- Username
- Aileen Gemmell
- Date posted
- 2y ago
Using the mindfulness technique of saying “maybe my fear will come true, and maybe it won’t. I can’t have certainty and won’t get the answer right now, but I am capable of handling the uncertainty.” It has helped me a lot and especially if you do it with compassion for yourself
as instructed by the SOS audio track on this app I have just went for it in the past without saying or thinking anything (like @whatabtme mentioned). Literally sitting with my thoughts and letting them pop up as I took a couple deep breaths because it's what I think of when I hear the phrase. I should emphasize that it was as instructed by the audio track and listening to someone speak instructions gave me comfort and made me feel less alone, I didnt force myself to immediately sit in silence without making that action first.
sorry it looks like i contradicted myself. What I mean by "just going for it" is that i quickly went for the sos button in a state of panic. it's not relevant to the actual advice at all.
Great question! I would consult with your therapist about this, but in addition to mindfulness, I have found "labeling the thought" helpful. This essentially means saying in your head something like "I am having the thought that X" -- it has helped me recognize that my OCD was latching onto a thought and giving it meaning (despite it just being a thought - and nothing more). Additionally, I have found that tackling my life priorities (whether that's chores, exercise, etc.) IN SPITE of the OCD can be helpful because it gets my out of my head a bit while achieving what I need to get done. I am not referring to "unhealthy" distraction like turning to junk food, movies, etc. just to "feel better" - but doing what I need to get done in my life (with or without OCD) even while the intrusive thoughts / emotions are going on. It makes me feel like I'm really in the driver's seat and my OCD is just along for the ride (vs. the other way around)! Good luck Aileen!
For those practicing erp whether it be with a therapist or by yourself, how do you just sit with the anxiety/uncertainty? I've been trying, but it's extremely hard because I know what is true about myself even though my brain is trying to convince me otherwise. How do you guys get through eerp without it just sounding like you're confirming the thoughts?? I'm struggling here.
Could someone who’s had success with their treatment explain how it’s supposed to feel when you start accepting the presence of the thought and sitting with the anxiety?
How can you do that with mental compulsions like arguing with yourself in your mind, trying to make it go away etc?
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