I’ve been struggling with intrusive thoughts lately and after a lot of research, I’ve learned to just let them happen. But now, I’m scared that since I’m not having anxiety or crying over it, it must mean that I like the thoughts or that I don’t find them bad. I know that this in itself is OCD. I haven’t been diagnosed with OCD, but I have been speaking to a specialist over email to set up an appointment. I don’t feel like myself anymore, my brain is so full of questions and thoughts that I can’t even figure out what they are. It feels so foggy and I feel so lost. Does anyone else ever feel this way? I’m all alone in this and I’m just so confused.

I know how you feel. Your thoughts do not define you. Instead of reassuring yourself, just try and let the thoughts slide by. Even think about the thoughts more often and eventually it will cause you to think about it less. I know it sounds weird but it does help. Supressing the thoughts make you think about it more. Good luck. Hopefully you can get a good therapist that knows how to treat ocd, if thats the formal diagnosis. Helpful tip: If it is OCD, and the therapist thinks the treatment should be about finding the root of the problem from your child (etc...), move on and find an OCD therapist that specializes in CBT/ERP. OCD should be treated by a disorder itself and with the proper exposures to your fears, you’ll lead a normal and good life.

yes! I have HOCD/ROCD and it feels so real! it feels like I want the thoughts even though I don’t. it really sucks

Thank you for replying. It is hard, it’s like I have no idea what is in my head but I do know I don’t want it there. But then, I doubt that like what if I do want it. Its just so confusing.

I recommend going in and getting diagnosed. Medication can calm your brain down and if you do have OCD, there is great ERP therapists out there. Trust me, you are not alone. I’ve dealt with OCD for 10 plus years. It can be good. It can be bad. But that’s life. Go get treatment and enjoy life. If you do have OCD, you can live a completely normal life :) ....Thoughts are just that. Thoughts. If you can learn not to have emotion behind your thoughts and let them pass through your head like a train not stopping at a train station. The OCD loves to “stick” called sticky thinking. OCD wants that train to slow down but let it pass. Treatment can help u with this. Everyone, including people without OCD, have all the thoughts we have. Their brains function in a way that doesn’t cause them to stick on the thought.

Good luck!

Thank you for the reply! Did you have intrusive thoughts when dealing with your OCD? I’ve never dealt with this before, but I have been diagnosed with anxiety and depression. I always felt like it was more than anxiety, though.

Yes. All the time. There’s so many different genres of OCD. I’m dealing with harm OCD now. Basically the thoughts are harming anyone and everyone. With a glass, pen, golf club, car. Lol you name it. It’s very difficult at times but honestly the ERP is to face your fears. Retrain the brain that you are in control of your actions. You are not in control of your thoughts. It’s a myth one can control their thoughts. The key is to controlling the reaction to the thought...I’ve had all kinds of intrusive thoughts, not just harmful. Sexual, responsibility for others, magical thinking. It’s all based around obessive thinking. What are some of your thoughts?

The ones I’m dealing with are sexual intrusive thoughts. I have gotten in touch with an OCD specialist and will be making an appointment soon. Usually I am able to cope and just tell myself it’s not me it’s a chemical imbalance, it’s fear and anxiety. But sometimes after a thought I just feel everything get slow and I start panicking. It’s been difficult and makes me question my own identity and reality

Thank you! All this has made me feel much better. I’m hopeful that I will be strong enough to beat this!