Username: Rebecca F

Date posted: 1y ago

ROCD Tip: Why Logic Doesn't Work

Logic and OCD - It feels like if we could just convince our brain, "this isn't logical", then we should be able to get over the obsession, right? Unfortunately, this isn't the case. I know for me, I ended up giving myself constant reassurance prior to ERP therapy but telling myself, "but that isn't logical" or "but logically, this person is proving they care" or "but I liked someone who looked similar, so of course logically I am attracted to my boyfriend" Yet, time and time again I would come back to the same questions, obsessions, and compulsions. Do you find yourself trying to logic your way out of OCD? What did you think of this video? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Why logic doesn't work with OCD

We've all tried to challenge our thoughts with logic and rational thinking. This is why it only works for a small period of time, then OCD comes back strong...

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Username: NeverGiveUpNeverGiveUp

Date posted: 1y ago

This video helped alot I find myself constantly trying to reassure myself using logic to prove I'm not what I fear but even then OCD finds its ways to make me doubt it all over again.

Username: Rebecca FRebecca F

Date posted: 1y ago

I'm thrilled to hear that you found this video helpful! I'm right there with you regarding struggling with giving myself reassurance with logic. If only OCD cared about logic!

Username: MJJMJJ

Date posted: 1y ago

Wish I saw this video this morning really bad day today 8 hrs of work stuck on one thought couldn't get out of my own head not even for a second this video helpful thanks

Username: AhmedhirakAhmedhirak

Date posted: 1y ago

@MJJ Same here

Username: Rebecca FRebecca F

Date posted: 1y ago

I'm so sorry to hear yesterday was such a tough day, MJJ! Hoping today is much better and you are able to utilize what you learned from this video!

Username: BigZoBigZo

Date posted: 1y ago

Great video

Username: ecoogan07ecoogan07

Date posted: 1y ago

I started therapy when I was young—once at the age of 6 for hand-washing and again as a teen for relationship-related anxieties among others. Before I got an official OCD diagnosis, a common tactic I was presented with was to “logic my way” out of irrational fears. But no. That didn’t work. In hind-sight, I guess it’s because those irrational fears were intrusive thoughts, and the more I responded to them and mollified them with “magical” compulsions, the more reenforced my attention to them became.

Username: Rebecca FRebecca F

Date posted: 1y ago

I'm so sorry to hear of this experience! Unfortunately, it is extremely common for therapists not familiar with OCD to encourage using logic to help. If only OCD actually cared about our logic! I'm glad you have an official diagnosis now and can recognize how this method doesn't help!

Username: pessypessy

Date posted: 1y ago

I quit my job and ended up suffering pretty bad because I made a mistake. My therapist says that it is OCD because I want to be back at my old job becauSe I don’t really like my new job. I feel like I don’t fit in. I fit like a glove in my last job. I can’t get the thought out of my head because I wish so badly that I did not make that change. It makes me really sad.

Username: Rebecca FRebecca F

Date posted: 1y ago

Thank you for your openness in sharing, Pessy! I'm sorry to hear about this circumstance and now struggling with intrusive thoughts regarding your job and if this is or isn't OCD. That sounds very distressing and upsetting! May I ask, is your current therapist an OCD specialist that provides ERP therapy?

Username: Angel20Angel20

Date posted: 1y ago

Yes I constantly try and logic my way out of my intrusive thoughts. “ if it was true then …. “ etc. I reassure myself and ask for reassurance from my husband. I get temporary relief but ocd comes back every time with either doubts about the reassurance or doubts that I’m remembering the reassurance correctly! It’s never ending. Logically I think it must be ocd as if it was real and so scary to me why would I even be considering it to be ocd. But logic doesn’t work and the feelings remain 😥

Username: Rebecca FRebecca F

Date posted: 1y ago

So very tough, Angel20! I can really relate and definitely understand what you mean by the OCD coming back with more and more doubts, no matter the logic. This is the reason I love ERP therapy so much! It doesn't try to push logic to treat the OCD, but teaches us how to actively sit in the uncertainty and watch the anxiety pass naturally. Changed my life when I started treating the OCD this way!

Username: Angel20Angel20

Date posted: 1y ago

So glad it’s helping you. When I try and sit with that discomfort I’m plagued with feelings of being in denial and burying my head in the sand and I should be figuring it all out!

Username: Rebecca FRebecca F

Date posted: 1y ago

I've definitely been there too! ERP isn't easy, especially in the beginning. May I ask, are you working with an OCD specialist when you try to practice sitting in discomfort?

