- Username
- lhanna24
- Date posted
- 2y ago
Harm OCD
How do y’all handle when you have to be around someone who you think about harming but obviously don’t want to harm.
How do y’all handle when you have to be around someone who you think about harming but obviously don’t want to harm.
I acknowledge that I may or may not hurt them. Then I focus on how I'm feeling. And allow those feelings to exist and to pass.
I suggest getting a therapist and starting ERP, eventually potentially doing exercises that incorporate that person. However, what the other person said about accepting the uncertainty that you may or may not hurt them is huge. Try saying, “I’m feeling anxious because I’m afraid I might hurt ——, I can’t be 100% certain that I won’t now or sometime in the future, I accept that uncertainty and am willing to live with it.” Then sit with those uncomfortable feelings for as long as you can without compulsions. Keep repeating, and eventually the thoughts lose their power! (that’s my experience at least).
Sometimes i say “wow clearly I care a lot about this person since that thought is so distressing!”
I have a difficult time with the “I may or may not cause them harm” thinking. U certainty is a fact of life but I still have a very difficult time with that. Lately, I’ve been just ignoring my ocd thoughts like it’s someone else talking crap and I don’t believe a word of it! I hear it but don’t pay much attention to it. It’s worked for me today anyway.
I’m sorry to hear that you’re going through this. Are you currently in therapy? If not, I would suggest contacting NOCD and getting diagnosed. That way, your can start treatment with a licensed therapist and begin the ERP process. In the interim, what I would suggest is consider exposing yourself to being around anyone who you have harm thoughts, etc. towards as an exposure. Sitting with the discomfort it may bring you, but focusing on being in the present moment with whomever you may be with at that point in time. It’s easier said than done, but it is possible and I am living proof of it. Another thing, living life with uncertainty and more importantly; accepting it, is what is most important and breaks down to. It isn’t pleasant at first (or ever), but it’s a reality everyone has to live with whether they have OCD or not. Nothing, in life is 100% certain and anything is possible at any given point in time. That’s a factual reality that once acknowledged and eventually accepted; will certainly help towards your recovery process from OCD. You’re not alone! Sending love, compassion and support while you’re suffering from the beast and battling the monster that is OCD 💌
How do you accept the uncertainty that you might hurt someone you love? That is my biggest fear and what drives my anxiety. That uncertainty means it's possible, and being possible means my thoughts could be right, and I am a monster....how do you accept that.
@jk001 I struggle with that as well. I’m trying to think of my OCD as a separate person that is trying to bully me and say ugly things to me. So I say “ok, whatever!” And try to move on. Today that’s been tough because my ocd wants to drive me to run or isolate myself and to make me feel like a bad person. The only comfort I have is knowing that when my ocd isn’t acting up, I’m not thinking those thoughts or if I am, I’m totally unaware of it. MOCD switches themes so much. If I believed my ocd, I’d be a murderer, molester, conniving evil woman. I don’t think u have to agree with the thoughts but just don’t analyze them or give them much attention. It’s still a challenge for me because I’m always trying to improv myself and learn from my mistakes but you can’t do that with OCD. Right now, while your ocd is flaring up, just live and remember that if it’s strange, it’s probably your ocd.
and I usually do some mental compulsions but I recommend not doing those
Is anyone here dealing with Harm OCD? What helps you the most when the intrusive thoughts are there?
I’ve been to the hospital a few times due to harm ocd, I don’t know how to control it and I’m just worried about my safety, but I don’t wanna go back to the hospital.. How do you guys think I can handle this..?
Hello, I was doing well lately and did not post anything for a while, I have harm OCD and today I had really strong urges to harm my co-worker, who is really nice person. I don’t know what to do, when i am telling this to my therapist, she is just telling me u know u don’t harm anyone, u are kind person and that is not enough for my anxiety, any advice who is dealing with harm OCD?
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