- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 2y
Advice
For those how have done ERP how do you deal with the intrusive thoughts?
For those how have done ERP how do you deal with the intrusive thoughts?
It was useful for me to try to become comfortable with being uncomfortable. Sit with intrusive thoughts and they will eventually change. I reviewed the reassurance seeking vs information seeking page if I thought I may be seeking reassurance. Also I found it helpful to acknowledge that the intrusive thoughts are from OCD and not a reflection of your character. Sometimes I tell myself "I don't have to figure it out right now".
ERP is great for dealing with intrusive thoughts. When faced with them, inject uncertainty. Maybe it’s true, maybe it’s not. Stay in a state of not knowing and be ok with it not knowing. Soon you’ll have intrusive thoughts and not feel a need to “figure them out” 🫶
I’ve been doing that and then putting the thought in box? I’m worried I’m not doing it right
I really like this article about what to do with intrusive thoughts. I think it can be easy to get caught up in the obsessive roller-coaster of whether I am doing treatment correctly, or am I "right". There can be different ways that ERP teaches to handle intrusive and unwanted thoughts. The main thing is that you do not respond to them with compulsions, that you allow yourself to sit in the discomfort and uncertainty, the anxious feelings, and see that you can tolerate this.https://www.sheppardpratt.org/news-views/story/how-to-respond-to-unwanted-obsessive-thoughts/
During ERP, we learn not to analyze thoughts, not to analyze feelings, obstacles, ideas, commands... because it's all an intrusion and not real. However, it's too difficult for me, because every time a picture comes out, it's all detailed and even with a sound in my head, or an urge, or an idea... to "leave" it like that and I don't come back... is that the case with anyone else? and does it ever pass? Thanks in advance
Hi! I've been on my OCD healing journey for about half a year and I have seen a lot of success. I'm reaching out for advice, I am very willing to do exposures because I know the more I do them, the more I get better, but I struggle with the response prevention part. I don't know how to control my brain when it comes to facing the fears especially since most of my compulsions are mental. I can tell myself the typical things "I am okay with the uncertainty of this happening", etc. but its like my brain doesn't believe them. I've been stuck in this disconnect for a while and would love advice you have heard from a therapist or learned that has really help you.
What's a piece of advice you give when someone has constantly intrusive thoughts and ruminations that won't stop? Interested to see what you tell others.....more on this when I see some replies!!!
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