Username: Antoinekoi6Antoinekoi6

Date posted: 1y ago

@Angel20 “I should figure it all out” ITS A TRAP DONT I was on a very good path of recovery not long ago and had the same feeling. This is going to send you down the spiral again

Username: Angel20Angel20

Date posted: 1y ago

@ No I’m not. I’m in the UK and we don’t seem to have therapists using ERP. I’ve had a course of CBT which helped to a point. I’ve educated myself a lot, I know what’s going on but it’s hard not reacting to the thoughts. I know NOCD offer therapy in the UK but it is expensive and also I think the time difference may not help.

Username: Antoinekoi6Antoinekoi6

Date posted: 1y ago

@Angel20 Yeah it’s hard, the trouble will use literally anything to get you then get you to doubt about the ocd itself Happening to me right now but I am not giving it any attention. I am tired, just bored of it all the questioning, the making up scenarios in my head to see It’s exhausting and boring I am over it

Username: Rebecca FRebecca F

Date posted: 1y ago

@Angel20 - I'm sorry to hear this! NOCD does often offer some promotional discounts in the UK. If you haven't recently, I wound encourage scheduling a free call to learn more! I know that cost can definitely be a barrier and NOCD does our absolute best to make therapy as affordable as possible. We also have clinicians that work at all different times, which can assist with the time difference!

Username: Angel20Angel20

Date posted: 1y ago

@ Thank you Rebecca, I should perhaps do that.

Username: Rebecca FRebecca F

Date posted: 1y ago

@Angel20 - I think it would be a great idea; we really would love to be of help! You can use this link to schedule a free call: https://home.treatmyocd.com/calendar.

Username: Flash ⚡️Flash ⚡️

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 1y ago

So helpful! Thank you

Username: Rebecca FRebecca F

Date posted: 1y ago

So happy to hear this!

Username: Chadsgirl98 Chadsgirl98

Date posted: 1y ago

I think I may have severe ROCD and am so confused and destroying my life and relationship

Username: Rebecca FRebecca F

Date posted: 1y ago

I'm very sorry to hear this, Chadsgirl98! I can absolutely relate and understand how overwhelming and all-consuming ROCD can be. Have you considered trying ERP therapy? Personally, it is the only therapy that I have found to successfully reduce my OCD symptoms.

Username: Chadsgirl98 Chadsgirl98

Date posted: 1y ago

@ No I have just recently found out about ERP therapy and will definitely check it out

Username: Rebecca FRebecca F

Date posted: 1y ago

@Chadsgirl98 - I would highly encourage it! If you haven't yet, you can schedule a free call with NOCD to learn more about our therapy program. Saved my life and I would absolutely recommend it!

Username: Antoinekoi6Antoinekoi6

Date posted: 1y ago

Logic clearly doesn’t work, it’s like playing chess with your own brain. It always finds something new to breed fear I successfully defeated it before ( even tho I am going through it again) and that was by ignoring it straight up. This time I made the mistake of going into rumination over and over and the compulsion got worse But I am working on it, sometimes it truly feels like the “ocd” gets desperate and just starts throwing everything at you with questions doubts scénario to create a response that’s so weird

Username: Rebecca FRebecca F

Date posted: 1y ago

I love that mental image of playing chess with your brain; you are exactly right! I wish you all the success as you continue to combat the OCD. I definitely can relate to how our brain/OCD can throw everything at us, like if just one thing sticks "we can protect them." Unfortunately, what OCD deems as protection is not in our best interest! Are you currently using ERP to help on your recovery journey?

Username: Antoinekoi6Antoinekoi6

Date posted: 1y ago

@ Yes I have started ERP and mindful meditation which both helped me reduce the level of anxiety ( which were at a level I never even imagined possible, to the point of being physically sick and spending almost all day inside ruminating and checking on the internet) Things are going better and lately I have slowly started to do my hobbies again. Another weird feeling when you’re doing what you love and happy, is that it can try to drag you back into it “you haven’t figured this issue yet! Keep ruminating” and off you go The worst and most effective thing however is the “is it really OCD?!!” That one is tough but getting better at it

Username: Rebecca FRebecca F

Date posted: 1y ago

@Antoinekoi6 - I'm very happy to hear that you have started ERP and have found it helpful for reducing your anxiety. You are so deserving of getting back to feeling your best and really enjoying your hobbies again. I completely agree, OCD definitely loves to make itself know and try to drag our attention back to it. I sometimes have to verbally say, "Thanks for reminding me, I can't figure this out right now." as an ERP exercise.

Username: Antoinekoi6Antoinekoi6

Date posted: 1y ago

@ Ooh that’s a great way to do it I am stealing this one LOL

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