- Date posted
- 3y
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 3y
Rumination is very hard because it can sneak up on us unbeknownst to us. What I will do when I catch myself ruminating is I will go for a walk or do something that distracts my mind without trying to push the obsession from my mind (that’s the hardest part). I make a decision that I am not going to let ocd rule the day and I get busy and if the ocd stays I don’t care. I let the ocd do it’s thing. This takes a lot of practice and I am not always good at catching it but I keep trying. I hope this helps.
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 3y
To fix the problem of rumination, you have to be aware that you're doing it. Your first step to stop ruminating will be to build the awareness to when you are ruminating and stop it in its tracks. When you catch yourself ruminating, simply say "This is rumination, it is not helpful". Anytime you catch yourself in your head, say this phrase and then try and focus your attention on something more meaningful.
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 3y
Dr Michael Greenberg wrote some articles about ruminating that you might find helpful
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 3y
I highly recommend Nathan Peterson's videos. He is a licensed therapist and has a channel titled "OCD and Anxiety". He's done some community posts on rumination and a video on it.
Related posts
- Date posted
- 18w
I have really started to take control of my compulsions and im starting to string together better days! Still not great days or even good, but they are better!!! I have controlled my outward compulsions (googling, research, reassurance, checking) the past couple of days and felt the positive impact of that. But unfortunately, I am realizing that the rumination is still constant. My sexuality and relationship are the only two things constantly on my brain, and if they aren’t I freak out and wonder why im not thinking about them! Anyone have any advice on how to deal with the rumination. Sometimes I don’t even notice im doing it, but it’s taking up 90% of my day. Once I start to tackle this I think I may make some real big progress! Hope everyone is fighting today! ❤️
- Date posted
- 16w
I ruminated too much this morning and got distressing mental images (and confirmation) which sent me spiraling again. How do I stop thinking about this and how do I get back to myself? I feel destroyed.
- Date posted
- 12w
I've been doing well the past month in cutting down on compulsions and have been feeling better however, last night I had a set back that carried on into today. I had gotten very poor sleep (4ish hours) and then something triggered my memory. I think with the sudden anxiety spike and lack of sleep I didn't have the strength to ignore my compulsions. Last night and today I've realised I've gone back into rumination and mentally reviewing the event excessively again and comparing my situation to other people's, but most of the times that I start going down these rabbit holes I don't even realise I'm doing it? Also been fixating a bit on the fear that I've ruined my progress and that I will fall back into the deep end of it all again, that I have done so much work getting myself out of, although trying my best to not be too discouraged. Does anyone have any advice on how to deal with rumination more specifically?
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