Does it ever feel like the thing you’re afraid of is unquestionably real? And if you tried to think otherwise it’s just you being in denial? How real can OCD feel? Is there even a limit?
It feels so real I feel like I am gaslighting myself every waking moment I just want it to stop
@jonathanberry73 I’m in the exact same boat
Something I learned in ERP was that all OCD obsessions/fears could theoretically happen. They’re all technically possible. But those of us with OCD see these obsessions as more probable than they actually are. For example, I’m capable as a human being of hurting someone or myself. I could choose to do that, either on purpose or accidentally. However, I have to realize the probability likely isn’t very high of that happening. It’s not impossible, but it likely won’t happen. At least I don’t think it will right now. That’s where uncertainty comes in. I have to accept that my obsession is a real thing that people do and I could even choose to do, but I probably won’t. At least not right now at this moment, because right now I simply don’t want to. I don’t have to ensure myself that it’ll never happen because I can’t predict the future. But I can be present and realize in this moment that I don’t want to engage in my intrusive thoughts. Does that make sense?
Same here
Same.
Same
It feels so real.
Yep, especially with false memories related to that fear. It makes it feel like a realization.
Yep. I’m petrified my son has/will get a specific health issue. Every time something triggers me it feels so real. So real. Accepting uncertainty is so hard when it comes to this issue. It’s at a point where my compulsion really doesn’t help me, it’s actually hurting our relationship and damaging his self image, but I can’t stop myself :( I get so triggered and avoid seeing his skin. How sad is that.
@divyD That’s a toughie. Sorry you have to go through that it’s not your fault at all
That’s kinda my question. All my thoughts feel so realistic and so now I doubt if they are ocd and if I just can’t make my mind up about something and I’m using ocd as an excuse or something idc I feel like this post is word vomit.
My OCD has never been this strong, it's so real, it feels like it will never go away, it's never been this strong for me and it's very scary.
Does anyone have any advice for how to know the difference between ocd and real feelings/thoughts? Sometimes an intrusive thought will come in and I immediately know it’s ridiculous and I can just leave it alone and it won’t bother me but other times I really really don’t know. It’s when ocd hijacks and twists my real feelings and thoughts and tries to manipulate me into believing they’re something they’re not or something that doesn’t align with my true morals or intentions. But since it’s twisting and mixing with real feelings I get so confused and scared. Everything gets jumbled and I feel like I can’t trust myself or my own mind. Yet other times and other topics I can laugh off and push away just fine. Make it make sense. And then I start to think well maybe I don’t have ocd at all and I’m just in denial because I don’t want to accept that these scary/concerning things are true about myself. Or maybe that’s just the ocd talking.
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