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
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 🤣
@Nica Thanks Nica. ❤️
@Matthew007 You’re welcome!
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!
@NOCD Advocate - Evelyn Thank you!
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!
whats up guys what are some tips dealing with ocd and what to do when a thought makes u anxious ??
Hi guys! I’m new to the community and I’ve recently received my OCD diagnosis (tho I’ve known about it since childhood). I’ve been somewhat spiraling lately as I wait for my first ERP session (hooray!) I was just wondering if any of you guys have received ERP for existential OCD and if it was successful? My existential OCD compulsions are more so mental and have been affecting me in the sense of dream/memory flashbacks and giving me a sort of “uncanny” feeling about everything around me. Any advice is appreciated! Thank you❤️
Anyone else feel that when they aren’t experiencing a theme that their ocd is almost non existent. It almost makes me feel like I’ve been faking it, and also makes me feel ridiculous for obsessing over things. I feel sorry for myself :/ I know that my themes are valid and felt very real in the moment, but after I “get over” them I just can’t believe that I was obsessing over something that either wasn’t true or didn’t apply to me. I would also like to know how to prevent themes from reoccurring. Health, religion and existential OCD themes tend to take turns throughout my life, I just didn’t know that was it ocd. Trying to break the cycle.
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