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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Turtle
- Date posted
- 20w
Existential OCD
I have recently been having new feelings of anxiety and obsessive thoughts about how time fast is moving. I saw an old picture and was like “wow that felt like yesturday” and then began to think about how it was actually 2 years ago. Now I’m in this loop of thinking about and being anxious about how fast it is moving. Anyone have any ERP suggestions for this or how to deal with it? I’m trying to crush this thought with ERP as fast I can, as it is a new theme for me. Is this considered existential ocd? I know themes can switch, but just am kind of shocked at this as I used to be able to not care about this topic and right now it seems like such a big deal.
Sarah12
- Date posted
- 20w
Existential ocd theme
Hi guys so this existential theme is like a final boss in all ocd themes for me. I just dont know what to do tbh. My main problem is that whatever iam doing my mind goes: whats the point? Iam watching tiktok about workout my mind goes: there is no point. Iam planning vacation: there is no point. Iam tired of this. I don’t know if its still ocd or what but what i know is that it complitelly ruining my life and i have zero peace. If someone can help me with these meaning of life and point of life thoughts i will be so gratefull because iam starting to feel hopeless.
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Strezzy
- Date posted
- 20w
Existential OCD - anyone else relate?
My OCD has bounced around to a lot of different topics but my current spiral has been focused on existential dread - I have a lot of intrusive thoughts about my loved ones dying and not existing and about my own death and not existing anymore. OCD is trying to get me to find certainty in what happens after we die… and unfortunately I will NEVER be able to find certainty around this. This spiral started after the death of my beloved cat and then the almost death of my dog a week later. I think OCD attached to this idea that everyone and everything I love is going to die and I need to prepare myself for it and somehow KNOW what happens when someone dies. It’s panic inducing and really hard for me to sit with vs other OCD themes Ive had related to health, moral/hyper responsibility, etc. Anyone have this type of obsession around death of loved ones and how did you combat the intrusive thoughts and deal with the mental compulsions (rumination, avoidance, etc)?
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