That’s how my ocd gets me! 😭
@HJOx my view of attraction was definitely warped, yes.
@ingrid ✨ Does that seemed to have faded now? X
@HJOx yes! it most certainly has.
@ingrid ✨ How long did it take for them to roughly fade once you accepted all the thoughts? A while? X
How did you learn to deal with the uncertainty
i embraced it. i turned it into a game- i gave myself treats for exposing myself to it. honestly, make it fun, and realize that every time you put yourself through it, you get stronger and closer to living your dream life.
How did you push through the times when the thoughts and sensations "felt so real"?
i would practice mindfulness. “hey, i’m going through what i always feared. i’m still alive. i’m okay. it’s not that bad after all”. sometimes i’d even laugh. :)
you seem to be at peace. i’m really happy for you 🤍
thank you! i believe one day you will find yours, too.
Hi all, I deal with HOCD and been seeing a therapist for about 3.5 months. It has definitely got better but still affects me very much. Was wondering there is anyone out there who has dealt with HOCD as well and has recovered. I would love to message or even chat just see how your experience was and hear what was beneficial to you.
I’ve had hocd for around 11 months now. It’s gotten to the point where I’m just convinced that I am bi. I still like boys like I always have, but I feel like I like girls too. I have no anxiety either or active thoughts. It’s just kinda there like yep I’m bi and ok with it. Anyone else? Just curious.
I haven’t done a Q&A in over a year (my bad) but I used to do these at least once a month. Work is slow today, so please send me any questions you have about OCD and I’ll answer them as best as I can. A little about me: I’ve been subclinical/recovered for going on 5 years and I’ve been on this app volunteering since 2019 in an unofficial capacity—I’m not connected to the NOCD team, so I don’t have any badges. I did ERP treatment with my therapist in-person while I was also being treated for PTSD. I have OCD, PTSD, ADHD, depression, GAD, social anxiety, driving anxiety, and a few speech impediments.
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