Kids4Christ
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 3y
Existential OCD
Any tips on this theme? Some of my thoughts with this them are bizarre. To someone who has been through it what did you do ab your thoughts
NicaNica
- Date posted
- 3y
I had it for a long time but it went away when I honestly just stopped caring to know all the world’s secrets and senses because you can’t and you never will, so it’s futile to make yourself sick over it. Unless you want to become a philosopher, and I didn’t because almost all of them are depressing as hell 🤣
Kids4ChristKids4Christ
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 3y
@Nica Thanks Nica. ❤️
NicaNica
- Date posted
- 3y
@Matthew007 You’re welcome!
Evelyn4416Evelyn4416
- Date posted
- 3y
It’s a difficult theme for sure, one of my biggest ones as well. Mine mostly focused on reality + meaning/purpose. The best thing really is to treat it like any other OCD theme: with ERP, as well as other tools. Letting the thoughts come and go without giving them any extra attention or judging them. I’ve found meditation, doing activities I enjoy, etc have helped some as well. Know you’re far from alone in this and we are here to support you!
Kids4ChristKids4Christ
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 3y
@NOCD Advocate - Evelyn Thank you!
elevenofferingselevenofferings
- Date posted
- 3y
Hey Matthew, OCD can often get very meta and bizarre with the intrusive thoughts it throws your way. It's important to remember that OCD is egodystonic, meaning it goes against our real values. If you are interested in philosophy, theoretical concepts, or experience things like dysphoria, existential OCD really can hit hard. I definitely agree with Evelyn, to treat it as any other theme, and not feed into those thoughts or create fear responses. The minute we agree, question or say yes to answering those thoughts, our OCD takes the opportunity to grow bigger. It gets easier over time to cut the rumination spirals right at their root, as we become more aware of what is a personal thought VS OCD. OCD will always bring a sense of urgency in needing to investigate something and is often not aligned with our values. My best advice is to notice the feeling, feel the uncomfortable feeling without compulsion or answering, label it as sneaky rumination, and then continue on with the task you have in front of you. Hope this helps!
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imsonocd
- Date posted
- 24w
Any tips on Existential OCD?
I’m really struggling with this theme because it can make me feel “fake” and it creates doubts that the world around me isn’t real or it’s a simulation? I’m really trying to expose myself but even the possibility makes me incredibly afraid. It even plays into my suicidal ocd as well and makes me afraid that my life would be miserable if this was true. I know how ocd works and I know not to fully believe that. But at the same time, I am trapped in doubt and fear. How could I possibly accept this? Will I ever see the world or life the same again? (Don’t answer that I realize that’s reassurance). Idk this theme is so ass.
AnnFon
- Date posted
- 19w
Existential/Anxiety OCD
This is my first post, so I apologize if the formatting is weird. I experience existential ocd I always struggled as a kid but learned more and more how to manage with school and such forcing me to learn how, now I experience a lot of overwhelming intrusions from when I wake up to when I go to bed (simply because I live and work in the same place it gets cabin feverish) but now more often going out maybe it’s just paranoia, I walk into a place and each person comes with a story immediately, every piece of trash on the floor, every piece of produce, each isle is a brand new way I could get into a life altering situation. I’ve managed well enough but sometimes I just completely lose my original objective and just leave or I’ll wanna leave my house but everything that goes with it and that could happen pops up and I just won’t go. It’s started to become avoidant behavior. Any help or similar stories? I just feel like I’m going crazy but my thoughts are so scattered and immediate it’s hard to break the habit and not spin a story. Thank yall!
iLounge21
- Date posted
- 16w
ERP for Existential OCD?
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.
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