Really bad flare up

I always notice my ocd gets worse when my boyfriend is out of town, but literally my brain is convinced I’m going to act out on my thoughts even when I know I don’t want to, but it’s making me feel careless as if I’d do it anyways. They’d be easier to process if it wasn’t for my brain making these thoughts seem like demands. I’m trying to resist compulsions and to not give thoughts meaning but it’s super hard, sometimes I just go into a compulsion even when I know it’s one. My brain is convinced that I’ll go insane in the future and hurt someone and it makes things feel temporary and I hate how strong of a sensation this is. I just started birth control so I hope this is just hormonal related for now, and will be easier to manage moving forward..

User type: NOCD Alumni

Username: Lisa LeeLou

Date posted: 68d ago

Thank you for sharing what you are going through. OCD loves to cause as much angst as possible and to attach to things that are important to us. When it comes to dealing with intrusive thoughts, I’ve had success responding to my thoughts with something like “maybe it’s true maybe it’s not” as a way to disengage. A lot of times trying to avoid the thoughts just results in more obsessions and compulsions. Accepting the uncomfortable thoughts/feelings is often more effective. However, of course, that is easier said than done. ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) therapy is a treatment method for OCD. It has been a very helpful tool for me with addressing my OCD. It’s helped me to gain tools to deal with my thoughts and obsessions. If not in therapy, please consider reaching out to NOCD care team for a free consultation. Recovery is possible. Be kind and patient with yourself.

Username: Sean10626

Date posted: 68d ago

I’m going through something similar, it’s focused on my mom who I’d never hurt. I’ve been going through it for a few months and have learned to manage it better and am doing much better than I was a while ago. But not quite 100% like I used to be. It can get better, just letting you know you’re not alone